Fences for Church and School Playgrounds

Features

• Self-closing, self-latching gates
• Smooth tops
• Tight mesh or pickets
• Separate service gates

Related: Commercial fencing.

Planning with a facilities committee

Churches and schools often decide by committee. Helpful information to bring to that meeting includes a site drawing showing the fence line, gates and access routes; two or three material options with rough budgets; how emergency access and drop-off routes are handled; and any childcare licensing, insurance or accessibility requirements the organization must meet.

Gates that work for staff and safety

• Self-closing, self-latching hinges and latches on every gate into the play area
• Latches placed where adults can reach easily but small children can’t
• A separate, wider service gate for mowers and mulch deliveries, kept locked
• Accessible routes with appropriate gate widths and hardware

Materials that survive heavy use

Black vinyl-coated chain link is affordable, durable and nearly disappears against trees, which is why it’s common at Charlotte churches and schools. Commercial-grade aluminum looks more finished at a front entry or along a street. Wood is less common for playgrounds because it splinters and needs maintenance.

Shade and trees

Many church grounds in older Charlotte neighborhoods have large oaks. We plan post locations to avoid major roots and keep fences clear of trunks so trees stay healthy and playgrounds keep their shade.