Custom vs. Modular Playgrounds: Making the Right Choice for Your Community

Every playground project starts with a question: What kind of space best serves your community? Some sites call for speed and simplicity, while others need a creative, built-from-scratch design. Garrett Parks & Play helps communities across the Mountain West design playgrounds that match their goals, timelines, and space needs.

In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between custom vs modular playgrounds so you can choose the best fit for your site, timeline, and long-term goals.

What Is a Custom Playground?

A custom playground is built from the ground up to reflect your specific goals, space, and community identity. The design process often includes collaboration between planners, designers, and community stakeholders. Everything from the layout and color scheme to the themes, surfacing, and play features is tailored to fit your vision.

Custom playgrounds are ideal for locations with unique terrain, specific accessibility needs, or a desire for a standout design that will serve as a landmark or destination. These projects allow for creative expression and thoughtful integration with the surrounding environment.

They’re also especially well-suited for nontraditional spaces, such as sloped areas, narrow zones, or parks that share space with other amenities. A custom approach makes the most of your site while enhancing flow and usability.

What Is a Modular Playground?

A modular playground uses pre-designed components that can be arranged in various configurations. These systems are ready to order, easy to install, and adaptable to many standard layouts. They often include traditional elements like slides, climbers, bridges, and swings.

Modular playgrounds are a wise choice when time or budget is limited. They still offer variety and quality, and many systems meet safety and accessibility standards. While they may not allow for the same level of customization as a fully bespoke design, they provide a reliable and efficient solution for many public and private spaces.

They’re also ideal for phased development. Many communities start with a central play structure and expand it later, adding new features as space and funding allow.

Custom vs Modular Playgrounds: How to Decide

The best choice depends on your priorities.

A custom playground makes sense when the space is complex, the design is part of a broader theme or branding effort, or the playground will serve as a signature feature for the site. Custom designs offer more flexibility regarding accessibility goals, unique color schemes, or integration with natural features.

A modular playground is often the right fit when timelines are short, resources are limited, or the project needs to be replicated across multiple locations. Modular systems are also easier to scale, making them well-suited for gradual buildouts over time.

Decision-Making Checklist

Use these questions to help guide your planning process:

• Are you working with a limited timeline or a fast-approaching installation date?

• Does the site have a straightforward layout with minimal design challenges?

• Will you need the flexibility to expand in the future?
  → You may want to consider a modular playground.

• Does your project involve unique branding, themes, or long-term planning?

• Is the site uneven, narrow, or shared with other park features?

• Are you aiming to create a visual anchor or destination play space?
  → A custom playground could be a better fit.

Other Factors to Consider

A few additional details can help guide your final decision between custom vs modular playgrounds:

Maintenance Needs

Modular parts are generally easier to replace if damaged or worn out. However, custom playgrounds, especially those designed with unique features, may require specialty components or professional repair services.

Site Conditions

Custom designs adapt more easily to challenging layouts, uneven ground, or multi-use spaces. Modular systems work best on flat, open sites with minimal grading or landscaping needs.

Future Growth

Modular playgrounds are often designed to expand over time, making them ideal for phased development. Custom builds typically follow a comprehensive plan that anticipates future needs.

Community Vision

Custom design can bring that vision to life if your playground is part of a larger park plan, branding effort, or destination space. Modular systems support functionality but offer fewer storytelling or theming options.

Finding the Right Fit with Garrett Parks & Play

At Garrett Parks & Play, we help schools, municipalities, and developers across Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana choose between custom and modular playgrounds based on real project goals and insights gained from experience. We take time to understand your needs, review your site, and recommend options that balance creativity, usability, and long-term value.

Whether you need a simple modular setup or a one-of-a-kind custom design, we’re here to guide the process from concept through installation.

Let’s Bring Your Playground Project into Focus

Choosing between custom vs modular playgrounds comes down to more than aesthetics or features—it’s about what fits your project’s timeline, space, and goals. A modular design may offer flexibility and speed, while a custom build can transform your site into something unique.

At Garrett Parks & Play, we bring both options to life with insight, precision, and a focus on long-term value. Whether starting from scratch or expanding an existing site, we’re here to help you make confident, informed decisions.

Let’s build a playground that’s as unique as the community it serves. Contact Garrett Parks & Play today to get started.