Getting Started

Miracle® Recreation Getting Started Guide

Purchasing playground equipment is an exciting experience. It’s an investment that will benefit your whole community for many years to come. At Miracle Recreation, we can’t wait to help you create an innovative playground kids are sure to love. From thrilling playground equipment to financing options and exceptional customer service, Miracle Recreation has a lot to offer — so we put together this guide to help you get started. If you have any questions or concerns along the way, our representatives are always happy to assist you.

What Sets Miracle Recreation Apart

What Sets Miracle Recreation Apart

Our love for innovation blossomed over 90 years ago when our founder, Johnnie Ahrens, invented the groundbreaking Miracle Whirl. Ever since, we’ve been dedicated to creating and delivering safe, thrilling and revolutionary play equipment at the right price.

We are proud to share benefits with our customers such as:

  • Thrilling products kids can’t wait to use
  • Inclusive equipment for all ages and abilities
  • Partnerships with organizations like KaBOOM!
  • Knowledgeable and experienced representatives eager to help
  • Dedication to green practices

Visit our Why Miracle page to learn more about our mission.

Learn More About Us
How Do I Budget My Playground?

How Do I Budget My Playground?

The first step in building or renovating your playground is to figure out your playground budget. There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to playground budgeting. Generally, you’ll need to cover costs for the following items:

  • Playground equipment
  • Permits
  • Site preparation
  • Playground amenities
  • Surfacing materials
  • Equipment and materials shipment
  • Off-site storage for materials or tools
  • Playground and surfacing installation

Although a playground involves several expenses, there is plenty of help available to you. We offer a range of funding options and assistance to help you build a playground within your budget, such as:

  • FunRaising: When you participate in our FunRaising® program, you’ll have a personal FunRaising representative help you raise funds for your playground every step of the way.
  • Sourcewell: Sign up for free with Sourcewell, a national cooperative government partner, and let them handle the competitive bid process for you, saving you time and money.
  • Leasing: Lease equipment so you can start your playground project now and pay for it over time in convenient, affordable monthly payments.
  • KaBOOM!: Partner with KaBOOM! for multiple grant opportunities.
  • Special pricing: Because Miracle Recreation is a General Services Administration (GSA)-approved vendor, you can take advantage of special government pricing.
  • NCL Government Capital: Participate in a government financing program through NCL to finance new Miracle Recreation equipment.

Feeling overwhelmed by all the different funding options? Please feel free to ask a representative for help — that’s what we’re here for! You can also request a free quote to get started building the playground of your dreams today. We promise to provide an equal or better price than our competitors.

Request a Free Quote Learn More
Community Build

Community Build

Want to save even more money on your playground installation, while bringing community members closer together? Our Community Build options can help you do just that.

With a Community Build playground from Miracle Recreation, our team of professional installation supervisors provide the guidance for installing your playground, while your community provides the sweat! The end result is up to 30% total project savings, a faster installation time, and a rewarding opportunity for civic groups and neighbors to build stronger relationships. You can even plan a grand opening celebration once the build is complete!

Not sure if a Community Build is for you? Learn more about the money-saving program here.

Learn More
What Markets Do You Serve?

What Markets Do You Serve?

We understand different markets have different needs, and that’s why we are prepared to supply quality equipment for playground types of all shapes and sizes. We are pleased to serve a variety of markets, including the following:

  • Parks and recreation: Community park builders add a vital element to their community and should take into consideration factors such as available space, age groups, accessibility and equipment durability. We’ll help you choose playground equipment that is sure to attract families and kids to your park for years to come.
  • Schools: Schools need to create an inspiring environment where kids are eager to learn, develop important skills and enjoy exercise that is fun and challenging. Not all kids have playgrounds or safe outdoor spaces nearby, so going to school can be their prime time to play. We are thrilled to help schools build playgrounds that get kids excited to grow.
  • Churches: Kids can have plenty of fun at their place of worship and may even use the playground in faith-based activities. We’ll help you choose the best spot for your playground and the right equipment for your organization.
  • Daycares: Daycares must consider age-appropriate play areas and equipment that promotes development. We’ll help you pick the perfect pieces to keep both kids and parents smiling.
  • Landscape architects: If you’re a landscape architect, you likely have tons of original playground ideas but might struggle to find a design team you can trust to bring your vision to life. Look no further than Miracle Recreation. Our Custom Design Studio is ready to collaborate with you and make your project a success.
  • Urban: We enjoy helping builders create a safe place to play in urban communities while adding visual appeal to the hustle and bustle.

No matter where you need to build a public or commercial playground, we can’t wait to help you create a fun, adventurous space that will get kids jumping for joy. Contact a representative today to learn more about our equipment and services.

Request a Free Quote Learn More
Helpful Resources

Helpful Resources

A lot goes into building a playground, and it’s impossible to do without a little help from outside sources. You can start your journey with us by checking out our helpful resources, such as:

  • Color options: Explore our vibrant collection of color options to get your creative juices flowing.
  • Continuing education: To make the most out of your playground, from the design process to sensory development and more, we offer continuing education programs to professionals to help them better serve their communities.
  • Catalogs: Check out our Catalogs page to view our latest products and prices. On this page, you can also explore other valuable resources such as our Playground Grant Resource Guide or the Public Playground Safety Handbook.
  • Videos: Watch our equipment in action with a variety of videos showcasing some of our most inventive products.
  • Photos: Browse our photo gallery for inspiration and to see examples of our playgrounds in use. Get a close look at their colors, structures and opportunities for fun.

If you need more info, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our representatives.

Contact a Representative Learn More
Should I Choose Custom or Predesigned Play Equipment?

Should I Choose Custom or Predesigned Play Equipment?

