This biz was created to revamp M’sian playgrounds, now its clients include Legoland & Gamuda

Playgrounds. They’re everywhere around us, ingrained into our childhood memories, existing as a centrepiece for many parks and recreational spaces.

But have you ever thought about who’s actually designing and manufacturing these equipment?

One Malaysian company that has been doing so for three decades is Park Games Equipment.

They (see)-saw an opportunity

Park Games Equipment was founded back in 1995 by Veronica and Roger.

Veronica came from a finance background, while Roger brought with him an expertise in construction.

The idea for the business emerged during one of Veronica’s trips to Europe. She noticed the beautiful, innovative playgrounds there and realised the stark contrast with the outdated, often unsafe playgrounds Malaysia had at the time.

“Determined to make a difference, she started Park Games to create safe, engaging play spaces that would enrich communities and inspire creativity in children,” the team shared with Vulcan Post.

To do so, quality is key. Over the past three decades, this commitment to quality is something that runs through every level of the company, from management to the welders on the production floor.

This dedication, the team believes, has naturally attracted clients who value the same, helping Park Games Equipment build a strong reputation in the industry.

Climbing the ladder  

Sharing the above story is Eugene Tan, who is currently at the helm of Park Games Equipment as the CEO.

Born and raised in Petaling Jaya, Eugene’s bachelor’s degree is in Chemical Engineering, obtained from Monash University in Clayton, Australia.

He’s actually the son of Veronica, the founder.

“While it’s not entirely a family business, it has always felt personal to me because I’ve been surrounded by it since its early days,” he explained to Vulcan Post.

“Joining Park Games felt like a natural step after seeing the impact the company was making in creating safe, engaging spaces for children. What’s kept me here is the unique combination of challenge and reward—every project we complete brings communities together, and knowing that we’re building something meaningful is deeply fulfilling.”

He started out as a product engineer at Park Games, before eventually growing into the role of General Manager. In 2019, he became the CEO.

As his roles changed over the years, Eugene has certainly experienced a myriad of challenges and learning curves.

“As an engineer, you become adept at managing systems and processes, but as a leader, you shift to managing people,” he said.  

“I’ve learnt that it’s important to seek external sources of knowledge,” the CEO added. “Books are a great start, but mentorship and peer-to-peer learning, like through Vistage, have been invaluable to me. My advice? Never stop learning, build relationships, and stay adaptable. It’s about growing alongside your role.”

Through his journey, Eugene has now adopted a goal-oriented—he focuses on setting clear objectives, providing guidance, and then empowering his team to take ownership of their work.

He believes that this approach has created a culture of trust and accountability within the company, where people feel valued and motivated to excel.

Strong building blocks

Given their mission, it’s no surprise that Park Games Equipment takes R&D very seriously.  Their process combines market research, safety compliance, and hands-on experience.

“International trade fairs are a great source of inspiration, but I also make it a point to visit playgrounds whenever I travel—whether I’m alone or with family,” Eugene added. “Playgrounds are an experiential product, and firsthand observations often lead to the best ideas.”

But don’t mistake the company as one that just builds your average neighbourhood playground—though that part of the job is important, too.  

Their clients actually range from top property developers and landscape architects to international schools. Some notable projects include Legoland Malaysia, Gamuda Cove & Gardens Central Parks, and Tropicana Aman Central Park.

Most of the equipment they supply is manufactured in-house. The team prioritises sourcing materials locally whenever possible.

But beyond that, the homegrown company also represent international brands like Proludic from France.

They’ve also gotten into the export industry, boasting a strong presence in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and more recently, Australia.

Swinging into the future

Over the years, Eugene has noticed that playgrounds have evolved from standard, cookie-cutter designs to highly customised spaces.

Parents now expect safety, inclusivity, and unique experiences. At the same time, urbanisation has demanded more creative use of smaller spaces.

“We’ve adapted by enhancing our design capabilities, streamlining our manufacturing processes, and staying true to our core value of uncompromising quality,” Eugene said.

While the industry may sound niche, it’s also rather competitive. The CEO pointed out that globally, there’s a divide between high-quality, expensive European brands and lower-cost, lower-quality manufacturers from China.

However, Park Games Equipment has struck a niche balance by offering European-quality products at a reasonable price. Eugene believes this makes them the go-to choice for those seeking value without compromise.

To stay relevant and sustainable going forward, the CEO envisions the company expanding into complementary areas like outdoor fitness equipment, park furniture, and shade structures to create holistic community spaces.

The company also has “exciting developments” in the pipeline that Eugene plans reveal soon. “But let’s just say we aim to redefine how people experience recreational spaces.”

Because at the end of the day, Park Games Equipment isn’t just a business that designs and builds entertaining spaces for kids.   

As Eugene says. “Playgrounds are more than just spaces for children—they’re gathering points for entire communities. Parks often reflect the spirit of a neighbourhood.”

More than building playgrounds, the company is building grounds for community to thrive.

Featured Image Credit: Park Games Equipment