Residential playground equipment is not meant for commercial use. And yet, cities, schools, and daycare centers sometimes purchase and install it so they can save money. While installing residential instead of commercial playground equipment may seem like a reasonable solution at first glance, it would most likely be a big mistake. Unfortunately, attempting to save money on inferior equipment could potentially lead to increased costs down the road.

When you compare commercial and residential playground equipment side-by-side, there are some notable differences. The materials and manufacturing techniques used in commercial pieces are usually of much higher quality than those used in residential pieces. Plus, residential playgrounds frequently offer fewer choices in their size, configuration, and color palettes. If you're still considering going with the cheaper option, here's why installing residential playground equipment may not be the best investment. 

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Safety Guidelines for Commercial Playground Equipment Vs. Residential

When it comes to safety, you don't want to take your chances with residential playground equipment. It usually only meets residential federal safety guidelines, which tend to be laxer than regulations governing public playgrounds. Commercial playground equipment is a huge step above its residential counterparts when it comes to overall safety.

Playgrounds manufactured for schools, parks, and other public areas can accommodate many users. Residential options, on the other hand, usually have fewer users at a single time. Therefore, allowing many children to play at once on a residential playground can pose a major safety concern and liability. Review federal public playground safety guidelines to make sure the playground you install is fully compliant.

Material Quality of Commercial Playground Equipment

In general, manufacturers design and produce commercial equipment using stronger and more durable materials. Since public playgrounds are often used by many local children, they must be built to withstand frequent, rough use. For this reason, commercial playground equipment is typically made with materials like commercial-grade metal, thick rotomolded plastic, and galvanized PVC-finished steel decks. These materials are more expensive than the typical materials used in residential playsets.

Residential playgrounds are often constructed with less durable materials that are easier to afford. They may contain pressure-treated common lumber, thin-walled metal tubes, thin rotomolded plastic, and nylon rope. These materials can potentially last for years, but they aren't as durable as commercial-grade playground materials. Additionally, manufacturers often construct the swings in residential play sets with small gauge chains. Commercial swing chains tend to be thicker and much more durable.

Size of the Playground Equipment

Size is another big difference between most commercial and residential playgrounds. Commercial playgrounds must be capable of accommodating many children at once. Whether located on public school grounds or neighborhood parks, commercial playgrounds often attract large groups of kids at a time. They may contain various features or areas that appeal to children of various age groups, as well.

Residential playgrounds usually don't need to serve more than a few children at a time. Plus, they generally fit in standard backyards, which often aren't very big. Therefore, they tend to be much smaller than their commercial-sized counterparts. Residential playsets are also often targeted to a specific age group. They may not accommodate children within different age ranges.

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Long-Term Price

Commercial playground equipment can be costly, which is why some organizations may choose to cut costs by installing residential equipment instead. But it's important to think about the long-term implications of your investment. Commercial options can withstand the elements, rough use, and years of regular play. Therefore, they are, generally speaking, a wiser long-term investment.

Residential options may have a more appealing sticker price, but they can cost you more in the long run. Due to their lower-quality materials and construction, they tend to require more expensive maintenance and may need to have parts replaced frequently. These costs can result in a higher long-term cost for a lower-quality product. As with most things in life, you tend to ''get what you pay for'' in terms of playground equipment.

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Variety

If you're looking for a wide variety of playground types, sizes, and themes, you can't beat commercial playsets. They can fit a wide variety of interests and budgets. This playground equipment often come in a range of fun colors and themes. It's also fairly easy to find commercial play pieces that come with optimal accessibility in mind. This is an important feature to consider when you're trying to accommodate children with special needs.

Residential playsets are almost always made for smaller spaces and individual families. So, they tend to come in limited price ranges and configurations. It may be hard to find residential play equipment that matches the varied interests of a diverse group of children. Plus, you may not be able to get equipment that matches the color palette you want for a particular space. Additionally, most residential options aren't large enough to fill up a public play area.

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The natural health and wellness industry has witnessed a remarkable shift over the past decade. Consumers have become more knowledgeable and selective about the supplements they choose, for example. Moreover, as the industry has become increasingly saturated with new products, the role of public relations (PR) has grown exponentially.

One brand that has successfully leveraged PR to stand out is Vivazen, a natural pain relief supplement. This post explores how Vivazen has utilized public relations to build a strong presence in the competitive supplement market and what other brands can learn from its approach.

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The Importance of PR for Supplement Brands

In the crowded world of supplements, simply having a good product isn't enough to guarantee success. In order to gain a competitive edge, brands need to invest in effective public relations strategies. What’s more, these strategies must elevate their product, educate their audience, and build trust. PR helps supplement brands create visibility, control their messaging, and manage their reputation. All of these things are essential for long-term growth.

Vivazen, for example, has made a strategic investment in PR to build a solid reputation and communicate its brand's mission of offering natural, effective pain relief alternatives to consumers. Through educational campaigns and media outreach, as well as strategic partnerships, the brand has positioned itself as a leader in the natural supplement space.

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What Works in Supplement Public Relations: Vivazen's Approach

1. Authentic Messaging and Storytelling

At the core of Vivazen's health and wellness PR strategy is authentic storytelling. Public relations professionals understand that consumers today are looking for transparency, especially when it comes to health products. Vivazen therefore focuses on telling the story behind its product and its ingredients-showing customers the care and research that goes into every bottle. This transparency builds trust and fosters a deeper connection with consumers.

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2. Media Outreach and Expert Opinions

Media coverage is vital for supplement brands looking to establish credibility. By securing placements in trusted health and wellness outlets, Vivazen has been able to reach a broader audience and provide them with valuable information about the product. Additionally, expert endorsements from health professionals further bolster the brand's credibility.

3. Leveraging Influencers for Greater Public Relations Reach

Influencer marketing has proven to be a game-changer for many supplement brands. To this end, Vivazen strategically partners with health-conscious influencers to amplify its message and reach a wider audience. These influencers serve as credible voices for the brand, offering real-world testimonials that resonate with potential customers.

The Future of Public Relations in the Supplement Industry

Public relations will continue to play an integral role in the growth and success of supplement brands. As consumers become more discerning and seek transparency, brands like Vivazen will lead the way in demonstrating how PR can be used not only to increase visibility but also to build trust, educate consumers, and establish long-term relationships. Indeed, other supplement brands can look to Vivazen's successful PR campaigns as a blueprint for navigating this competitive space and achieving sustainable growth.

Featured image by webincline via Pixabay

About the Author

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Ronn Torossian is the founder and chairman of 5W Public Relations, one of the largest independently owned PR firms in the United States. Since founding 5WPR in 2003, he has led the company’s growth, with the agency earning accolades, including being named a Top 50 Global PR Agency by PRovoke Media, a top three NYC PR agency by O’Dwyers, one of Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplaces, and multiple American Business Awards, including a Stevie Award for PR Agency of the Year.

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