About Us

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boundless Playgrounds®?
Boundless Playgrounds is the first national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping communities create extraordinary playgrounds where children, with and without disabilities, can develop essential skills for life as they learn together through play.

What does Boundless Playgrounds do?
We provide materials, tools and services for communities building inclusive playgrounds; we raise awareness of the need for and benefits of playgrounds for children of all abilities; and we seek sponsors/partners to fund community grants for new Boundless™ playgrounds. While we do not manufacture or sell playground equipment, we do collaborate with playground equipment manufacturers who can offer Boundless Playgrounds Certified Models that meet our standards for providing universal access and supporting children’s development.

How is a Boundless™ playground different from a traditional or an accessible playground?
Most people wouldn’t be able to tell a Boundless™ playground from any other playground at first glance, but the difference would be apparent to someone with a disability. They would see how the Boundless Playgrounds layout includes them in the fun – how it is possible to get to the highest play deck to feel like king or queen of the hill and enjoy gathering with friends in cozy spots. They might also see that a Boundless™ playground goes beyond accessibility for people with physical disabilities to consider the needs of children with different developmental, cognitive and sensory disabilities as well. Boundless Playgrounds is committed to full compliance with the minimum requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the playground industry. We then go beyond minimum requirements, incorporating universal design practices and child development theories into our standards, plus recommending additional best practices and enhancements. Playground equipment is carefully selected and laid out in configurations that are fun, rigorous and challenging for children of all abilities. Strategic placement of rubber surfacing allows for ease of travel within the environment. While special equipment is selected for certain activities (like swings and spring toys with back supports), many differences are subtle. The ultimate goal is to provide what we call “the Essence of Play” – fun things to do, fun places to be and everyone in the center of play.

Is there a Boundless™ playground near me?
Check our list for Boundless™ playgrounds that have been completed or are in development near you.

How is Boundless Playgrounds making a difference?
Nationally, an estimated six million children – more than one in ten – have a disability that makes it difficult or impossible to play on a traditional playground. Adults with disabilities also face difficulties playing with their children and grandchildren. Today there are more than 100 Boundless™ playgrounds enabling millions of families and children with and without disabilities to play together. We fervently believe that if children of all abilities play and learn together, their shared joy and common experience will make a more lasting impression than their different abilities; they will grow up to be adults who celebrate diversity and welcome people of all backgrounds and abilities into their personal and professional lives.

How do I get started if I want to bring a Boundless™ playground to my community?
Boundless Playgrounds’ Get Ready…Get Set…Go Play! Programs provide valuable guidance and assistance for any playground project. Click here for details. In addition, you can check out our Getting Started Facts and we invite you to join us for an upcoming “Getting Started” teleconference with members of the Boundless Playgrounds team and others who want to learn about getting a Boundless™ playground started in their community.

Does a Boundless™ playground cost more?
It may or may not be somewhat more expensive than a traditional playground; much depends on the size and scope of the project. In general the cost of a Boundless Playgrounds Certified Model will be similar to the equipment costs of a typical playground. In order to meet Boundless Playgrounds’ barrier-free criteria, specific types of safety surfacing must be installed according to a pre-determined layout. A small playground may cost more due to this requirement, but for larger projects, costs will be comparable. When viewed over the life span of the playground (15 – 20 years), the incremental costs are usually reasonable. The play value for the children will always be greater on a Boundless™ playground, providing a better return on the community’s investment.

What are typical budget ranges for different sized Boundless™ playgrounds?
A play environment generally consists of one or more composite play structures and other independent play elements, such as spring toys or swings. A playground budget will include more than just cost of the play equipment, safety surfacing, and their installation. Other factors to consider in establishing a budget include pathways, site preparation, benches, landscaping and other amenities. In general, a Boundless™ playground for younger children or those in the earliest developmental phases (typically labeled ages 2 – 5), can range from $30,000-80,000 for equipment, surfacing, and installation. A Boundless™ playground for older children, or those in the later, more sophisticated developmental phases (typically labeled ages 5 – 12), can range from $100,000-200,000 for equipment, surfacing, and installation. The inclusion of a sensory play area varies greatly in cost from $1,000 to well over $10,000. These are only ranges, since costs specific to each community and playground site must be taken into account. Please refer to the Get Ready! program for more budget information.

Is funding available for new Boundless™ playgrounds?
Boundless Playgrounds is a nonprofit organization and does not have established funding to support individual projects. However, we have been very fortunate in receiving grants sponsored by states, foundations and corporations who believe in our mission and vision. Enroll your project in our sponsor database to be considered for future funding opportunities. Also, subscribers to our Get Set program will receive fundraising guidelines and a sample fundraising plan.

Can a Boundless™ playground be ordered from a catalog?
Selecting and ordering a Boundless Playgrounds Certified Model from one of our Playground Industry Partners is one step in a two-step process in obtaining a Boundless™ playground. The other step is registering your playground project in our Go Play! Program, which allows the use of Boundless Playgrounds’ name and offers materials, tools and services to facilitate the process. Read more

What playground equipment manufacturer or representative does Boundless Playgrounds recommend?
As part of our ongoing efforts to provide easy, efficient and cost-effective ways for communities to build truly barrier-free playgrounds, Boundless Playgrounds established its Playground Industry Partners Program. Miracle Recreation Equipment Company; Little Tikes Commercial; Playworld Systems; GameTime; Play & Park Structures; BigToys; and Recreation Creations offer Boundless Playgrounds Certified Models that meet our high standards for playground equipment that welcomes children with and without disabilities and supports their development. You can choose to work with a local representative of any of these partners based on your committee’s selection process and criteria. Please visit our Playground Industry Partners’ websites to learn more. You may also request that these partners contact you when you enroll in our Sponsor Database. Completing this form is also the best way to showcase your project to potential donors.

What are the sources of support for Boundless Playgrounds’ work?
Boundless Playgrounds is grateful for all the individuals, foundations, corporations and other organizations who have shared in our mission of developing barrier-free play environments for children of all abilities. We are always looking for additional support so we can help more communities. Read more

How much of every dollar donated to Boundless Playgrounds directly impacts the creation of new Boundless™ playgrounds?
More than 85 cents of every dollar donated directly impacts the creation of new Boundless™ playgrounds.

How else can I get involved?
Please consider making a contribution and/or helping raise funds and awareness. There are several ways for individuals and organizations to get involved.

Can I get updates from Boundless Playgrounds?
Yes. Click here to sign up for updates.

Who do I contact with other questions?
For questions about starting a playground project, please join us for an upcoming “Getting Started” teleconference with members of the Boundless Playgrounds team and others who want to learn about getting a Boundless™ playground started in their community. To contact us with other questions, click here.