How Much Does a School Playground Cost in 2024? A Guide for Australian Schools

Building a new school playground is an exciting endeavour, but it’s important to understand the financial investment involved.

Best Playground Design for Schools

Investing in a school playground is an investment in children’s health, happiness, and development. But with so many factors at play, it can be difficult to determine what a playground should cost.

This guide aims to bring transparency to playground pricing. We’ll break down the typical costs involved, providing budget estimates based on ideal site conditions. Think of this as a baseline – your final quote may vary depending on the unique needs of your school grounds.

We’ll focus on Traditional Play Spaces, the most common type found in schools. These usually include:

• Play equipment and elements
• Installation
• Softfall surfacing
• Ancillary items (like shade, fencing and landscaping)*

Let’s explore how factors like size, equipment choice, and installation complexity can influence the final cost.

We understand that every school has a unique vision and budget. Here are examples of what Moduplay can create for different budget ranges. Please keep in mind that these prices are correct as of July 2024 and are subject to change without notice:

Designs to show how much a school playground will cost in Australia

Playground budget <$50,000 (excl GST)*

In this budget range, we can create a vibrant and engaging play area that sparks children’s imaginations. Think compact climbing structures, slides, and interactive panels. We can incorporate vibrant colours and nature-inspired themes to create an inviting space that encourages active play and social interaction.

Supply and Deliver: $26k (price includes packaging, supply and delivery of equipment)
Installation: $10k (price includes equipment install, skip bin, temporary fence hire, search for underground services)
Softfall: $7k (price includes mulch softfall)

Playground budget Up to $60,000 (excl GST)*

This budget opens up possibilities for a slightly larger playground with more diverse play elements. We can include additional climbing features, a larger slide, and perhaps even a small playhouse or sandpit. This playground can cater to a wider age range and offer a greater variety of play experiences.

Supply and Deliver: $30k (price includes packaging, supply and delivery)
Installation: $8k (price includes equipment install, skip bin, temporary fence hire, search for underground services)
Softfall: $15k (price includes synthetic softfall and roadbase)

Playground budget Up to $70,000 (excl GST)*

With this budget, we can start to introduce multi-level structures and more challenging climbing elements. We can also integrate sensory play features, such as musical instruments or tactile panels, to cater to different learning styles. This playground is perfect for schools looking to provide a well-rounded play experience.

Supply and Deliver: $44k (price includes packaging, supply and delivery)
Installation: $15k (price includes equipment install, skip bin, temporary fence hire, search for underground services)
Softfall: $9k (price includes mulch softfall)

Playground budget Up to $80,000 (excl GST)*

At this level, we can create a larger, more adventurous playground with a variety of climbing structures, slides, and interactive elements. We can also incorporate natural elements like logs and boulders to create a more engaging and stimulating play environment. This playground is ideal for schools with a larger student population or those looking to create a destination play space.

Supply and Deliver: $35k (price includes packaging, supply and delivery)
Installation: $10k (price includes equipment install, skip bin, temporary fence hire, search for underground services)
Softfall: $54k (price includes synthetic softfall, mulch softfall and roadbase)

Playground budget Up to $110,000 (excl GST)*

In this range, we can push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Imagine a themed play structure that reflects the unique character and values of your school. We can incorporate themed elements, unique school branding all while allowing for inclusive play.

Supply and Deliver: $55k (price includes packaging, supply and delivery)
Installation: $15k (price includes equipment install, skip bin, temporary fence hire, search for underground services)
Softfall: $40k (price includes synthetic softfall, sand softfall and roadbase)

Playground budget Up to $115,000 (excl GST)*

With this budget, we can create a truly immersive play environment that caters to all ages and abilities. Think multi-level structures with ramps and bridges, sensory play areas, and more. We can also incorporate sustainable materials and design principles to create a playground that is both fun and environmentally responsible.

Supply and Deliver: $48k (price includes packaging, supply and delivery)
Installation: $24k (price includes equipment install, skip bin, temporary fence hire, search for underground services)
Softfall: $41k (price includes synthetic softfall and roadbase)

Playground budget Up to $170,000 (excl GST)*

This budget opens up possibilities for a truly exceptional playground that will become a focal point of the school community. We can design and build a play space that combines adventure, creativity, and learning. This playground could feature a range of innovative play equipment, outdoor classroms, a sensory garden area, and balance trails.

Supply and Deliver: $70k (price includes packaging, supply and delivery)
Installation: $27k (price includes equipment install, skip bin, temporary fence hire, search for underground services)
Softfall: $64k (price includes synthetic softfall, mulch softfall and roadbase)

Playground budget Up to $200,000 (excl GST)*

With a budget of this magnitude, we can create a truly world-class playground that will be the envy of other schools. We can design and build a play space that is both visually stunning and incredibly fun to use. This playground could feature a wide range of custom-designed elements, such as a themed play structure, towers, and a variety of sensory play experiences. The sky is the limit.

Supply and Deliver: $105k (price includes packaging, supply and delivery)
Installation: $32k (price includes equipment install, skip bin, temporary fence hire, search for underground services)
Softfall: $60k (price includes synthetic softfall, mulch soft-fall and roadbase)

What else factors into the cost of a new playground?

When budgeting for a new playground, it’s important to look beyond the initial equipment cost. Several other factors can significantly influence the final price:

• Site Preparation: If your site isn’t already flat and clear, you might need to factor in costs for removing old structures, trees, or landscaping. Sloped sites might require excavation and levelling, which can add to the expense. It’s best to consult with our Project Design Team for an estimate of these costs, as they can vary considerably.
• Design and Installation: The playground’s location will affect delivery and installation costs. As a rough guide, you can budget approximately 30-40% of the equipment cost for installation. However, this is just an estimate, and actual costs can fluctuate. Our Project Design Team can provide accurate delivery and installation quotes.
• Softfall Surfacing: All public playground equipment with a fall height of more than 600mm requires an approved softfall surface. You can choose between organic materials (like wood chips or sand) or synthetic options (like wetpour rubber or synthetic turf). Organic options are generally cheaper upfront but require more maintenance, while synthetic surfaces are more durable but have a higher initial cost. The choice of softfall material and its required border edging will significantly impact the overall playground cost.
• Ancillary Items: Shade sails, fencing, edging (including all concreting works excluding footings for equipment), and landscaping elements enhance the playground’s safety and appeal but also add to the cost. Consider these elements to create a comfortable and enjoyable play environment.

How these factors affect your budget

As a general rule, here’s how your budget might be allocated depending on the scope of your project:

• Equipment and organic softfall: Roughly two-thirds for equipment, one-third for softfall.
• Equipment and inorganic softfall: Roughly half for equipment, half for softfall
• Equipment, inorganic softfall, and shade/minor landscaping: Roughly one-third for each component.

In summary:

Building a school playground is an investment that pays dividends in children’s well-being and learning. By understanding the various cost factors and exploring creative design options, you can create a fantastic play space that fits your budget and inspires children for years to come.

Remember, the prices provided in this guide are based on ideal site conditions and serve as a starting point for your budgeting process. Contact Moduplay today for a free consultation and a tailored quote that considers your school’s unique needs and site conditions.

Contact Moduplay today for a free consultation. Our expert team is ready to help you design and build the perfect playground for your school.

*Prices correct as of 17 July 2024 and are subject to change without notice. Note prices don’t allow for Ancillary Items such as shade sails, fencing, seating, edging (including all concreting works excluding footings for equipment), landscaping elements or site preparation. Price are assumed on a flat, workable site with ideal soil conditions, access & other miscellaneous factors. Your price may change once we provide a project-specific quote.