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Tips for Contractors and Architects When Specifying Commercial Trampolines for New School Building Projects

Designing a new school is about more than bricks, mortar, and classrooms. Outdoor play areas, sports facilities, and recreation zones play an equally vital role in child development. Increasingly, schools across Ireland are recognising the value of commercial trampolines in their playgrounds — not only as a source of joy, but as tools for physical education, social interaction, and wellbeing.

For architects and contractors, specifying trampolines requires more than simply choosing a model. It involves navigating safety standards, compliance requirements, installation logistics, and long-term durability. In this guide, we’ll share our top tips to help design teams deliver trampoline installations that are safe, inspiring, and future-proof.

1. Understand the Relevant Safety Standards

When it comes to public-use trampolines in Ireland, safety is paramount. The key standard is:

  • EN 1176 — The European Standard for Playground Equipment and Surfacing.

EN 1176 (and its associated parts) sets out general safety requirements, test methods, free space and fall-space requirements, and operator responsibilities. For trampolines specifically, this means ensuring:

  • The product is certified for public use (not just for domestic back gardens).

  • The surrounding area meets impact attenuation requirements under EN 1177 (surfacing).

  • Schools have access to clear installation, inspection, and maintenance instructions (EN 1176-7).

Tip: Always verify that the trampoline is documented as EN 1176 compliant. Domestic trampolines certified under EN 71-14 are not suitable for school projects.

2. Differentiate Between Domestic and Commercial-Grade Trampolines

Architects and contractors sometimes fall into the trap of assuming all trampolines are the same. In reality, commercial trampolines are engineered differently:

  • Stronger frames and welds — to withstand intensive daily use.

  • Thicker, UV-resistant padding — for safety and longevity.

  • Durable safety nets and entrances — designed for repeated use by large numbers of children.

  • Certifications for public settings — unlike domestic units, which are intended for occasional family use.

Using a domestic trampoline in a school project can create compliance issues, insurance risks, and early product failures.

3. Choose the Right Format for Your Project

Trampolines come in several formats, each with pros and cons for schools:

  • Above-ground (Regular) trampolines
    Easiest to install and supervise, with prominent safety nets. Suitable for most schoolyards.

  • InGround trampolines
    Installed level with the ground, offering easy access for younger pupils. Blend more seamlessly into landscaping.

  • FlatGround trampolines
    Fully flush with the ground and often chosen for modern, minimalist school designs. Require careful installation and drainage planning.

  • Rectangular or oval trampolines
    Offer more directional control and space efficiency — useful for structured PE lessons.

Tip: Consider the site’s supervision model. Primary schools often prefer InGround or FlatGround designs for accessibility, while secondary schools may opt for rectangular models for advanced use.

4. Plan for Impact-Attenuating Surfacing

Under EN 1177, the trampoline’s critical fall height (CFH) determines the type and depth of safety surfacing required. Common options include:

  • Synthetic grass systems with shock pads

  • Rubber mulch

  • Wet pour rubber

  • Loose-fill materials (though less common for schools due to maintenance demands)

Always obtain CFH data from the manufacturer and specify surfacing that is tested and certified to EN 1177.

5. Consider Placement and Supervision

Where you place the trampoline in the school grounds affects safety and usability:

  • Sightlines: Place trampolines in locations where staff can supervise easily.

  • Separation: Avoid locating trampolines too close to ball courts, bike racks, or hard structures.

  • Noise and disruption: Locate away from classrooms to minimise sound distractions.

  • Access control: Consider whether trampolines should be fenced or available during set hours.

Tip: Work with school leadership early to map supervision patterns — trampolines often become the most popular piece of play equipment onsite.

6. Prioritise Ease of Maintenance

Schools must operate trampolines for years after handover, so contractors should plan for longevity:

  • Provide a clear O&M manual aligned with EN 1176-7.

  • Ensure spare parts availability (pads, nets, springs).

  • Choose models with corrosion resistance for Ireland’s climate.

  • Specify warranties (frames, mats, nets) and make sure they’re documented in the handover pack.

The best installations are those that remain safe and functional with minimal intervention beyond routine inspections.

7. Document Inspections and Handover

EN 1176-7 requires an inspection and maintenance regime from day one. As part of project handover, ensure:

  • The school receives a post-installation inspection report (ideally by an independent certified inspector).

