Set a budget for the playground project. Typical areas in the budget include the equipment, ground cover, edging and fencing. Labor is another possibility if you hire out part or all of the work to a contractor.
Identify the area for the preschool playground. Choose a location close to the building and away from a busy street for the highest degree of safety. Consider trees and other permanent fixtures that may cause safety hazards. Mark the area and take measurements of the length and width.
Select the playground equipment for the area. Choose playground pieces that fit preschool-aged children. Swings, low slides and climbing structures often fill preschool play areas.
Draw a sketch of the playground area. Add each piece of play equipment to the sketch. Make sure there is plenty of room around each piece of equipment.
Use spray paint to mark the outline of the playground area. Dig out the area to accommodate the ground cover. A ground cover depth of at least nine inches is recommended by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Mark the placement of each piece of equipment with a flag or wooden stake. Assess the layout to determine how well it flows. Evaluate the visibility of each piece of equipment. Make adjustments to the layout as necessary.
Install the equipment in the specified locations. Ensure proper installation of the equipment for the highest degree of safety.
Add the ground cover and edging. Choose a shock-absorbent ground cover such as mulch, pea gravel or sand. Fill the area with at least nine inches of the material. Add the selected edging to keep the ground cover in place.
Add a fence around the entire area for safety. A fence keeps the kids from running out of the play area. It also keeps strangers further away from the kids.