When it comes to designing the perfect playground, there’s much more involved than just installing a few swings and slides. Communities today require thoughtfully designed play spaces that cater to different age groups, ensure safety, and offer opportunities for a wide range of development. That’s where LAPs, LEAPs, and NEAPs come into play.
As the leading playground company, we specialise in creating customised play areas that meet the unique needs of your community.
Below, we’ll explain what these playground types are and how we can help you design and implement them.
What Are LAPs, LEAPs, and NEAPs?
These acronyms represent different types of local playgrounds, each serving specific functions based on age groups, space, and play equipment. Let’s break down each one:
LAP – Local Area for Play
A Local Area for Play (LAP) is a small play area intended for very young children, typically under 6 years old. LAPs are located within a short distance of homes and offer a safe, open space for toddlers and young kids to enjoy informal play.
Key Features: A LAP may have minimal or no formal play equipment. Instead, it often includes natural features, low barriers, or sandpits to encourage imaginative and creative play. This area prioritises accessibility and safety, allowing parents to easily supervise.
How We Can Help: As experts in designing for young children, we create small, safe, and engaging environments perfect for early childhood development. We focus on using natural materials, low-level play elements, and sensory features that spark curiosity and social interaction in young children.
LEAP – Local Equipped Area for Play
A Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP) is a more structured play space designed for children aged 4 to 8 years. LEAPs are equipped with traditional play equipment like swings, slides, and climbing frames that encourage more active play. They are designed for communities that need something larger and more interactive than a LAP.
Key Features: LEAPs cover a larger area (around 400 square meters) and offer multiple types of play equipment to promote physical activity and group play. These spaces often include seating for caregivers and safety features like fencing.
How We Can Help: We offer customised LEAP designs that integrate exciting play equipment suited for a range of ages and abilities. Our focus is on creating robust, inclusive play structures that encourage physical development, socialisation, and imaginative play. Whether you want a traditional swing set or an innovative climbing frame, we’ve got you covered.
NEAP – Neighbourhood Equipped Area for Play
A Neighbourhood Equipped Area for Play (NEAP) is the largest type of playground and caters to children up to 14 years old. NEAPs are designed for more adventurous play and often include equipment like zip lines, multi-use games areas (MUGAs), and sports facilities. These spaces serve entire neighbourhoods, offering recreational opportunities for older children and teens.
Key Features: With around 1,000 square meters of space, NEAPs offer a wide variety of play activities, including sports areas, adventure trails, or even outdoor gym equipment. NEAPs also often feature picnic spots or rest areas for families and caregivers.
How We Can Help: We excel in large-scale playground designs that focus on active, independent play. Our designs for NEAPs include multi-functional areas that serve a diverse range of age groups, from school-age children to teenagers. From durable play equipment to sports courts and trails, we help communities build vibrant play spaces that foster fitness, adventure, and connection.
Why Choose Us for Your Playground Project?
At The Playground Company, we don’t just design playgrounds - we create spaces where children thrive, communities gather, and memories are made. Here’s how we can help bring your vision to life:
1. Custom Playground Design
No two communities are the same, which is why we take the time to understand your specific needs and goals. Whether you're designing a small LAP or a large NEAP, our expert team will work with you to create a tailored design that meets the needs of your community.
2. Inclusive Play for All Ages
We understand the importance of inclusivity. Our playgrounds are designed to be accessible to children of all abilities, ensuring that no child is left out. We use a combination of equipment and natural play features that stimulate all senses and encourage interaction, exploration, and creativity.
3. Safety First
Safety is at the core of all our designs. We ensure that all our play areas meet stringent safety standards. Our materials are durable, eco-friendly, and designed to minimise risks, offering peace of mind to parents and caregivers.
4. Sustainability
We’re committed to sustainability. Many of our playgrounds incorporate environmentally friendly materials and use natural landscaping to minimise their impact on the environment. From eco-friendly surfacing to sustainably sourced wood, we ensure that your playground is as green as it is fun.
5. End-to-End Project Support
From initial design consultation to final installation, we offer complete project management. We handle everything - planning, equipment sourcing, installation, and post-installation inspection - so you can focus on enjoying the new play space with your community.
Ready to Create the Perfect Playground?
Whether you're looking to build a small neighbourhood LAP or a NEAP that serves multiple communities, The Playground Company is here to help. Our team of experts are passionate about designing play spaces that are safe, inclusive, and full of fun.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can bring your playground vision to life!
Ready to transform your community with a state-of-the-art playground? Reach out to us now for a free consultation and let’s start building something amazing.
0800 9755 648
