Insstalling Playground

I live in Arlington, Texas and our HOA is considering adding a playground to the community. We own several acres that are currently unused. The community has about 230 homes and is gated. I am interested in getting feedback from someone who has done this in their community. We are trying to get information to present at our annual HOA meeting in March.

1. What maintenance costs we will likely experience in the future (repairs, additional insurance costs, upkeep, etc.).

2. How to pay for it? Raise annual dues, initiate a 1 time assessment, finance, fundraising, obtain grants, etc.

3. What kind of "flooring" was used - sand, wood chips, rubber tiles, etc.

4. Did you light it in the evening?

5. Pros/Cons on different type equipment to install.

If anyone has any input or suggestions, I would very much appreciate it.

Thanks!
Cindy

I once was going to create a playground area for our HOA. However, I ran into a few issues. First, I had to get the support of not only the board but the general members. Believe it or not, the members with kids voted it down! They felt their kids would be too old to enjoy the equipment by the time it came to fruition. It didn't add to the value of their homes and we had other projects to worry about. The idea was great but execution didn't come through.
I am NOT saying your playground won't be accepted. Matter of fact, it sounds like a good oportunity. The bigger the complex the more likely a playground will be a benefit.
As far as insurance is involved. It didn't raise our insurance at all! I was surprised. I called my insurance company and they said adding a playground would NOT raise the insurance premiums! We already have a pool so adding a playground wouldn't make a difference.
I found getting the actual equipment was a TOTAL other issue. Turns out equipment such as ones bought at Lowes or those "Special" playground equipment companies do NOT have "HOA friendly" warranties. Turns out the Warranties do NOT cover maintenance IF the equipment is used in an open space. If it is used in a "backyard" then it is covered. So consider the warranty before purchasing.
A good source to find your equipment is to contact your local city's or county Parks/Recreation office. They may have old equipment available for sale or they may have a resource you can call. The warranty may be available for this type instead of the "commercial" type.
You also need to consider the landscaping material UNDER the equipment. There are "safety" types of materials that prevent many injuries under equipment. You may want to avoid using certain wood chips because they can bring in chemicals or termites.
Another option if your concerned about the "Insurance factor" is to turn the area to the City's or County Parks and Recreations department to put a playground in. That way they will pay for the equipment and maintain it. However, it does mean that it is now a PUBLIC place and ANYONE can come in and play. Keeping it an ONLY HOA playground could prevent this.
A playground is great but make sure it is "Age" appropriate. Know what the typical age is in the neighborhood. As our neighborhood was mostly "NewlyWeds and nearly deads". We had on average less than 10 kids living in our HOA even though we were across from a elementary school. You may consider adding something simple as a basketball goal or a badmitton/volleyball net to start out. That way many may enjoy without worrying soo much about it being offical "playground" equipment.

Many good points have already been made, but just to add some:

- Google for playground safety and you'll find published standards on items like mulch thickness, size of openings in railings, etc.

- Consider that wooden equipment will have shorter life, require maintenance and have risks like splinters and rot.

- The playground may not raise property values directly, but it sure makes the community more appealing for those with kids, meaning more buyers. So even those without kids benefit when it comes time to sell.

- The idea Lance has for a mult-purpose area is great. If you cater to all ages, you'll have more success. Even a simple green space with benches, picnic area, etc is nice. Many upscale communities are now built around these public 'greens'.