Choosing the right playground is about more than the upfront cost—it’s about finding a partner that offers the best lifetime value through lower maintenance and high-quality materials. When you receive multiple bids for playground equipment, the price differences can be significant. You might see one proposal that's thousands less than others. Before moving forward, it’s helpful to consider the elements that differentiate an initial bargain from a playground built to withstand years of active play and weather.
What “Quality” Means in Playground Equipment
Quality equipment has specific, measurable attributes that directly impact your community.
A well-made playground can serve your community for 25 years or more. Lower-quality equipment might need replacement in 10 to 15 years, making those initial savings disappear. This means that a $50,000 playground lasting 25 years costs only $2,000 a year, while a $35,000 playground lasting 12 years costs $2,917 a year.
U.S. manufacturing means consistent quality control. When playground equipment is built to order in the United States, you know it meets specific safety standards and quality controls. Some discount suppliers offer equipment that's partially made in the USA — maybe a few pieces — while the majority ships from overseas. Others keep a few standard designs in a U.S. warehouse but manufacture everything abroad. Ask specifically: where is all of the equipment made?
What to Watch For When Comparing Low-Price Playground Bids
Price-focused playground suppliers win on cost, not product or service. They offer average equipment for less money, but those savings come with significant trade-offs.
Customization is minimal, and delivery isn't actually faster. Many importers offer three or four set designs with primary color options only. Want to incorporate your school colors or change the layout to fit your space? These changes either aren't possible or come with significant restrictions. And despite claims of short delivery times, you might wait three months for these limited options.
Long-Term Cost Comparison
Consider two scenarios: You buy a playground that costs less upfront but lasts 10 to 12 years with a prorated warranty. Or you invest in a Burke® playground that lasts up to 25 years with a full 15-year non-prorated warranty plus PlaySouth’s supplemental installation warranty.
The warranty difference is substantial. With a prorated warranty, your coverage decreases each year. By year 10, you might only get 30% coverage on a failed component. Burke's non-prorated warranty means full coverage for the entire 15 years. Playsouth’s supplement warranty means that if you need a new part under warranty, they’ll cover the cost of installation.
Parts and support matter years down the road. Burke maintains comprehensive parts availability because it controls its manufacturing. When you work with the Georgia-based team that designed and installed your playground, getting help means calling the same person who knows your site and equipment. With imported equipment from suppliers who may switch sources or discontinue products, you may face lead times for parts, higher international shipping costs, or the discovery that parts are no longer available.
Low-cost equipment may seem like a savings upfront, but the total cost of ownership may be higher than you thought. A higher upfront investment typically costs less over the playground's lifetime.
The PlaySouth Partnership Difference
What sets PlaySouth apart in Georgia's playground market: experienced professionals who become partners in your project.
Andy, Peter, Todd, Megan, and Tom bring many years of combined industry expertise to your project. They understand Georgia communities, school needs, and municipal budgets because they work with them every day.
The design process is collaborative and custom. Your advisor works directly with you to create a playspace that fits your specific site, serves your community's needs, and reflects your vision. Every Burke playground is built to order, which means genuine customization without the limitations of catalog-only options.
Installation is managed by your same advisor. The person who promised you a wonderful new playground is responsible for delivering it. There's no hand-off to a different team, no lost communication, no confusion about what was agreed upon.
The relationship continues after installation. We stick around long after your playground is in the ground. Questions about maintenance? Need help with a repair? Want to add equipment as your budget allows? Your PlaySouth advisor remains your contact and resource.
Making Your Decision
When you're looking at playground suppliers, look beyond the bottom line. Ask every potential supplier these questions:
- Where is the equipment manufactured?
- Can I customize the design, or am I limited to standard configurations?
- What does your warranty cover, and is it prorated?
- How long will parts be available for my specific equipment?
- Who will I contact for service and support after installation?
The answers will tell you whether you're looking at a true value or simply at a low price.
Your playground will serve your community for years or decades. Children will learn, play, and grow there. Families will gather around it. That's worth getting right the first time.
Ready to discuss your playground project? PlaySouth's team of Recreation Product Advisors provides free, no-obligation site evaluations throughout Georgia. We'll help you understand your options and create a play space that truly serves your community.