FAQ

I’m thinking about doing this in my community. Any advice?

Yes. We‘ve compiled helpful hints for you from everyone from the General Coordinators to the Fundraising Coordinator to the Design Team. You can read their advice here.


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How much do Leathers & Associates designed playgrounds cost?

Project budgets for Leathers & Associates designed playgrounds range from $45,000 to $1,000,000. Completed projects are valued at two to three times their actual cost because they are built by volunteers. Possibility Playground cost around $450,000. A large portion of the playground is 100% handicap-accessible playground that will feature a poured rubber playground surface (easy for wheelchairs to navigate across), double-wide ramping, and plastic lumber (lower-maintenance, but higher cost). There will also be a maintenance fund.


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Why community built?

As hundreds of communities from across the country will testify, the benefits of community built go beyond the enormous cost savings. The community-built experience offers an opportunity for individuals to collectively give something back to their community, resulting in a beautifully crafted, unique expression of shared pride. Community built builds community.


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What materials are used to build the playground?

The playgrounds are built with a combination of plastic composite lumber and arsenic-free treated wood. The composite material, with the look and feel of wood, is used for most contact surfaces, such as decking and handrails.


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Why did you choose Leathers & Associates?

Leathers & Associates is the original community-built playground company with extensive experience and expertise in both playground design and the community-built process. It has designed and built playgrounds for more than 30 years (1,700 worldwide).


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How long did it take from Design Day to construction?

Timelines vary from project to project; our project took approximately 18 months with construction taking place September 16 – 21, 2008. We needed time to fund raise, recruit volunteers, and secure the necessary playground materials.


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Does the playground meet the latest safety standards & accessibility (ADA) guidelines?

Yes, the designs conform to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines, American Standards for Testing Materials (ASTM) and Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), all industry standards.


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How can a structure built by volunteers be safe and professional?

Leathers & Associates has been assisting communities with community-built projects for more than 30 years. Its construction system has been proven over time to be both safe and volunteer friendly. Additionally, Leathers’ volunteer-built structures are designed and constructed with strict adherence to all applicable nationally recognized playground safety standards and guidelines.


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Are donations and contributions to our playground fund tax deductible?

The project falls under an independent 501(c) 3 status.


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How long will the playground last?

With today’s materials & proper maintenance, Leathers’ playgrounds can last at least 25 years.


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What maintenance is involved?

All playgrounds require maintenance, and as with any playground, maintaining the safety surfacing is usually the largest and most important undertaking. A Long-Term-Care Packet assists in scheduling and identifying maintenance tasks. Leathers & Associate’s maintenance team is available for phone support throughout the life of our project. If you’re interested in helping maintain Possibility Playground, see our Volunteer Section.


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