While children might be energetic and active enough to play on a playground for hours, often their parents or caregivers could use the rest. Hence, the importance of playground seating. Optimal outdoor seating at parks and playgrounds can make or break the experience for children and the adults who bring them there. 

 

Ready to enhance your current playground or build something new? This complete guide to playground seating is for you! We’ll explore the importance of playground seating, the most popular types, and other furniture and necessities you can add to enhance visitors’ time at your playground.

 

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about outdoor seating from the experts at Polly Products. 

The Importance of Playground Seating 

It’s not just kids at a playground; you should be looking to impress. It’s their parents or caregivers, too! Outdoor seating offers numerous benefits that go beyond simple comfort. It improves functionality, welcomes the community, and makes playgrounds more enjoyable for families.

To continue discussing the importance of playground seating, let’s examine the unique benefits park managers and recreation departments can receive. 

1. Enhanced Functionality

Seating is essential for nearly any event or gathering, and a trip to the playground is no different. Adding seating makes a playground more practical for visitors. Kids can take breaks from play, and parents have a spot to rest or gather belongings. 

2. Safe and Comfortable Supervision

A playground helps foster independent play with children and their peers. However, parents and caregivers must have a comfortable vantage point to monitor their activity. Benches placed strategically around playgrounds allow adults to supervise play without standing for long periods. Seating positioned with a clear view of the equipment can enhance safety and reduce anxiety for guardians.

3. Encouraging Longer Visits

Are you more apt to stay somewhere longer, where you have to stand on your feet? Or, a place where you have a comfortable seat? Put simply, the right playground seating will help encourage longer visits. 

Families are more likely to spend extended periods at a playground when they can access comfortable seating. A shaded bench or picnic table not only provides rest for the adults but also allows kids to rest and recharge, making it easier for them to enjoy multiple rounds of play.

4. Attracting More Visitors

There’s nothing like good word of mouth when it comes to park recommendations. Therefore, it should be no surprise that parks with the best outdoor seating will receive more recommendations and visits than others. 

Playgrounds with well-placed outdoor seating are more appealing to families and community groups. Comfortable seating options indicate the space’s thoughtful design, promoting increased visits and community involvement.

5. Fostering Community Connections

Of course, parks and playgrounds aren’t just places where kids can play. They’re pivotal in the community and bring its members together. Seating areas create opportunities for social interaction and allow for meetings with multiple groups or families.

Whether planned or unplanned, playground seating allows parents to chat while their children play, fostering a sense of community. Playgrounds frequently serve as social hubs, fostering the development and strengthening of relationships.

6. Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal

Last but certainly not least, outdoor seating can complement the playground’s design, adding visual appeal and creating a cohesive look. Benches and tables made from recycled materials, like those from Polly Products, add a touch of sustainability and style to any space.

Popular Outdoor Seating Options for Playgrounds

Polly Products offers a range of seating solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of playground visitors. Our team crafts each product from durable, recycled materials that are not only eco-friendly but also long-lasting.

So, what are some of the most popular outdoor seating options our clients select for playgrounds? Benches and picnic tables reign supreme! 

Benches

Benches are a versatile and essential component of any playground. They provide a place for parents, grandparents, and caregivers to sit while children play.

• Durability: Polly Products benches are made from recycled plastic, resistant to weather, rot, and insects. This ensures they remain in excellent condition year-round.
• Comfort and Style: Our benches are designed for comfort and are available in various styles to match any playground aesthetic.

Popular Options:

• Traditional park benches
• Backless benches for flexible seating
• Benches with armrests for added comfort

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are convenient places for families to gather, eat, and socialize. They are perfect for community events, birthday parties, and casual family outings.

• Variety of Sizes: Polly Products offers picnic tables in various sizes and designs to accommodate groups of different sizes.
• Child-Friendly Designs: Some tables feature child-sized seating to ensure everyone is comfortable.
• Weather-Resistant: Made from recycled plastic, these tables are easy to clean and can withstand the elements.

Popular Options:

• Standard picnic tables with attached benches
• Accessible picnic tables designed for individuals with mobility challenges
• Hexagonal or round tables for a unique look

At Polly Products, our collection of benches and picnic tables can be customized for children or adults to accommodate visitors to your park or playground further. 

Creative Ways to Use Outdoor Seating at Playgrounds

Playground seating doesn’t just offer a comfortable place to rest. It can serve multiple purposes, enhancing the overall playground experience for families and community members.

• Picnics and Family Gatherings: Playgrounds often become the go-to spot for family picnics and casual outings. Picnic tables allow families to enjoy meals together while spending time outdoors. Adding grills near picnic areas can further enhance these gatherings, making it simple to cook food on-site.
• Hosting Outdoor Parties: Playgrounds are popular venues for children’s birthday parties and community events. Picnic tables and benches provide a convenient place for food, gifts, and decorations. They also offer a comfortable spot for guests to sit and socialize.
• Rest & Recharge Stations: Active play can be tiring for kids. Benches around the playground allow children to take a break and recharge. Parents also appreciate having a place to sit while their children rest. We’ll delve deeper into this topic next, but strategically positioning trash cans, water fountains, or restrooms near the seating areas ensures guests’ comfort and enjoyment of the area. 
• Supervision Zones: Strategically placed seating allows parents and caregivers to supervise children easily. Benches positioned near play structures provide a clear view of the action, giving adults peace of mind.

More than Outdoor Seating: Additional Amenities 

Making your guests feel like they’re at a home away from home is crucial to encouraging longer visits and return visitors. In addition to outdoor seating, several other amenities can enhance the functionality and appeal of your playground. Let’s cover those next. 

Shade Structures

Shade structures provide relief from the sun, allowing families to enjoy the playground even on hot days. Place them over seating areas or play equipment to create cool, comfortable spaces.

Trash and Recycling Receptacles

Keeping the playground clean is essential for a pleasant experience. Trash and recycling bins placed strategically around the playground encourage visitors to dispose of waste properly, reducing litter and promoting environmental responsibility.

Bike Racks

Encouraging families to bike to the playground is a great way to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion. Providing secure bike racks gives visitors a safe place to park their bikes while they enjoy the playground.

Sanitizing Stations

Hygiene is more important than ever. Hand sanitizing stations placed near playground equipment and seating areas make it simple for visitors to clean their hands, promoting a healthier environment.

Grills

Grills add another layer of functionality to your playground, making it a destination for family cookouts and community barbecues. Durable, easy-to-clean grills are a great addition to picnic areas.

Why Choose Polly Products for Your Playground Seating Needs?

At Polly Products, we take pride in offering eco-friendly outdoor furniture that meets the highest quality and durability standards. Here’s why our products are the perfect choice for your playground:

• Sustainable Materials: We use recycled plastic to make all of our benches, tables, and other products, which reduces waste and conserves resources.
• Durability and Low Maintenance: Our furniture is designed to withstand the elements, requiring minimal upkeep.
• Community Focus: As a local U.S.-owned company, we support communities and create products that enhance public spaces.

Enhance Outdoor Seating with Polly Products

Outdoor seating is a simple yet powerful way to enhance the functionality and appeal of your playground. By investing in high-quality, eco-friendly seating and other amenities from Polly Products, you can create a welcoming space that families will enjoy for years to come.

Ready to upgrade your playground? Contact Polly Products today for a custom quote, or begin exploring our wide range of benches, picnic tables, and other site furnishings designed to elevate your outdoor space.