FAQs
Playground Depot FAQs – Your Questions, Answered!
Q: Are you a private or public company?
Playground Depot is privately owned and has been in business for about 10 years however our parent company, Creative Recreational Systems, Inc. has been in business since 1972! We specialize in manufacturing, distributing, and installing everything you need for a fun and safe playground: equipment, shade structures, surfacing, and site amenities. Our friendly, accessible team is here to support you before, during, and long after your playground is up and running.
Q: Where is Playground Depot located?
Our HQ is in Gold River, California (near Sacramento). We partner with factories across the U.S. and beyond—Rancho Cordova, CA; Fort Payne, GA; Carrollton, GA; Holland, MI—to ensure efficient, high-quality production. Plus, we’ve got teams nationwide to provide quick, hands-on service wherever you are!
Q: Where can I buy a playground?
Super easy—just call us at 844-893-9397, email sales@playgrounddepot.com, or chat with us live on PlaygroundDepot.com. One of our specialists will walk you through the process, making it fun and stress-free.
Q: How do I choose the best playground for my needs?
We listen first! Tell us about your goals, budget, and who the playground is for. Then, we’ll help you pick (or design!) the perfect solution to fit your vision.
Q: Why does Playground Depot offer so many types of playgrounds?
We believe every playground should be as unique as the kids who use it. That’s why we offer a wide range of innovative, inclusive, and durable designs tailored to fit every community’s needs.
Q: Can Playground Depot help us meet our organization’s vision?
Absolutely! Share your vision, site details, and budget, and we’ll create options to match. Open communication helps us deliver fast, effective solutions that align perfectly with your goals.
Q: Do I have to visit your office to plan my playground?
Nope! We offer virtual consultations and remote site assessments to save you time. If needed, we can send someone out to gather data or help with prep.
Q: How long do your playgrounds last?
Our playgrounds are built tough, designed to last for decades. Most customers update after 15–20 years, mainly to refresh the look and add new features.
Q: Are all of the costs included in the posted prices?
A: No, there are additional costs included freight and sales tax. Depending on whether or not you are looking for a turn-key solution the entire project costs will need to be factored in relation to your overall budget:
- Play Structure = 35%
- Borders for Play Area = 4%
- Playground Wood Fiber = 10%
- Sales Tax = 8% (Depending on Location)
- Shipping and Handling = 9%
- Installation = 35%
Please note that these are just approximations and the costs may be more or less depending on several factors. If you are interested in a turn-key formal estimate please call or email us and we can normally provide this for you within hours.
Q: Do you provide installation services?
A: Yes, Playground Depot offers turn-key solutions so you can simply select your play structure, tell us where you would like to have it installed, then we’ll take care of the rest. Our experienced installation crews are fully prepared with all tools and heavy equipment necessary to complete the job fast.
Q: Can the play structures be installed with volunteers?
A: Yes, each one of the play structures will arrive with complete installation instructions however it is strongly suggested that you have at least 4 people that are able-bodied and ready for a full 5-8 hour day of hard labor. This will be a commercial construction project and safety should be paramount including properOSHA compliance. Please visit our “Reports” page for more information on community built projects.
Q: Do you offer custom design services?
A: Yes, our design department is state of the art including the latest AutoDesk Builders Suite where we can turn a simply sketch into the playground of your dreams! We have friendly design consultants on staff ready to answer questions for you and take verbal direction of what you’d like to see in your custom design. The process is simple and easy and works great for group meetings when presenting the new design for final approval. We can also print out a large laminated version then overnight it to you.
Q: Do you offer free on-site consultations?
A: Yes, we have local distributors and design consultants in every major city in the US that can come meet with you on site to discuss your needs however we have found that with new technology such as Google Earth and Camera Phones that it we can gather most of the information that we need with a little help from you. All we typically need is the address of the site, some dimensions of the designated area and a few pictures from different sides which show the entire area from a far. As soon as we get this data we will get to work right away on a formal estimate that includes everything you need to complete your project successfully.
Q: The product that I’m looking for is not your website, do you have anything else available?
A: Yes, we have over 4000 pre-design structures and playground areas on our internal server that we simply have not yet posted online in order to avoid overwhelming customers with too many options. If you have a specific product that you are looking for please give us a call or email then send it to us so that we can save you time and do the search for you quickly and easily. We encourage you to use our years of experience to find the play structures that will work best for you in the long-run.
