Your Partner in Play Equipment & Surfacing
The International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) is a non-profit trade association dedicated to supporting the play equipment and surfacing industry.
Our membership includes not only manufacturers of public play equipment and surfacing materials, but also consultants, suppliers, and other professionals connected to the industry.
Through IPEMA, members gain access to industry expertise, networking opportunities, and resources that help advance the value of play. We also offer a trusted product certification program for public play equipment and surfacing materials, helping ensure safety, quality, and confidence across the marketplace.
IPEMA’s Philosophy Is:
To represent and promote an open market for manufacturers of playground equipment and surfacing.
To represent and serve all manufacturers of the playground equipment industry.
To provide members with timely, in-depth information on issues affecting the industry.
To promote relationships with other related organizations to enhance the strength of the marketplace.
Core Values
IPEMA is committed to the following core values:
- Uphold consistency of compliance
- Demonstrate professionalism and integrity
IPEMA’s Mission
The mission of IPEMA is to serve as the voice for the public playground industry, communicate with and educate members and related audiences, and provide certification programs.
Third-Party Certification Program:
In the interest of public safety, IPEMA provides a product certification program for public play equipment and surfacing materials. The program validates a participant’s product(s) to one or more of the standards referenced here. TÜV SÜD America serves as the third-party validator for the program.
Voice of Play
IPEMA maintains an ongoing initiative to promote the benefits of children’s play and playgrounds and to provide information and resources to help us all improve the quality and quantity of children’s play and playgrounds. A website, www.voiceofplay.org, is sponsored by the International Play Equipment Manufacturers (IPEMA), and is for parents, kids, community groups, school principals, boards, teachers and administrators; parks and recreation professionals; playground designers and equipment manufacturers – along with everyone who cares about kids and play! Some highlights of this site include information about physical, social, emotional and cognitive benefits of play; playground certification and standards; a resource kit for parents; and an area to ask questions to our play experts.