You've decided your community needs a new playspace. Maybe the current equipment is aging, perhaps you're building from scratch, or maybe you want to make your space more inclusive. Whatever the reason, you're probably wondering: Where do we even start?
When Should You Start Planning Your Playground?
The proposal process unfolds over a few weeks. Once an order is placed, equipment manufacturing typically proceeds over the next several weeks, with shipping and installation timing layered in afterward. Installation schedules, especially for summer projects, are often planned well in advance.
“Many people don’t realize how collaborative the process really is,” says Kati, general manager at Buell Recreation. “There are a lot of thoughtful conversations and coordination along the way. We take our time to get the design right.”
Starting early simply allows for more collaboration and better alignment. The best time to start planning a new playground? As early as possible. Buell is already booking summer installations during the previous fall and winter.
The Initial Conversation
Your first call with Buell Recreation is to gather information and set expectations.
During that conversation, you'll discuss things like your available space, your budget or fundraising goals, who will use the space, any specific features you're interested in, timeline expectations, and what you're hoping to solve for your community.
"I like to meet them where they are at," Kati says. "Figure out what the problem is that we can solve for them, and what's the budget look like? What are the dollars we're working with, and what's that going to take?"
Planning a new playground project can take many forms: It might be a complete renovation, the addition of one piece of freestanding equipment, or simply an early-stage exploration of options, sometimes before a budget has even been secured and fundraising is planned.
The Playground Design Process
Once Buell Recreation understands your project, they start creating design concepts. This part takes time because multiple people are involved: designers creating layouts, estimators calculating costs, surfacing specialists determining what works best for your site, and installation teams evaluating site conditions and accessibility.
You'll get visual 3D renders showing what the playspace could look like as starting points for conversation.
“My goal is to make sure you see the full range of possibilities,” Kati says. "Sometimes that means sharing a concept that stretches slightly beyond the initial budget, so you can decide what matters most. Then we work together to refine the design in a way that feels right financially and creatively."
Once people see what's possible, they often are inspired to find creative ways to fund the vision.
Revisions Are Part of the Process
Think of the first design as a strong starting point. The more details you share about what you're looking for — age groups, play styles, must-have features — the closer we can get to your vision right away. The design sparks ideas and helps clarify what matters most, with refinements along the way.
“The best projects evolve through collaboration,” Kati shares. “Each round of feedback helps us shape a solution that truly fits.”
You may want a different color scheme. You may prefer the spinner from Design A and the climber from Design B. You may need to adjust the surfacing to fit your budget. Community feedback points you in a slightly different direction.
All of that is expected. Buell Recreation works through revisions until you land on a design that your community genuinely loves.
One thing Kati recommends is being intentional about who provides design input. “I completely understand the desire to gather community feedback — it’s important,” she shares. “The most successful projects are often the ones where feedback is thoughtful and focused, with a clear understanding of who makes the final call and has a deadline in mind.”
Gathering input is valuable, but clear decision making is just as important. With many perspectives, preferences can differ, so having a designated point person helps align feedback and guide final choices.
Site Preparation and Playground Installation Timing
Some installers handle everything, including excavation, grading, and surfacing prep. Some focus only on equipment installation, which means your team needs to handle site prep beforehand. Buell Recreation walks you through exactly what needs to happen before installation day.
For schools, summer installation makes sense. For parks, you might want to avoid peak usage times. For some communities, weather windows matter, especially across the regions of Oregon, Washington, northern Idaho, and northern Nevada, where seasonal conditions vary significantly.
Your Recreation Product Adviser Stays with You
Throughout this entire process, you're working with the same recreation product adviser who took your initial call. They're your project manager from the first conversation through installation and beyond.
"At the end of the day, I am with you," Kati tells clients. "I am your project manager until the very end and until that playground is in the ground and kids are playing on it."
Even after installation, when you have maintenance questions or need replacement parts, you can still reach out to the same person who helped plan your project.
What You Can Do to Make the Process Smoother
Based on years of working with communities across the Pacific Northwest, here are a few things that help playground projects go smoothly:
Start early. Six months to a year of planning time works for most projects. If you need to raise funds, plan for 18 months to give yourself time to secure funding and move through the process comfortably.
Be clear about your budget from the beginning. If you don't have one yet, that's fine, but knowing your financial parameters helps designers create realistic options.
Designate one decision maker. Get input from stakeholders, but have someone with final authority to keep the project moving forward.
Consider your timeline carefully. Start with your target completion date and work backward.
Ask questions. If something doesn't make sense or you're uncertain about any aspect of the process, ask. That's what your recreation product adviser is there for.
And once installation is complete, consider celebrating with a grand opening. It's a great way to get the community excited and see all that hard work come to life.
After Installation: Maintenance and Support
Your relationship with Buell doesn't end when the ribbon gets cut. BCI Burke® equipment comes with the Generations Warranty®, and the Buell Recreation team provides maintenance support as needed.
You'll receive a maintenance kit with your installation and guidance on routine care. When questions come up, your main contact is still available to help or connect you with the right resources.
This ongoing relationship is part of what makes planning a new playground with Buell Recreation different from other options. You're establishing a partnership with a team that understands your region and is invested in your community's playspace succeeding in the long term.
Ready to Start Planning Your New Playground?
Planning a new playground takes time, coordination, and expertise. The process might feel complicated at first, but that's why working with experienced recreation product advisers makes a difference.
Buell Recreation has been guiding communities through this process across Oregon, Washington, northern Idaho, and northern Nevada for over 25 years. They know the questions to ask, the timeline to expect, and how to help you create a playspace your community will love.
Thinking about a new playground for your school, park, or community? Contact the Buell Recreation team to start the conversation. There's no such thing as calling too early.