It’s never been a better time to be a kid experiencing the world of play. Today’s playgrounds are full of more creativity, color, and groundbreaking features than ever before. Climbing walls, musical instruments, tunnels, fitness equipment, sensory play panels – the list goes on!

At NeXXus Recreation, we’re seeing more and more communities across Western New York embrace these fresh and innovative ideas. To keep you in the loop, we’ve detailed some of the top commercial playground equipment trends we’re seeing pop up:

Themed Playgrounds

Playgrounds can be so much more than just a set of swings and slides. Themed commercial playground equipment is popping up everywhere, giving kids a chance to immerse themselves in a whole new world. Pirate ships, castles, rockets, farms; these imaginative designs turn playtime into an epic adventure. NeXXus partners with BCI Burke to offer themed playgrounds that bring tons of excitement and spark kids’ creativity like never before. There’s no better way to bring adventure to life! 

Inclusive Commercial Playground Equipment

Playgrounds should always be places where everyone – whether young or old, experiencing a disability or not, resident or visitor – can come together, unwind, and enjoy time outdoors with the community. This is precisely why inclusive commercial playground equipment is one of the fastest-growing and most important trends in Western New York and beyond. Features like wheelchair-accessible ramps, sensory panels, and adaptive swings make sure that everybody can join in on the fun and have the most fulfilling experience possible.

Fitness-Forward Fun

Kids need to move, and today’s playgrounds are answering the call by incorporating more fitness-forward commercial playground equipment. Climbing walls, obstacle courses, and agility tracks are all made to get kids active and engaged in healthy play. These setups encourage strength, balance, and coordination, while kids (and adults) think they’re just having fun! Fitness features are making exercise cool again, one climb at a time.

Outdoor Musical Instruments

You can never get enough music, and now you can bring it to the playground with outdoor musical instruments! These fun additions, like oversized drums, chimes, and xylophones, give kids a chance to explore sound and rhythm, and get their creative juices flowing in the great outdoors. It’s a wonderful way for kids to express themselves and have a little fun while they play. Best of all, these instruments are made to last through unpredictable weather like that of New York.

Shade & Shelter Structures

The sun is great for play, but only in doses. Kids and parents are often at risk for UV damage and hot commercial playground equipment surfaces when the sun is out in its full force. Shade and shelter are becoming must-have additions for playgrounds, as they help keep kids cool during summer days and offer a spot for families to relax. Since we experience a variety of weather fluctuations here in Western New York, having a shaded spot is a lifesaver when those scorching sunny days roll around. 

Playground Games

While playgrounds are great for exercise, they’re also home to mental stimulation. Playground games are a fun way to get kids moving and learning social skills while they play. Things like tic-tac-toe boards, hopscotch paths, and interactive game panels encourage teamwork, friendly competition, and loads of laughs. Adding a game element to your commercial playground equipment can make it all the more engaging for kids and keep them coming back for more.

Build Your Next Best Playground in Western New York with NeXXus Recreation 

The NeXXus Recreation vision is to create playgrounds that are as safe as they are fun. Trends in nearby communities demonstrate a focus on themed commercial playground equipment, inclusivity, and engaging features like music, fitness, and site amenities. We’re proud to serve our fellow community members in Western New York with everything you need to bring people together and promote fulfilling and unforgettable experiences.

Get in touch with our team now and start building memories!