At Miracle Recreation, the possibilities are as endless as your imagination. You have the option to design a custom playground or build a playground using predesigned play equipment. You can also add custom pieces to an existing playground for the best of both worlds. The choice is yours, and we’re here to help you make the right decision.

If you’re interested in building a one-of-a-kind playground, we can’t wait to work with you. Our talented Custom Design Studio of architects, engineers and designers have what it takes to make it happen. Contact a representative to learn more about our custom design process.

If you are looking for predesigned playground equipment at an unbeatable price and need a faster turnaround time for your project, you might opt to shop for our predesigned equipment. All of our play equipment is the product of imagination, innovation and understanding what kids love. We offer a variety of themed playgrounds from castles to pirate ships, to fulfill your vision.

Still not sure whether you want to pursue a custom playground or not? Reach out to us, and we’ll consider your ideas, budget and goals to determine the best option for you.

Contact Us Learn More
What Are the Differences Between Your Structure Types?

What Are the Differences Between Your Structure Types?

We have a range of structure types to choose from, and each one offers something unique. Our structure types include:

  • Extreme Generation (XGEN®): What kid wouldn’t love the chance to play high in the sky? Designed for ages 5 to 12, XGEN playground equipment invites kids to play and climb inside massive rope-course-inspired structures and slide from nearly 30-feet-tall towers. Available in a variety of electrifying colors, our XGEN play equipment brings the thrill back to playgrounds. Download the XGEN brochure to learn more.
  • Mega Tower®: Our Mega Tower structure climbs up to about 25 feet in the sky, providing some of the highest slide experiences around. Built for ages 5 to 12, the Mega Tower playground takes the look of traditional playgrounds to a new level.
  • Center Stage®: Our Center Stage playground equipment is designed around a center pedestal for clear sight lines all the way around. Perfect for schools, churches or daycares, Center Stage comes in varieties made for ages 2 to 12, 2 to 5, or 5 to 12.
  • Kids’ Choice®: Our Kids’ Choice playgrounds are innovative, eye-catching and extremely fun for kids. We have options for all age groups between 2 and 12.
  • Fitness Clusters: Designed for ages 5 to 12, our variety of Fitness Clusters make cardiovascular health and strength-building fun, exciting and irresistible. An excellent choice for schools, our Fitness Clusters show kids that being healthy is far from boring.
  • Tots’ Choice®: Our Tots’ Choice playgrounds are our most budget-friendly options, featuring impressive durability or innovation. A great choice for organizations that must be mindful of their budgets, Tots’ Choice playground equipment is available for age groups ranging from 2 to 12.
  • Toddlers’ Choice®: Specially designed for 2- to 5-year-olds, our Toddlers’ Choice playgrounds are ideal for daycares, churches and preschools and offer big fun for little ones.

To learn more about any of our structure types, please contact a representative today.

Contact a Representative Learn More
Specialty Products

Specialty Products

At Miracle Recreation, we also provide products to complete your new playground or boost the thrill level of an existing playground. Our specialty products include:

  • Freestanding equipment: Upgrade an existing playground with our exciting freestanding playground equipment. We offer unique climbers, spring rockers, slides, swings, fitness equipment and more to add a burst of color and energy to any playground.
  • Fitness equipment: Adults can also enjoy the creativity of Miracle Recreation with our standard adult fitness equipment or outdoor training system. We also offer youth fitness equipment to fit in spaces of any size.
  • Site amenities: Browse our easy-to-clean, durable outdoor furniture and other amenities and give your playground a unified look. From benches to bike racks, we have the perfect finishing touches for a complete playground.
  • Shade: Protect kids and equipment from damaging UV rays with one of our attractive, low-maintenance shade structures so kids can play comfortably for hours. To learn more, download a brochure or check out our color options.
Contact Us to Learn More
Inclusive Products

Inclusive Products

Every kid deserves to play, and an inclusive playground allows kids of all abilities to enjoy a safe, fun, interactive playground experience. We offer a range of products to transform a playground into an engaging, truly inclusive space. To build an inclusive playground, you need to consider the following:

  • Accessibility: All public playgrounds must be accessible. This means using ADA-approved routes so kids can enter and exit the playground easily and safely, and use ramps and transfer points to access equipment.
  • Equal opportunity: An inclusive playground includes equipment that all kids can use within the same area, so no one has to feel left out.
  • Variety: By offering a range of equipment, every kid gets to play in the way they like. We offer fun, stimulating sensory play equipment so kids can play, laugh and explore their senses.
  • Integration: An inclusive playground feels like a community where kids can easily move from one piece to the next.

Visit our Inclusive Products page to explore our accessible and inclusive slides, swings, musical equipment and other exciting pieces all kids will enjoy. Want custom inclusive playground equipment? Contact one of our representatives, and we’ll be happy to help you design the inclusive playground of your dreams.

Contact a Representative Learn More
Are Your Products Safe?

Are Your Products Safe?

At Miracle Recreation, we are committed to creating a safe, happy environment for all kids. We make sure our products meet or exceed standards established by ASTM International, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Canadian Standards Association.

Learn More
Do You Offer a Warranty?

Do You Offer a Warranty?

What's the Next Step?

What's the Next Step?

Are you ready to start building your dream playground today with Miracle Recreation? We’re excited to guide you through the entire process, from start to finish. A representative might ask you about the size of your land, the age range you want to build for and other information to help you plan your next move, so gather up your ideas and requirements before you call to make the experience even more hassle-free. You’re always welcome to call with any questions or concerns or to discuss your options.

Buying playground equipment is an exciting experience, and you’ll likely have plenty of questions along the way. That’s what we’re here for.

Contact Us Today to Discuss Your Playground Needs

If you’re looking for additional information on general playground planning, please visit our Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Playground. You can also contact us to get a quote.

Get a Quote