FAQs: How to Choose a Playground Communication Board for Your Community
Implementing inclusive play is more than just a physical upgrade; it’s about ensuring every child has a voice. If you are a city planner, school administrator, or community advocate, you likely have technical questions about communication boards. This guide is designed to help you navigate the selection process on how to choose a playground communication board for your community.
What is the process to order a playground communication board?
- Please complete the Quote Request
- Within 24 hours you will receive a quote via email.
- When we receive a form of payment (PO, Credit card, etc). we will begin to process the order.
Why did I receive your W-9 with my quote?
- Our W-9 will be needed for school districts and some agencies to make
- Resources at Lakeshore Speech, LLC. a vendor.
- It is suggest the W-9 be forwarded to the Treasure’s Dept.
Where can I get a copy of your W-9?
Resources at Lakeshore Speech, LLC. complete W-9 form
What payment options are available?
- We accept Purchase Orders, Checks and all major credit cards
(a 3% credit card fee is applied).
Can the playground communication boards by customized?
- All communication boards printed on alluminum alloy (playground, pool, waterpark, etc.) are 100% customizable.
- There is a set-up fee for custom changes.
Do the playground communcition boards come in multiple languages?
- ALL of our communication boards can accommodate up to 4 langauges per cell.
- There is a set-up fee for the addition of languages other than English.
What symbol systems to you use?
- Resources at Lakeshore Speech, LLC. has licensing for Boardmaker© or SymbolStix© symbol systems.
What are the playground communication boards printed on and will they hold up in extreme weather conditions?
- All communicaiton boards are printed on MaxMetal alluminum compostie alloy.
- The heavy duty aluminum composite panel of MaxMetal will hold up in all weather conditions.
- Our Emotional Balance Boards and Clinic Communication Boards are available on corrugated plastic (Coroplast) and magnetic tile.
- Corrugated plastic and magnetic tiles can be used outside however indoor use is recommended.
Do you install the playground communication boards?
- Resources at Lakeshore Speech, LLC. does not install nor do we sell installation materials.
- We do provide installation suggestions
- We recommend consulting with your Building and Maitenance Dept.
How do I begin to get funding for a playground communication board?
- Please refer to our Funding Information
How to choose a playground communication board is a question we get asked frequently. These quick answers to some of the most frequently asked questions help most communities.
How to choose a playground communication board is a question we get asked frequently. These quick answers to some of the most frequently asked questions help most communities.
How to choose a playground communication board is a question we get asked frequently. These quick answers to some of the most frequently asked questions help most communities.
How to choose a playground communication board is a question we get asked frequently. These quick answers to some of the most frequently asked questions help most communities.
How to choose a playground communication board is a question we get asked frequently. These quick answers to some of the most frequently asked questions help most communities.
Selecting the Right Material for Your Environment
When researching how to choose a playground communication board, the first consideration is the environment. Unlike indoor clinic boards, playground boards must withstand UV rays, extreme temperatures, and heavy public use.
Why Choose Aluminum Composite for Public Parks?
For high-traffic, outdoor areas, we recommend our Aluminum Alloy boards. These are constructed from two sheets of aluminum with a solid polyethylene core, totaling a 3mm thickness.
Longevity: Estimated lifespan of 5+ years even in harsh coastal or northern climates.
Vandal Resistance: Our aluminum boards feature a protective finish that allows for the removal of most graffiti or permanent markers without damaging the underlying symbols.
Heat Management: While metal can get hot, our boards are finished with specialized coatings that help reflect sunlight, ensuring they remain comfortable to touch even in summer.
When to Select Coroplast or Magnetic Options?
- Coroplast (Corrugated Plastic): Best for indoor gyms or temporary “pop-up” inclusive events. It is lightweight, budget-friendly, and portable.
- Magnetic Tiles:Ideal for interactive “daily check-ins” in special education classrooms or therapy clinics where students can physically manipulate markers to show their choices.
Funding and Grant Opportunities
We frequently hear the question: “How do we fund these boards for our local park?” when groups begin to explore how to choose a playground communication boards.
Where to Look for Funding:
State and Local Grants: Many states have “Land and Water Conservation Funds” or “Recreation Grants” that prioritize neurodiversity and communication access.
Foundation Support: Organizations like the Flutie Foundation and Channing’s Joy offer specific grants for playground communication boards.
Service Clubs: Local Rotary, Kiwanis, and Lions Clubs are excellent partners for funding inclusive playground equipment as a gift to the community.