By Scott Roschi, Creative Director at Landscape Structures

(This content is brought to you by our sponsor, Landscape Structures Inc.)There may be no better refuge for kids from screen time than their local playground. With today’s larger, more colorful and more engaging equipment, playgrounds offer richer opportunities for movement, imagination and connection than ever before.

Building a successful playground, however, requires more than selecting equipment from a catalog. Communities are increasingly asking for play spaces that feel distinctive, reflect local identity and serve a broad range of users. In doing so, park and recreation agencies are creating not only better playgrounds but also stronger community gathering places.

Spaces That Reflect the Community

Across the country, communities are designing playgrounds that reflect who they are and what they value. Strang Park in Overland Park, Kansas, offers a strong example of how inclusive design can bring those priorities to life while serving children of all abilities.

The playground provides multiple, intuitive ways for kids to access and move through the space with ramps, climbing elements and sensory-rich features. Separate areas support different age groups, allowing younger and older children to play at a pace and scale that feels comfortable. One especially impactful feature is the inclusion of a communication board, which helps ensure every individual can communicate with family members and friends.

Taking Play to New Heights

Playgrounds are also growing upward. Where structures once topped out around 8 feet, today’s designs often reach much higher, creating layered play experiences. Taller structures allow communities with limited space to build vertically while offering graduated challenges that let kids choose how adventurous they want to be.

Playgrounds Built Through Collaboration

Collaboration continues to shape modern playgrounds. Equipment providers, designers, landscape architects and community members are working together to integrate play into natural terrain, maximize budgets and expand access. Inclusive play advocates also play a key role, helping close play gaps and ensure playgrounds serve all families.

Together, these approaches are helping communities build play spaces that reflect their identity, welcome everyone and strengthen the places they serve.