Phased Playground Installations: How to Make It Work
When it comes to playground projects, doing everything in one go isn’t always realistic.
Budgets get split across years. Grants come in stages. Priorities shift. And sometimes the best way to get the space you want — is to build it in phases.
We regularly help schools and councils plan phased playground installations that are practical, cost-effective and future-ready. Here’s how to do it well.
1. Start With the End in Mind
Every good phased project starts with a clear vision. Even if you're only installing one section now, the layout, surfacing and access points should support the final plan.
That means:
Mapping out the full site, even if only part will be built now
Avoiding dead ends, awkward joins or duplicated work later
Planning for surfacing and foundations that won’t need to be removed and re-done
Short-term decisions should never limit long-term potential.
2. Prioritise Surfacing and Infrastructure
Before you think about towers or trails, think about what holds the space together.
Most of the long-term value comes from:
Well-drained, level, and safe surfacing
Good edging and access
Sub-base preparation that will support future additions
Pathways or layout that support site flow
A play area that’s structurally sound — even if partially installed — is more usable, safe, and easier to build on in future.
3. Group Equipment by Zones, Not Price Tags
Rather than starting with the “cheapest” pieces and working up, think about logical zones of play.
For example:
Phase 1: Active play core + surfacing
Phase 2: Role-play or imaginative elements
Phase 3: Shade, seating, and landscaping
This helps with supervision, surfacing continuity, and layout flow — and means each phase feels like a complete space, not a random selection of equipment.
4. Allow for Change
One of the biggest benefits of phasing? You get to see what works.
Once Phase 1 is in use, you’ll learn:
Which features are most popular
How different age groups interact
Whether you need more quiet zones, social spaces, or movement elements
We often adapt Phase 2 or 3 plans based on what we see on site. A flexible approach leads to better outcomes — and avoids spending money on features that aren’t used.
5. Work With a Partner Who Can Think Ahead
Phasing a playground project adds complexity. You’ll need a team who can:
Deliver the initial phase without making the next one harder
Store, update or sequence quotes and specs
Support funding applications for later phases
Handle groundwork, surfacing, and layout across the whole lifespan
We’ve supported dozens of phased installations — from small school courtyards to full council play areas — and we always plan for the long game.
Final Thought
Phased playgrounds aren’t second-best. Done well, they’re smart, sustainable, and better aligned with real-world budgets and timelines.
If you’re working in stages — or thinking about starting small and building up — we can help you plan a space that grows with your site, your budget, and your community.
Let’s make each phase count.