If there’s one thing kids will always give you for free, it’s feedback—whether you asked for it or not. Adults, on the other hand, require a little more planning. That’s why hosting a feedback session for playground designs should not be that one meeting everyone dreads to participate in; it’s supposed to be an opportunity to create a space the whole community feels invested in.
At AAA State of Play, turning raw reactions into a polished, community-loved playground is our specialty, and a well-run community playground design feedbacksession is one of the smartest steps you can take to get there. Done well, it ensures your project not only fits the budget but also reflects the community’s vision. Here’s how to host a feedback session that actually works and avoids the pitfalls of aimless chatter or one-sided decision-making.
A feedback session without direction can quickly turn into a brainstorming free-for-all. While creativity is welcome, structure is key.
Start by defining what you want to learn. Are you choosing between two playground layouts? Seeking input on materials or color schemes? Trying to understand how to make the space more inclusive?
Once your goals are clear, share them with attendees ahead of time. This helps participants come prepared and keeps the conversation focused.
Pro Tip from AAA State of Play:
Use visual aids like renderings or 3D models to guide the discussion. People respond better to visuals than vague descriptions, and it helps them visualize the final product.
The success of your feedback session hinges on who’s in the room. Aim for a diverse mix of voices, including:
At AAA State of Play, we encourage involving children in age-appropriate ways. Simple drawing activities or interactive voting can help them express what they want in a play space.
Don’t Forget:
Send invitations well in advance and offer multiple ways to participate—virtual sessions, surveys, or follow-up emails—for those who can’t attend in person.
Feedback sessions should feel like a safe space where every voice matters. That starts with how you set up the room and how you facilitate the discussion.
Here’s how to foster open dialogue:
Consider accessibility from the start. Provide materials in multiple languages, offer sign language interpretation if needed, and ensure the venue is ADA-compliant.
At AAA State of Play, we believe that inclusive design begins with inclusive conversation. If someone can’t access the feedback session, they’re less likely to benefit from the final playground.
Nothing derails a feedback session faster than confusion or chaos. A structured agenda keeps momentum going, but flexibility ensures participants feel their contributions matter.
Start by setting the scene—share visuals, sketches, or even 3D renderings of the proposed playground. People respond much better to tangible images than abstract descriptions. Then, move into guided discussions based on your goals.
For example, you might break down the agenda like this:
At AAA State of Play, we know that a good session isn’t about speed—it’s about flow. A flexible agenda makes space for creativity while keeping everyone on track toward actionable results.
Not all questions are created equal. To get meaningful feedback, you need to ask thoughtful, open-ended questions that invite creativity and honesty.
Here are a few examples to get the conversation flowing:
Avoid yes or no questions, and encourage participants to elaborate. Use follow-up prompts like “Tell me more about that” or “Why is that important to you?”
The best insights often come from the quietest voices, so make space for everyone to contribute.
Collecting feedback is only half the battle. What you do with it next is what truly shapes the playground.
Assign a note-taker or record the session (with permission) to capture every idea. Then, categorize the feedback into themes such as safety, accessibility, aesthetics, play value, and the like.
From there, work with your playground designer to incorporate the most valuable and realistic suggestions into the final plan. Be transparent about what changes were made and why. This builds trust and shows the community that their input had a real impact.
What makes a playground design feedback session successful is not just the collection of multiple opinions. It is also the ability to effectively demonstrate and integrate the importance of everyone's voices in creating shared spaces and strengthening community bonds. When families see their suggestions reflected in the final playground, they become invested stakeholders who care for and protect their community asset.
At AAA State of Play, we’re experts at translating community feedback into actionable design improvements. Whether it’s adding more shade structures or rethinking surfacing for better accessibility, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life. Tap us today for more information!
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The founder and CEO of https://www.aaastateofplay.com/, Nic Breedlove has made waves in the commercial playground equipment industry. Nic’s passion for playgrounds and commitment to excellence has helped to make AAA what it is today. He enjoys sharing his keen insights into the playground world in an effort to make play easier and more accessible to all kids.
