Step 1: Initial Consultation
- Contact Latta’s
- Reach out to Latta’s through phone at 304 523 8400 or email at info@lattas.com to set up an initial consultation.
- Prepare to provide information about your organization, project location, and any preliminary ideas or needs. This will help Latta’s team understand your vision and specific requirements.
- Project Scope Definition
- During the consultation, discuss the following:
- Target Age Group: Specify if the playground will serve toddlers, children, teenagers, or a mix, as Latta’s offers age-appropriate installations.
- Type of Location: Mention whether it’s a school, park, church, daycare, hospital, or another community area.
- Budget: Provide a rough idea of your budget range to help Latta’s team guide you to suitable options.
- During the consultation, discuss the following:
- Site Assessment
- Latta’s will conduct a site assessment, either in person or virtually, depending on location. They serve West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky within a reasonable distance of Huntington, WV, including areas like Charleston, Ashland, Lexington, and Columbus.
- Measurements and Layout: They will measure the available space and assess the site conditions to ensure a safe and optimal installation.
Step 2: Design and Planning
- Design Customization
- After the site assessment, Latta’s will work with you to develop a design concept that matches your vision and needs. They specialize in custom play areas with features that cater to the specific target age group and site environment.
- Equipment Options: Choose from various options, such as slides, swings, climbing structures, and interactive play elements. Latta’s can incorporate outdoor musical instruments and durable, weather-resistant furniture for seating areas.
- Safety and Compliance
- Latta’s will ensure that the playground design adheres to all safety standards, including ASTM and CPSC guidelines. They focus on providing safe, durable play surfaces, like rubber or wood mulch, to reduce injury risks.
- Play Surface Selection
- Rubber Mulch: This option provides excellent cushioning and is often chosen for high-traffic areas or where low maintenance is desired.
- Wood Mulch: This is an economical option that also provides a soft surface but may require more frequent maintenance.
- Latta’s team can advise on the best choice based on your playground’s expected usage, age group, and budget.
- Review and Approval
- Latta’s will provide you with a detailed design plan, including a layout of equipment, safety zones, and selected play surfaces.
- Review the design thoroughly, provide feedback, and make any necessary adjustments. Latta’s will revise the plan until you’re completely satisfied.
Step 3: Budgeting and Proposal
- Comprehensive Proposal
- Latta’s will send a detailed proposal that outlines all costs, including equipment, surfaces, installation labor, and optional add-ons like outdoor seating or additional landscaping.
- Timeline Estimate: The proposal will include an estimated timeline for equipment sourcing, delivery, and installation based on current schedules and seasonal considerations.
- Approval and Contract
- Once you approve the proposal, Latta’s will draft a contract that finalizes the scope of work, cost breakdown, and timeline. Carefully review the contract terms, especially the timeline and payment structure.
Step 4: Installation Preparation
- Permits and Approvals
- Ensure you have any necessary local permits or approvals. Latta’s can advise on this process if you’re unfamiliar with playground installation requirements in your area.
- Site Preparation
- Latta’s installation team may need to clear the site or level the ground before installation. This can include removing old equipment or preparing the soil for the selected surface material.
- Scheduling: Coordinate with Latta’s to finalize the installation date, ensuring that any pre-installation tasks are completed in advance.
Step 5: Installation
- Professional Installation Crew
- Latta’s professional crew, experienced in playground and furnishings installation, will manage the entire installation process, including equipment assembly, secure anchoring, and surface material application.
- They will install each piece according to the safety guidelines, ensuring each structure is properly spaced and firmly grounded.
- Safety Surface Installation
- The chosen play surface (rubber or wood mulch) will be installed once the equipment is in place. The crew will distribute the material evenly and to the required depth for safety compliance.
- Accessibility Considerations: If your project includes ADA-compliant paths or accessible play areas, Latta’s team will ensure these are correctly implemented.
- Final Inspection
- The crew will perform a final inspection, checking all equipment for stability, safety surface depth, and overall adherence to safety standards. You or a representative should be present for this final walkthrough to ensure everything meets your expectations.
Step 6: Post-Installation and Maintenance
- Initial Usage and Safety Check
- Allow a period for any minor adjustments that might be needed as the playground settles. Latta’s team can advise on common adjustments, especially regarding the play surface and high-traffic areas.
- Regular Maintenance Plan
- Latta’s can provide guidance on routine maintenance, including tips for maintaining mulch levels, cleaning equipment, and inspecting play structures for wear and tear.
- Consider scheduling regular checks, especially if the playground is in a high-traffic area, to ensure long-term safety and durability.
- Community Feedback and Adjustments
- After the playground is in use, gather feedback from users or parents on equipment suitability and areas for improvement. Latta’s can assist in any follow-up adjustments or expansions if needed.
Step 7: Contact Latta’s for Future Needs
- Ongoing Support
- Should you need further additions, upgrades, or repairs, Latta’s is available to support long-term playground maintenance. They also offer options to expand the playground if community needs grow or budgets allow.
Latta’s streamlined process, from consultation to installation, ensures your playground is safe, enjoyable, and customized to your community’s needs. Following these steps helps you achieve a successful playground installation and a space that fosters play, learning, and community interaction.
Ready to build a custom playground? Contact Latta’s today to get started! Call 304-523-8400 or email info@lattas.com for a consultation.