Direct Answer
Most playground projects take 3-6 months from first conversation to children playing. A small childcare playground might complete in 2-3 months, while complex school or community projects can take 9-12 months. The key variables are project complexity, council approvals, and construction scope.
Small 2-3 months total
Medium 4-6 months total
Large 6-12 months total
Typical Project Phases
Phase 1: Discovery and Briefing (1-2 weeks)
- Initial consultation and site visit
- Understanding your vision, needs, and constraints
- Budget discussion and scope definition
- Preliminary feasibility assessment
Phase 2: Concept Design (2-4 weeks)
- Site analysis and measurements
- Concept development and visualisation
- Stakeholder consultation (educators, children, families)
- Concept refinement based on feedback
- Preliminary cost estimate
Phase 3: Detailed Design (2-6 weeks)
- Technical drawings and specifications
- Material selections and finishes
- Compliance review (AS 4685, AS 4422)
- Final cost confirmation
- Council submission preparation (if required)
Phase 4: Approvals (0-12 weeks)
This phase varies significantly depending on requirements:
- No council approval needed: 0 weeks (like-for-like replacement)
- Minor works approval: 2-4 weeks
- Full development application: 6-12 weeks
- Complex sites: May require additional assessments
Phase 5: Construction (4-16 weeks)
- Small playground: 4-6 weeks
- Medium playground: 6-10 weeks
- Large playground: 10-16+ weeks
Includes site preparation, equipment installation, surfacing, landscaping, and finishing.
Phase 6: Certification and Handover (1-2 weeks)
- Independent playground inspection and certification
- Documentation handover
- Maintenance guidance and training
- Defects liability period begins
Factors That Affect Timeline
Things That Add Time
- Council approvals: Full DA can add months
- Custom fabrication: Bespoke elements need manufacturing time
- Site challenges: Slopes, drainage, access issues
- Weather: Wet seasons affect earthworks and landscaping
- Material lead times: Some equipment has long delivery windows
- Decision delays: Slow approvals from your end
Things That Save Time
- Clear brief: Knowing what you want upfront
- Decisive stakeholders: Quick feedback and approvals
- Simple site: Flat, accessible, no existing structures
- Standard equipment: Off-the-shelf items ship faster
- No council approval: Like-for-like or exempt works
Timeline by Project Type
Childcare Playground Refresh
Replacing equipment, updating surfacing, minor landscaping
- Design: 2-3 weeks
- Approvals: Usually exempt
- Build: 3-4 weeks
- Total: 6-8 weeks
New Childcare Playground
Complete outdoor area for new or renovated centre
- Design: 4-6 weeks
- Approvals: 4-8 weeks (often part of centre approval)
- Build: 6-8 weeks
- Total: 3-5 months
School Playground Upgrade
Significant new play area for primary or secondary school
- Design: 6-8 weeks
- Approvals: 4-8 weeks
- Build: 8-12 weeks
- Total: 5-7 months
Large Community Playground
Major destination playground with multiple zones
- Design: 8-16 weeks
- Approvals: 8-12 weeks
- Build: 12-20 weeks
- Total: 8-12 months
Planning Tips
- Start early: Begin planning 6+ months before you want to open
- Consider school holidays: Construction during breaks minimises disruption
- Budget for contingency: Unexpected delays happen—build buffer
- Communicate with families: Set realistic expectations early
- Check approval requirements: Before committing to timeline
Key Takeaways
- Most projects take 3-6 months from start to finish
- Council approvals are often the biggest timeline variable
- Custom elements take longer than catalogue equipment
- Weather and site conditions affect construction timing
- Clear decisions from your team help keep projects on track
- Start planning early - 6+ months before you want to open
- Build in buffer for unexpected delays
Ready to Start Planning?
We can give you a realistic timeline for your specific project. Book a free discovery call to discuss your playground vision.
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