No two sites are identical — the natural and man-made elements of your location can strongly influence your playground's design. A thorough site analysis, conducted with the help of a professional, will contribute to a more economical installation, greater user satisfaction, better aesthetics and lower maintenance costs. Consider these factors:

Man-made elements

• Utilities: It's easy to avoid building your playground under power and telephone lines. Buried utilities may not be so obvious. Check with your city's engineering department for water and sewer locations, then call electric, gas, telephone and cable TV providers before drawing up your plans.

• Circulation and access: Give careful thought to parking, ease of access, pedestrian and bicycle paths, site furnishings, and rest rooms. Provide adequate security in the form of emergency telephones, ease of adult supervision and visibility from the street.

Natural elements

• Topography: The slope or topography of your site is the most critical element you'll need to consider. Even a site that looks level may have significant elevation changes that will affect drainage, and it is important that surface water drains away from your playground.

• Soil: Soil conditions will influence the stability and drainage of your playground. It pays to understand the four basic soil types: sandy, clay, loam and peat, or "high organic matter" soils.

  At your site, soil acidity, stability and drainage may put special demands on equipment. A landscape architect or Landscape Structures representative can provide guidance on soil-related issues and drainage.

• Vegetation: Existing vegetation can enhance a play area by providing shade and a more aesthetically pleasing environment. Yet certain varieties of trees and shrubs may be less desirable than others because of falling fruit, thorns, poisonous leaves, or low resistance to construction stresses and transplanting. Consult a landscape architect or nursery representative before you plant any trees or shrubs.

• Climate and natural forces: Prevailing winds, temperature norms, seasonal sun angles and precipitation can affect the orientation and lifespan of your playground equipment. Consider your natural surroundings when deciding on the orientation of your equipment. Also keep in mind that flood-prone sites will increase maintenance costs while limiting "playable" days.