Swings are one of the few pieces of equipment in the playground that are loved by many. Swings allow children to have a thrilling experience of swinging back and forth, helping them develop balance, strength, and coordination. Swings are not only pieces of equipment that invite children to the school playground; they are tools that are important for their growth, play, and learning.
Choosing the right swing for the school playground can be challenging, and it must follow standard considerations to keep the fun, durability, and safety in the play area.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BENEFITS OF SWINGS IN A SCHOOL PLAYGROUND
SWING SETS BEST FOR SCHOOL PLAYGROUNDS
CHECKLIST TO CONSIDER IN BUYING SWING SETS FOR SCHOOL PLAYGROUND
MAINTAINANCE AND SAFETY
CONCLUSION
BENEFITS OF SWINGS IN SCHOOL PLAYGROUNDS
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Swinging strengthens core muscles, legs, and arms, helping them develop strength, balance, and coordination. As a swing gives the back-and-forth motion, it requires timing when to give the pump to the legs and swift weight to keep swinging and develop motor skills and body awareness.
The swinging motion stimulates children’s inner ear’s vestibular system, essential for maintaining balance and spatial awareness.
EMOTIONAL BALANCE
Swinging gives a calming effect that can reduce stress and anxiety, which benefits students between classes. Physical activity such as swinging releases endorphins, and the thrill of swinging boosts mood and gives a feeling of happiness.
The swinging motion helps the children regulate sensory processing and benefits emotions and energy levels.
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT
Physical activities like swinging improve blood circulation through the brain and give focus and cognitive function that helps the students in their academic learning in their classes. Cognitive abilities include information processing, reasoning, problem-solving, memory, and language development.
The swinging motion of back and forth improves spatial awareness and gives the children a deeper understanding of distance and depth. Mastering the swinging techniques, they can try higher swings, which will help them control their movement and manage their risk-taking abilities and confidence as they succeed.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Swings can take one or two children, so they learn to take turns, have patience, and an essential value of sharing. Swings promote social interaction between children, and they can play together as they push each other and enjoy the bond that gives them the fun of working together and teamwork.
Accessible swings make it possible to play with children regardless of their abilities; this inclusivity gives them a sense of belongingness and appreciation and provides no barrier to social development for everybody.
B. SWING SETS BEST FOR SCHOOL PLAYGROUNDS
MONKEY BAR ADVENTURE SET
https://youtu.be/upgyIedNtJk?si=CsERBprqMQ16w5-A
https://youtu.be/upgyIedNtJk?si=CsERBprqMQ16w5-A
Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure Swing Set (Earthtone)
Lifetime’s Monkey Bar Adventure Swing set is built with high-density polyethylene and powder-coated plastic that helps protect against harmful UV rays. It is weather-resistant that protects the equipment from discoloration and rust. This set is built for durability and low maintenance and can look great for years.
It is best for school playgrounds, having a lot of activity in one play set.
BIPOD SWING SET
Bipod Swing Set | WillyGoat Playgrounds
Double Bay Bipod Swing Set – Playground Outfitters
Bipod Swing Sets – Commercial Playground Equipment – APC
The Bipod Swing Set is suitable for children 2 to 12 years old and good for heavy use and harsh weather conditions, making it a good choice for a swing set for the school playground. This galvanized steel swing set is built for durability and is customizable.
The Bipod Swing Set is a low-maintenance set with a classic design ideal for school playgrounds.
METAL SWING SET
Metal Swing Sets & Swing Set Kits – Commercial Grade Playsets
Metal Swing Sets | Arch Post Swings | Pro Playgrounds
Metal Swing Sets for Kids | Home Playground Play Equipment
Metal swing sets are solid, durable, heavy-duty metal that withstand heavy use and weather exposure. This rust-resistant swing set is made from galvanized ductile iron swing hangers with oil-impregnated bearings.
