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Natural Playground Equipment Designer/Manufacturer

Green Business/ Green Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Natural Building Entrepreneurship: Natural Playground Equipment Designer/Manufacturer

Concerned parents are cautious of their children's play during recess at school as well as at the local park. You do not know what toxins might be used to create many of the playground toys and structures, nor do we always know the nature of the material being used to cushion their fall. There are drawbacks and advantages of every material that can be used in these areas, and we often overlook the greenness of these items in favor of cost. Finding solutions that are economical, safe for the planet and most importantly, safe for the children that play on them, is the job of the natural playground equipment designer.

What kind of skills or education do I need?

Education would require a degree in engineering. You must have a solid grasp of the load bearing weight of each structure, the safety features that must be in place and how to build each item for form, function and fun. It would also be greatly beneficial if you have knowledge of how children approach most equipment as well. Finally, you must know the characteristics and properties of each type of green material that you could be researching to build these structures, including examining the material for cost effectiveness.

Who is the target market?

Schools and municipal parks across the country will be looking for ways to upgrade their playground equipment and it is hoped that many of them will be looking for the best way to be ecologically aware in the process.

What is the market size or market potential?

The market could explode- do well in one location and the neighboring cities and schools will want your services.

What is the start up costs?

For this type of business, you should have the majority of the tools that you need as well as the graphing computer programs and other items to design the plans for the parks and playgrounds. Money for the materials would come as part of the bidding process.

What are the risks?

That first job will be the hardest. People tend not to hire people with no experience so do your best at your first job to demonstrate superior knowledge regarding ecology in parks and playgrounds. The more your talents show at first, the more business you will have in the long run.

Where can you start this business?

You can base the business from anywhere if you would like to, because your work site will change in response to your clients. You will likely travel from school to school and city to city creating green playgrounds for children.

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