Q: How long have you been in business?
A: Playground Depot opened online just a few years ago but its parent company is Creative Recreational Systems, Inc. (CRS) which has been a leader in the industry for over 43 years since 1972. CRS has wealth of experience and history that support next generation efforts of product acquisition such as the launch of Playground Depot as well as several other platforms that help communicate availability of products and services.
Q: Is Playground Depot a distributor or a manufacturer?
A: Playground Depot is both a distributor and a manufacturer of several of our own lines of play structures. As a matter of fact. Playground Depot is the only manufacturer that also distributes and installs our play structures, eliminating several middle-men which normally increase costs to customers. Many of the products that are sold through the Playground Depot website are sold exclusively through here and are not available anywhere else.
Q: What makes Playground Depot different?
A: Playground Depot is not subject to licensing agreements, royalties or exclusive manufacturer contracts like local distributors. If you find another manufacturer out there that you like what they’ll post likely do is refer you to their exclusive local distributor. Many of these distributors are really franchises which pay up to $50,000 to get started and this is part of the reason why their prices are so much higher. Playground Depot is considered more of a playground broker which allows us to negotiate better pricing with many different manufacturers and in turn gives us the power to pass the cost savings back to you.
Q: Are there Payment Processing Fees?
A: No, Playground Depot will never charge you extra for using a credit card on an order of any size. We always try to make the process easier and faster for our customers and part of that is offering flexible payment methods which also includes playground equipment financing. Please give us a call or send us an email if you’d like more information on this.
Q: What is the Warranty on your products?
A: Most of the warranty information can be found on the product pages for each individual structure. The list below is a breakdown of the warranty for most of our products for each one of the components.
- Lifetime warranty on steel posts
- Lifetime warranty on all stainless steel hardware
- Lifetime warranty on component clamps and aluminum post caps
- 15 Year Limited warranty on pipes, rungs, loops and rails
- 15 Year Limited warranty on rota-molded plastics
- 15 Year Limited warranty on HOPE plastic sheets
- 15 Year Limited warranty on punched steel decks
Playground Accessibility FAQs
Q: What does "accessible playground" mean?
Accessible playgrounds are designed so kids of all abilities can join in the fun. From ramps to sensory panels, our inclusive designs ensure everyone can play together.
Q: Is accessibility just for kids in wheelchairs?
Not at all! We consider a wide range of needs—mobility, sensory, emotional, and cognitive. Our designs include features like musical instruments, ground-level activities, and more.
Q: How does Playground Depot make playgrounds inclusive?
We prioritize inclusivity with innovative designs that foster emotional, physical, and social development for kids of all abilities.
Age-Appropriate Playgrounds
Q: What’s an age-appropriate playground?
It’s one designed to safely challenge kids within specific age groups, helping them grow mentally and physically.
Q: What are the typical age ranges?
We design for:
- 6–23 months: Simple, safe, and low-to-the-ground structures.
- 2–5 years: Slides, easy climbers, and sensory panels.
- 5–12 years: Challenging features like rock walls and monkey bars.
- 2–12 years: All-in-one structures for multi-age use.
Q: Can different age groups share one playground?
Yes! For parks or smaller spaces, a 2–12 year range playground works great. For schools, separate areas for 2–5 and 5–12 are usually better.
Community-Build Installations
Q: What is a community-build playground?
It’s a playground assembled by community volunteers! We supply the equipment and guidance; you bring the manpower and tools.
Q: How much can we save?
You could save 30–40% compared to a turnkey installation. We even provide guides and remote support to make it easier.
Q: Do we need a supervisor?
Not required, but highly recommended for complex projects. We can arrange for an expert to assist at an affordable daily rate.
Playground Safety
Q: What makes a playground safe?
- Thoughtful design with proper use zones.
- Quality manufacturing that meets ASTM and CPSC standards.
- Proper surfacing to cushion falls.
Q: What are the safety surfacing options?
From engineered wood fiber to poured-in-place rubber, we’ve got a variety of options for every budget and requirement.
Playground Sustainability
Q: How are your playgrounds sustainable?
We use eco-friendly materials and designs that stand the test of time. Our playgrounds encourage outdoor play and help communities thrive!
Q: Why does sustainability matter?
Sustainable playgrounds promote health, wellness, and pride in the community—plus, they’re better for the environment.
Need more info? Contact us anytime—we’re here to make your playground journey as smooth and exciting as possible! 🎉