  • A logbook is provided for ongoing checks (daily/weekly visual, operational, annual independent).

  • Signage and safety rules are included and installed onsite.

This protects both the contractor and the school by demonstrating compliance and due diligence.

8. Budget Beyond the Initial Supply

When preparing budgets or tenders, consider the full lifecycle:

  • Installation costs — excavation, drainage, surfacing, and labour.

  • Surfacing costs — tested to EN 1177 for CFH compliance.

  • Inspection contracts — many schools outsource annual checks.

  • Replacement parts — plan for pads and nets after several years.

Being transparent about lifecycle costs helps schools budget responsibly and builds trust in the project team.

9. Select Trusted Manufacturers

For schools, only proven, commercial-grade trampolines should be considered. Brands like BERG offer Elite and Ultim ranges specifically tested for public use under EN 1176. These models combine:

  • Certified compliance for public use.

  • Performance features like AirFlow Pro mats and TwinSpring systems.

  • Durability to withstand daily use by hundreds of pupils.

  • Comprehensive warranties and spare parts support.

By specifying reputable brands, you protect the project against compliance failures and premature product issues.

10. Integrate Trampolines into Overall Design

Trampolines work best as part of a holistic play strategy. Architects should consider:

  • Zoning: Combining trampolines with climbing frames, swings, and quiet areas.

  • Flow: Creating circulation paths that prevent congestion around trampolines.

  • Aesthetics: InGround and FlatGround trampolines can be designed into landscaped courtyards.

  • Inclusivity: Consider access for children of different ages and abilities.

Trampolines are not just “add-ons” but integral to outdoor learning and wellbeing strategies.

11. Anticipate Insurance and Compliance Questions

School boards and insurers will ask:

  • Is the trampoline EN 1176 certified?

  • Does the surfacing meet EN 1177?

  • What is the inspection regime?

  • Are records kept?

By preparing documentation early, contractors can reassure stakeholders and avoid project delays.

12. Case Study: Why BERG Elite Is Popular in School Projects

Many schools in Ireland now choose BERG Elite trampolines. Why?

  • Tested to EN 1176 for public use — meeting the critical compliance requirement.

  • Durability — frames, springs, and mats built for long-term intensive use.

  • Flexibility of formats — Regular, InGround, FlatGround, rectangular Ultim models.

  • Performance — AirFlow Pro mats and TwinSpring technology provide safe, enjoyable bouncing.

  • Aftercare — access to replacement nets, pads, and parts over the product lifecycle.

For architects and contractors, specifying BERG simplifies the compliance conversation while delivering a high-quality experience for pupils.

13. Communicate with Stakeholders Early

The best trampoline installations are those aligned with the school’s educational vision. Engage stakeholders early:

  • School leadership: Understand their priorities (wellbeing, PE, SEN).

  • Teachers: Gather input on supervision and lesson use.

  • Parents: Address safety concerns in advance.

  • Pupils: Where appropriate, include student councils in playground design discussions.

This ensures the trampoline area is embraced rather than questioned.

14. Manage Expectations During Construction

Trampolines are often installed towards the end of a project. To avoid issues:

  • Protect trampoline pits from flooding during construction.

  • Ensure drainage is installed correctly for InGround/FlatGround models.

  • Keep trampolines off-limits until the surfacing and inspections are complete.

  • Provide clear handover training for staff.

These details prevent defects and build confidence in the final product.

15. Think Long-Term: Play Value Over Decades

Ultimately, trampolines are about play value. A well-specified, EN 1176-compliant trampoline:

  • Provides decades of safe, energetic play.

  • Enhances the school’s reputation for child-centred design.

  • Supports PE, wellbeing, and inclusion goals.

  • Represents a strong return on investment.

By following these tips, architects and contractors ensure their projects don’t just meet minimum requirements but create enduring legacies.

Conclusion

Commercial trampolines can transform a school playground from ordinary to exceptional. For architects and contractors, the key lies in specifying correctly from day one: choosing EN 1176-certified products, planning for surfacing and supervision, ensuring documentation, and selecting trusted manufacturers like BERG.

When these steps are followed, trampolines become a safe, durable, and joyful asset — delivering value to pupils, parents, and educators for years to come. At Trampolines Ireland, we specialise in helping contractors and architects navigate every stage of this process, from specification through to handover and aftercare.

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