Playground Amenities That Help Lease-Up New Multifamily and Build-to-Rent Communities
Higher interest rates and rising costs in maintenance and home ownership have made renting a desirable and family-friendly option. Renting provides greater flexibility and doesn’t tie down a family to one particular home for one reason or another. Families who plan to have more children in the years to come have the option of finding a place that suits their needs now, while saving up for their dream home. By renting, families have a more accurate depiction of their monthly housing costs, knowing that they won’t be responsible for unexpected leaks, broken appliances, and other irregular maintenance fees.
For housing developers and property managers, it’s all about finding the right renters for your properties. You want families that are responsible and reliable. You also want them to have positive renting experiences in the past, showing no signs of disrespectful behavior or unprofessional actions. At the same time, you may be feeling pressure during certain points of the year to fill vacant properties. When this happens, you’ll want to boast about your on-site amenities to showcase your property’s desirable features.
Swimming pools, gyms, and community rooms are just a few options that tenants look for when selecting a rental home community. For families, playgrounds are a major appeal. An on-site playground allows them the freedom to walk their children to a play area. It also highlights that other families with similar-aged kids are also in the neighborhood. This can make meeting others easier for parents and their children. It also promotes a healthy lifestyle, keeping residents happy and offering them a chance to socialize with one another regularly.
But what kind of playground features are the most attractive to potential renters? Here are just a few playground amenities that can help lease-up new multifamily and build-to-rent communities.
Well-Maintained, Inclusive Equipment
To start, parents will want to see that the commercial playground equipment is durable, commercial-grade, and well-maintained. A dilapidated, forgotten swingset isn’t going to attract the types of renters that you’ll want for your multifamily or build-to-rent community. Rather, families will want to see that there are different play zones with age-appropriate equipment.
Those with toddlers will be looking out for sensory panels and low-to-the-ground areas such as sandboxes. Those with slightly older children will want to see challenging rope swings, tiered slides, merry-go-round spinners, and more to engage their children. Unique features such as climbing domes or interactive panels can also be very appealing to parents and kids alike.
The playground should also be inclusive, meaning parents of children in wheelchairs should also be able to access the equipment. Ramps, adaptive swings, and interactive panels can go a long way in terms of making the family feel welcome.
Strategic Construction and Design
To ensure that the playground is a key selling feature to future renters, the space itself should be considered before construction. If the community wants to attract families, it shouldn’t be an afterthought. Having the playground in a centralized area, such as in the middle of the rental community or at the front of the entrance to the community, reiterates that families live and thrive here.
Of course, proximity and accessibility should also be top of mind. If the complex has other community amenities, such as swimming pools, gyms, and BBQ grills, consider placing it nearby. This creates a social hub for the community, fostering an area where neighbors can gather organically and regularly. A dad can be grilling steaks for dinner while watching their child on the swingset and chatting with other parents, too.
A centralized location also means that the area is walkable from the rental units. Convenience really is key, and having the playground on the outskirts of the community may only make it harder for families to use it. Keep the playground away from high-traffic roads and streets, and make sure it is fenced in. This keeps children safe while they play and also protects the space from others outside of the community from entering. The playground should also be well-lit, ensuring that kids are visible during the evening hours.
Additional Ideas
Any rental complex can put in a playground, but the key is making yours feel unique to the neighborhood. Themed playgrounds can bring a neighborhood to life, incorporating imaginative elements to really make it stand out. Brightly colored designs with interactive features is another way to create a showstopping play area.
If you want the playground to match the aesthetic of the community, you can also look into natural play spaces. Bringing in nature — such as tree stumps, rocks, and flowers — can create a desirable space for families while also blending it into the environment.
And as any parent will tell you, having a shaded area with a few picnic benches can do wonders as well! Incorporating these elements creates a space that the entire family will enjoy, protecting them from the sun while supervising their little ones during play.
Final Takeaways
Adding a fun, engaging playground to your multifamily or build-to-rent community complex is an excellent way to attract families to rent your units. With increased competition, property managers can draw in tenants who will foster a positive and happy community.
