At Recreation Plus, we believe the best playgrounds aren’t just fun—they’re transformative. They help children develop coordination, confidence, and problem-solving skills through graduated risk—the concept of providing safe, age-appropriate challenges that encourage kids to grow as they play.

Whether we’re designing playgrounds for schools, parks, churches, or HOAs across Colorado & Wyoming, our goal is to help every child experience success, independence, and the joy of overcoming a challenge.

What Is Graduated Risk?

Graduated risk refers to a play environment that offers increasing levels of challenge as children develop new skills. It’s about finding the sweet spot between too easy and too difficult.

Children naturally seek out challenge—it’s how they learn. A well-designed playground gives them the freedom to test limits safely and progress at their own pace.

Key Elements of Graduated Risk:

• Physical challenge: climbing higher, balancing farther, or navigating complex routes

• Cognitive challenge: problem-solving through play structures that require strategy or coordination

• Social challenge: learning teamwork, communication, and cooperation with others

Why Risk in Play Is Essential

Risk often sounds like something to avoid—but in play, it’s essential. When managed correctly, risk helps children:

• Build confidence and resilience

• Improve motor skills and spatial awareness

• Learn cause and effect through real experience

• Develop judgment and decision-making abilities

• Feel a sense of achievement when they master something new

By including a variety of graduated play experiences, we allow children to learn how to manage risk—an invaluable skill both on and off the playground.

Designing for All Ages and Abilities

At Recreation Plus, we design with progressive play in mind—offering pathways that allow children to grow from early exploration to advanced adventure.

Play for Toddlers (Ages 2–5)

• Lower platforms and gentle slides

• Cozy spaces for imaginative play

• Balance beams and sensory panels that encourage exploration

Play for School-Age Children (Ages 5–12)

• Taller climbers, rope nets, and overhead ladders

• Dynamic motion play like spinners and swings

• Opportunities for friendly competition and group play

Inclusive Design for All

We believe everyone deserves to experience play. That’s why our playgrounds include inclusive features such as ground-level activities, wide ramps, and sensory elements to ensure children of all abilities can participate and progress at their own comfort level.

The Role of Safety Surfacing

A key part of designing for graduated risk is providing impact-absorbing safety surfacing.
Our poured-in-place rubber, turf, or engineered wood fiber surfacing options meet ASTM safety standards and help ensure that falls—an expected part of active play—don’t result in serious injury.

Safe surfacing allows children to test their limits with confidence.

Designing Playgrounds That Grow With Kids

Every playground we design is a balance between excitement and safety. From the first step onto a balance beam to conquering the tallest climbing net, each moment of play builds skills, strength, and confidence.

Our design philosophy centers on:

• Progressive challenge for every age group

• Safe risk opportunities that encourage growth

• Durable, low-maintenance materials that stand up to years of play

• Thoughtful layouts that invite exploration and imagination

Partner With Experts in Playground Design

Ready to create a playground that inspires growth, confidence, and lifelong memories?

At Recreation Plus, we specialize in commercial playground design and installation throughout Colorado & Wyoming—helping schools, cities, and communities bring engaging, developmentally appropriate play spaces to life.

Let’s Build a Playground That Grows With Every Child.

Contact us today for a free site consultation or quote!