How to Make the Most of a Tight Playground Budget
We work with schools, councils, and contractors across the UK — and almost all of them are working with tight budgets.
Whether you're funding a new play area, a refurbishment, or just trying to make small improvements, the key to success isn't spending more. It's spending smart.
Here’s how to make the most of your playground budget — and still get a space that works.
1. Prioritise Your Pain Points
Before choosing equipment or surfacing, identify the problems you're trying to solve.
Ask yourself:
Is there a lack of physical challenge?
Are certain areas always unusable in bad weather?
Do you need to reduce behaviour issues at break times?
Are key stages sharing equipment not designed for them?
Clear goals help you focus your spend where it will make the most impact.
2. Phase the Project
You don’t need to do everything at once. In fact, we often recommend phasing larger playground installs over 2–3 years.
This approach:
Spreads the cost
Helps with fundraising
Reduces disruption
Allows you to see what’s working before committing to more
We regularly work alongside schools and councils to develop phased masterplans — so you can invest in the right areas at the right time.
3. Invest in the Groundwork
When budgets are tight, it’s tempting to focus on what you can see — but it's what’s underneath that often determines long-term success.
Proper groundwork and drainage will:
Extend the life of your surfacing
Prevent standing water and erosion
Save money on repairs in future
A great play space starts with solid foundations.
4. Upgrade Surfacing in High-Wear Zones
Can’t afford a full surfacing replacement? No problem.
We often help clients target the highest-wear areas first:
Under swings or trim trails
Around entrances and pathways
Shaded zones that stay damp or muddy
This alone can transform day-to-day usability, reduce complaints, and improve safety — without blowing the budget.
5. Don’t Overspend on Equipment
It’s easy to get drawn into big-ticket items — but a thoughtful layout with fewer, well-chosen elements can have far more impact.
We’ve seen brilliant spaces created with:
Reused or repurposed elements
Natural play features
Low-cost climbing or balancing equipment
A clear layout that supports free-flow play
Talk to your manufacturer about modular or multi-age options — and make sure your installers are comfortable working with them over multiple phases.
6. Budget for Maintenance from Day One
One of the most common mistakes is forgetting to factor in ongoing maintenance and inspection costs.
Set aside a small portion of your budget to:
Schedule annual inspections
Keep on top of repairs
Replace surfacing or fixings as needed
Maintain timber and metalwork
A small maintenance budget each year will help avoid major issues down the line — and protect your investment.
Final Thought
You don’t need a huge budget to build a brilliant playground — but you do need a smart plan.
By phasing your project, targeting problem areas, investing in the groundwork and thinking long-term, you can create a space that’s safe, sustainable and built to last.
We’ve supported dozens of projects through careful planning and creative solutions. If you’ve got a tight budget but big ambitions, we’d love to help.