Human & Rohde, Inc. designs playgrounds for public parks, schools, childcare centers, and commercial developments throughout Maryland. As with all of our projects, we work closely with the client to provide a playground design that meets the needs of the owner and the community. Our goal is to provide a safe and nurturing outdoor play and learning environment which is developmentally appropriate, accessible, aesthetically and environmentally sensitive, easy to maintain, secure, and one that complements the use and programming of the facility or community it serves. We also recognize that the cost of installation and maintenance for each project must be considered and we work with established play equipment manufacturers and installers during design to keep the design within budget.
Our designs comply with the latest United State Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Handbook for Public Playground Safety, American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards, BOCA codes, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for Play Areas, and Accessibility Standards for Children’s Facilities. We endeavor to specify play equipment and safety surfacing products that have third party certification by the International Play Equipment Manufacturer’s Association (IPEMA). Materials are selected to be appropriate for children’s play environments (i.e., non-toxic, non-splintering, no sharp edges, etc.), that are low maintenance, vandal resistant, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. Recycled or recyclable materials are utilized wherever possible and cost effective. Colors are selected to be harmonious with the architecture of adjacent structures or desired themes. Fencing is designed to be compliant with ASTM Standards, non-climbable, non-toxic, economical, and compatible with other site features to provide a safe and secure playground setting. Shade is another important component that may be provided by trees, canopies, pergolas, pavilions, play structure roofing, or building overhangs. Garden areas, storage, water play, trike paths, sitting areas, and outdoor classrooms/amphitheaters are additional components that may be incorporated into the design depending on the programming and needs of the owner or facility.
All proposed plant material associated with a playground environment should be non-toxic and without thorns, and when requested by the owner, may be non-flowering and without fruits or berries. Landscaping is otherwise designed to enhance the environment and provide seasonal interest with minimal maintenance. Native species are utilized to the extent possible but especially when LEED credits are desired.
