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From advancements in surfacing and material technology to a growing emphasis on inclusive and sustainable design, the playground equipment industry continues to evolve. Staying up to date on industry trends is paramount for playground equipment manufacturers, designers and experts alike. As a resource for the playground equipment industry, International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA), a non-profit trade association, published its 2024 IPEMA Insights Report which explores emerging trends shaping the playground equipment industry.
“IPEMA is the voice for the public playground industry, and the IPEMA Insights Report represents the collective views of experts in our field on trends in playground design, surfacing innovations and play space dynamics,” said IPEMA Board President Mike Sutton. “From prioritizing safety to increasing inclusive options to incorporating natural elements, the report features insights to help manufacturers stay current on what the market is demanding.”
Communities recognize the benefits of playgrounds and are placing a greater emphasis on innovations that enhance the playground experience they offer. The IPEMA Insights Report explores trends and customer demands, providing an overview of what’s in play and what’s on the horizon so industry leaders can stay ahead of what customers are seeking.
The 2024 report contains information on trends in surfacing, natural elements, inclusive equipment, and equipment that offers children a playground environment for safer risk-taking. For instance, between minimizing hazards and maximizing accessibility, there is a lot to do when installing, upgrading and maintaining playground surfacing. Many playgrounds that previously had hard surfaces, such as concrete, asphalt and grass have replaced these surfaces with more cushioning, engineered wood fiber, artificial turf or rubber mulch.
Infusing natural elements into play spaces is also emerging. Communities are beginning to integrate natural elements such as logs, trees, flower beds, boulders and utilizing the natural space around or within the playground into the playground planning process. Incorporating both modern playground equipment and natural elements encourages children to form a lifelong appreciation for the world around them and offers a range of developmental benefits that enhance their physical, emotional and cognitive growth.
The report touches on inclusive equipment and equipment that offers children a playground environment for safer risk-taking as well. Inclusive equipment extends far beyond addressing physical disabilities but also encompasses a broad spectrum of neurodiverse children. Implementing inclusive play equipment is about recognizing and accommodating the unique strengths and challenges of every individual, fostering an environment where everyone can participate and thrive. Additionally, today’s playground designs are often made with safer risk-taking in mind. Not only are play spaces offering children a space to run, jump and test boundaries more safely, but they are creating a safe environment where children can take safer, more calculated risks. This promotes benefits including improved confidence, positive self-esteem, self-control and the importance of following rules.
The report also highlights emerging trends like manufacturing sustainable and environmentally conscious equipment and integrating technology into a playground’s landscape. Manufacturing shifts in equipment are being seen in ways that give communities greater peace of mind through sustainability, being environmentally conscious of the source materials and the future environmental impact of the equipment overall. Technology is also impacting play spaces through interactive games and physical technology such as interactive panels and electronic games.
Lastly, the report examines how playgrounds bring generations together and ways the current playground renaissance is benefiting communities. Through intentional space design, playgrounds are bringing generations together. Play spaces are increasingly incorporating multi-generational places that offer opportunities for physical activity and for people to interact and develop relationships that create healthy communities. Playgrounds are also seen as bringing value to the community and properties. The presence of a playground around residential homes is seen to increase property values and build a sense of community among the residents.
To explore more about the trends and customer demands of what’s in play and what’s on the horizon of the playground industry, the full 2024 IPEMA Insights Report can be viewed at IPEMA.org.
About IPEMA
The International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) is a non-profit trade association. IPEMA’s members include manufacturers of public play equipment and surfacing materials, as well as consultants and suppliers related to the industry. IPEMA also provides a product certification program for public play equipment and surfacing materials. To learn more or become a member visit IPEMA.org.
