FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How long has your company been in business?

A:  We began in a small, garage workshop in 1983. Since then, we have grown to have a nationwide presence, working with the industry’s leading manufacturers. We service and work with projects and customers all around the country. For more information, visit our Contact Us page...

 

Q: What’s the difference between your company and every other playground / recreation company?

A:  In a world with so many copycats and companies all doing the same things, we strive to be different. We believe we accomplish that through our team culture and our service. We aren’t simply about selling a product. We strive to bring quality, integrity, education, and fun to each person we connect with. We want to serve our communities by exceeding expectations. We genuinely care about what we do and you as our customer. In other words, there are many companies out there who do what we do. The difference? We bring people together!

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Q: What’s the difference between a commercial and residential playground?

A: There are many differences between commercial and residential applications for playground equipment, including: safety regulations, pricing, size and scope of equipment, quality and durability of materials, amount of use, available space, quantity of children, and weather element exposure. Traditionally, residential or backyard playgrounds are made from wood; whereas, commercial playground equipment is typically made from high grade steel and commercial grade plastics with special coatings or UV inhibitors. Playgrounds for use in commercial settings such as churches, schools, parks, restaurants, daycares, and apartments have different safety requirements than an individual consumer using a playground in their backyard. In addition, a residential playground is designed for a handful of children using the equipment at one time, where-as the commercial playground is designed to safely accommodate a higher volume of children. Therefore, a residential playground should not be used in a commercial setting.

If you have additional questions as to the proper choice for your situation, we’re glad to help. Please contact one of our experts today!

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Q: Are there any special safety requirements you have to meet?

A: Yes! The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) publishes the Public Playground Safety Handbook, which is a comprehensive manual for the owners of public playground equipment. All reputable commercial manufacturers will follow these guidelines to make their equipment as safe as it possibly can be. In addition, the highest quality and safest manufacturers will have their equipment certified by the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) as well. This is an outside, independent organization committed to making play equipment as safe as possible.

Children’s Specialties only represents and offers equipment that meets or exceeds these standards. 

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Q: Can I have my choice of colors?

A: Yes! We can offer you a variety of color choices or pre-set color schemes for your equipment and amenities. Whether you’d like to go with a natural theme look for a park setting, or a bright, primary color look to attract attention and fun, or anything in between, we can show you exactly what your equipment will look like – at no additional charge.

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Q: What are your payment terms?

A: We typically require a 50% deposit at the time of the order, and the remaining balance is due after we complete the project with you.​

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Q: What is the general time frame for my project to be completed?​

A: On average, from initial concept drawings to completed installation, the normal time frame would be about 8 weeks. This assumes no additional requirements in the way of permitting, special required drawings, licenses, or extra customization. Your representative can help give you a better idea of your specific timeline. Of course, if there are additional requirements, decisions, or changes to design, the timeframe adjusts accordingly.

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Q: Do you have equipment close to me that I can go see?

A: Yes. We have done thousands of projects for nearly 3 decades. We can usually give you a location to go visit and see our work.

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Q: Do you have references that have worked with your company in the past that I can call?

A: Yes. One of the things we pride our company on is our customer loyalty. We have the best customers in the business, and we do our best to take care of them. Accordingly, they think we’re pretty fun folks too. We can put you in touch with multiple people in several states who can attest to our service, quality, and work ethic.

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Q: What is the most important thing to be thinking about in this process?

A: There’s really not one single item that is “most” important, but we believe safety and fun should be top priorities. Kiddos won’t play on new equipment if it’s not fun. By contrast, we don’t want them to play on it if it’s not safe. Rest assured, our equipment is certified to meet or exceed the industry’s safety standards. For the fun aspect…..well….we’re experts at that!

As you walk through the journey of designing the perfect play area, we recommend you look for that intersection between price and play value. In other words, the best option isn’t always the least expensive. It’s not always the supposedly biggest discount or sale. Granted, we are exceptionally competitive in our pricing compared with most other companies. However, the budget should also be compared with what you get for that budget. For example, if two proposals are comparable in price, the proposal that offers more equipment and play value for that budget may be the better choice. We recommend ensuring that you have the safest equipment possible. Then, find that balance between price and play value. 

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Q: Do you have any resources I can consult?

A: Yes! Our Resources page on our website has News, Buyer’s Guides, Videos, Articles, Comparison Charts, and more. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please give us a call. We’re happy to help!

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Q: Do I need a safety inspection from one of your inspectors?

A: The safety of our children is extremely important, and the answer to this question depends on your situation. Every playground should be inspected and maintained to keep it in good repair and order. Some playground owners have an established maintenance program that is followed on a regular basis, or perhaps they have a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) on staff. In this case, it may not be necessary for our inspectors to come to your site, unless you’d like an independent, third-party inspection.

On the other hand, some playground owners do not have access to an inspector or regular maintenance checklist program. In this case, it would likely be very beneficial to have an inspection done of your play area to ensure that any safety hazards are addressed, as well as any recommendations to improve the area. We offer our $99 Maintenance Inspection to go over the basics with you, as well as, a complete inspection of the area if you so choose. As a free resource, please download our Maintenance Checklist on the Resources page of our website. If you need additional inspection services, please let us know. 

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Q: Do you offer any kind of financing?

A: For the most part, we do not offer financing on most projects. However, on larger projects, we do have financing options that may be available if desired.

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Q: Can I install my equipment myself?

A: The short answer is, “It depends.” It depends on what equipment you are purchasing. It depends on your location and any special engineering or construction requirements that may be necessary. It depends on your construction background and experience.

For the most part, playground equipment can be installed by a customer on their own. Each structure has drawings, parts lists, and directions. While it may take someone longer who has never installed a commercial playground before compared to a seasoned factory installer, it can still be done.

On the other hand, equipment such as shelters and shade, often have special construction requirements and special equipment such as cranes to hold beams and frames on larger structures. In cases like this, it’s usually better and safer to let an experienced installation crew handle this for you. Your representative can give you additional information about your equipment and possible installation.

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Q: Which safety surfacing is the best?

A: Please visit the News and Information sections of our Resources page on our website. We have created a Safety Surfacing Comparison chart detailing the specifics of the major categories of safety surfacing. Our experts have been doing this for nearly 30 years, and we can help you make the right surfacing choice. Please contact us today.

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Q: Can someone come out and visit my location?

A: Yes! We offer free on-site consultations. One of our experts can come to your location and meet with you about your project – free of charge. You can discuss your ideas, and we’ll help bring those into reality.

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Q: Where can I find you on social media?

A: You can find us on Facebook, Linked In, YouTube, and Pinterest...just click on the links below! 

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Q: Do you have any grant or fundraising opportunities available?

A: The Fundraising section in our Resources page can give you some additional information about the current grant and fundraising opportunities we are aware of.

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Q: What kind of warranty should my equipment come with?

A: Commercial recreation equipment is exceptionally durable. Accordingly, we offer one of the best warranties in the industry. We can give you exact details on the specific warranties that apply to your equipment. Please call us today, and speak to one of our experts.

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Q: Can you let me know when you have sales and special deals?

A: Yes. We always have a special promotion of some kind. Please visit the Contact Us page of our website, and let us know you’d like to be notified of sales and special discounts. We’ll make sure you are in the loop, and we never sell your information.