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Gorilla Playsets Sun Valley II Swing Set
https://youtu.be/ikyjU4ZAG5o?si=slbE7yqG6_aibf1l
Sun Valley Swing Set | Gorilla Playsets
Gorilla Playsets Sun Valley II Swing Set & Reviews | Wayfair
Sun Valley Deluxe Swing Set | Gorilla Playsets
The Sun Valley Swing Set has a deluxe green vinyl canopy by gorilla playsets, built with monkey bars, a rock climbing wall, and a rope ladder perfect for children’s physical and active play. One swing set with other activities to get busy on.
This eco-friendly set offers children a wide range of play options, making it a good choice for schools.
Arch Swing Set
SportsPlay Heavy Duty Arch Swing Set – Kingdom Playground
Value Arch Post Swing | 581602 | SportsPlay
The Arch Swing Sets have different seat choices and a heavy-duty design, ensuring long-lasting fun and safety in the school playground. This swing set is a low-maintenance swing set that has a self-lubricating swing hanger. The arch swing set is galvanized and powder-coated to prevent rusting.
This affordable and low-maintenance model makes it a good choice for schools.
JUNGLE GYM WITH SWING SET
Swing Set Accessory Module by ActivPlay
Skywalker Sports Modular Jungle Gym with Accessories
The Jungle Gym with Swing Set is made with weather-resistant steel, providing a framework for children to climb and swing that helps the children develop upper body strength and flexibility.
This swing set promotes team play, encouraging active and imaginative play together with multiple users, making it perfect for school playgrounds for them to develop teamwork skills.
C. CHECKLIST TO CONSIDER IN BUYING SWING SETS FOR SCHOOL PLAYGROUND
Safety
When looking for a swing set, it must pass the ASTM and CPSC(Consumer Product Safety Commission) safety standards to reduce the risk of injury and make it fun and safe for everyone.
Capacity
When choosing a swing set for a school playground, one thing to consider is the capacity of the student population during break time. A playground with a small space can choose multiple play swing sets to reduce waiting time for taking turns.
Durability
Choosing swing sets that are weather- and rust-resistant and can support the equipment’s stability and longevity is essential. Treated wood or powder-coated materials are the best choice for equipment that can last long.
Multiple Play
Swing sets with various play are best for school playgrounds like slides, climbing walls, jungle gyms, and trapeze bars. These multi-functional play sets maximize the school playground offerings with a limited space.
Installation and Maintenance
Some swing sets are easy to install, but having them installed by a professional makes them safer and longer-lasting. Classic-designed swing sets are generally low maintenance but need more frequent checks to maintain the safety and durability of the play sets.
D. MAINTAINANCE AND SAFETY
Conduct weekly inspections and monthly checks.
Look for any signs of wear, rusting, or frays on chains and cables
Check for cracks, loose bolts, and missing parts for seats and hardware. Plastic and rubber seats can crack over time and must be replaced if damaged.
Ensure that the swing hangers and fasteners are attached tightly and securely, essential to support the weight and movements.
Inspect any signs of bending, rusting, or structural issues for the overall frame.
Lubricate all moving parts and metal joints to reduce friction and squeaking, and use non-toxic materials to avoid rusting and ensure safety for the children.
Rust can weaken the structure; using rust-proof paint can keep the swing set safe.
Powder-coated or galvanized steel swing sets must be checked frequently, and coating must be re-applied if necessary to protect them from corrosion.
Inspect the safety surfacing under and around the swing sets to see if it is evenly spread, attached, and with the required depth.
Clean regularly using non-toxic cleaners, and sanitize the frequently touched parts to prevent illness from spreading.
Replace all worn and damaged parts to keep the safety and longevity of the swing sets.
Check the drainage to prevent water pooling that can lead to rusting of the swing sets and other play equipment.
During the cold season, remove the swing seat or cover to avoid exposure to snow and ice that can lead to cracking and rusting of the swing set.
Always follow and keep the maintenance records to monitor the safety and durability and identify the issues that must be fixed.
E. CONCLUSION
Choosing the best swing set for the school playground can be challenging, but seeing how it will benefit the students’ development and the smiling faces it can bring them throughout the school day is undoubtedly satisfying. An energized mind is an active and participating student inside the classroom.
Considering all the vital elements of choosing swing sets to check and proper safety and maintenance implementation can make the school playground a happy place for students and staff to enjoy.