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How much do playgrounds cost?
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Project budgets range from $45,000 to $150,000 or more. We're
confident we can design and build a structure that fits your budget.
Completed projects are valued at two to three times their actual cost
because they are built by volunteers.
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Why community-built?
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As hundreds of communities from across the country will testify, the
benefits of community-built go well beyond the enormous cost savings.
The community-built experience offers a rare opportunity for individuals
to collectively give something back to their community, resulting in a
beautifully crafted, unique expression of shared pride.
Most importantly, however, is the community enrichment resulting from
the volunteer-built experience. Community built builds community.
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What
materials are used to build the playgrounds?
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Our playgrounds are currently built with a combination of plastic
composite lumber and arsenic-free treated wood (for support). The
composite material, with the look and feel of wood, is used for most
contact surfaces, such as decking and handrails. Communities may choose
composite or metal pipe balusters. Our Research and Development Team is
constantly researching the newest technologies available, and we now
offer structural plastic for those communities that want the option of
an all-plastic playground.
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Why should we choose to work with Leathers & Associates and not someone
locally?
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Leathers & Associates is the original community-built playground
company with extensive experience and expertise in both playground
design and the community-built process. Our process is truly
one-of-a-kind. We have been designing and building playgrounds for over
30 years (1600 worldwide!). The community volunteers are led during a
5-6 day "barn-raising" by our skilled consultants, using only the
highest-quality materials and safe construction. The average tenure of
Leathers & Associates staff is over 10 years!
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How much area do we need?
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The area needed will depend on the scope of your project and ranges
from approximately 1200 sf (30x40ft) to 20,000 sf (100x200ft). If you
question whether your site is suitable, please give us a call.
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Where do you build?
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We assist communities with projects built in parks, schools, daycare
centers, churches, zoos, nature centers, teen centers, towns and cities,
open or wooded lots, sloped or even terraced sites. As long as a
community is interested in utilizing volunteers, we are interested in
working with them!
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How long
does it take from Design Day to Construction?
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Timelines vary from project to project; however, on average,
projects take 6 - 8 months from Design Day to Construction. You will
need time to fundraise, recruit volunteers and secure the necessary
playground materials. We have had projects do this in as little as 3
months! The key to getting off to a good start is a well-organized
dedicated committee.
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Do your playgrounds meet the latest safety standards and accessibility
(ADA) guidelines? back
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Yes! Our designs conform with the Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) guidelines, American Standards for Testing Materials
(ASTM) standards and Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility
Guidelines (ADAAG) that are in place at the time your playground is
built. Although most states have not passed laws for playground safety,
these guidelines are viewed as industry standards.
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How can a structure built by volunteers be safe and professional?
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Leathers & Associates has been assisting communities with
community-built projects for over 30 years. Our construction system has
been proven over time to be both safe and volunteer friendly. Our
professional designers and staff are all experienced in the uniqueness
of the community-built process and are Certified Playground Safety
Inspectors. Additionally, Leathers & Associates volunteer-built
structures are designed and constructed with strict adherence to all
applicable nationally recognized playground safety standards and
guidelines, ensuring safety and durability.
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Are donations and contributions to our playground fund tax deductible?
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We recommend that our projects seek fiscal sponsorship (umbrella
under a pre-existing non-profit – i.e. Rotary, Kiwanis, etc) or obtain
independent 501(c) 3 status. Please contact us for additional
information.
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How long will the playground
last?
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With today’s materials and proper maintenance, Leathers playgrounds
can easily last 25 years.
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What maintenance is involved?
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All playgrounds require maintenance, and as with any playground,
maintaining the safety surfacing is usually the largest and most
important undertaking. We provide our clients with a Long Term Care
Packet to assist in scheduling and identifying maintenance tasks. Our
Maintenance Team is available for phone support throughout the life of
your project. We offer a variety of services to assist communities.
For more information contact our office or
visit our maintenance section.