Play. Passion. People.

At American Play Systems, we are passionate about creating safe, fun, and engaging outdoor spaces for children and communities across Arizona. From commercial playgrounds and recreational areas to shade structures, site furnishings, and safety surfacing, we deliver complete solutions designed to inspire play and enhance every environment.

Our Story
In August 2023, Maria and Matt Smith took the helm of American Play Systems, bringing fresh expertise and a personal passion for play. Living in Marana, AZ, and raising their two sons, they understand firsthand the importance of safe, high-quality play spaces for children.

Our Commitment
We are committed to quality, safety, and innovation. Our team includes Certified Playground Safety Inspectors (CPSI), who oversee every installation and can provide formal safety inspections. By partnering with trusted manufacturers like Rainbow Play Systems and Superior Recreational Products, and Shade ‘N Net we ensure that every project meets the highest standards of durability, safety, and design.

Our Mission

Our mission is to inspire joy and foster growth through innovative playground solutions. We are dedicated to crafting safe, inclusive, and imaginative play environments that enhance the well-being of communities worldwide. With a commitment to quality, creativity, and sustainability, we strive to empower children to explore, learn, and thrive in dynamic outdoor spaces.

Whether it’s a school, park, municipality, or private organization, American Play Systems brings expertise, care, and creativity to every project—helping communities across Arizona create spaces where children can learn, grow, and play safely.

What Makes Us Fun

See what our clients have to say about the playgrounds and spaces we create!

  • American Play Systems has been absolutely amazing to work with! Maria and her team went above and beyond when helping us find the right playground for our church. They were extremely responsive and took time to address all our questions and were extremely patient with us as we went through different options with them. We have also used them for our sunshades and both experiences have been awesome. They are amazing to work with! If you are in need of a new play system or sunshade look no further, you have found the best!

    Mindy Ruffe

    The Bridge Christian Church – Tucson, AZ

  • We had a wonderful experience working with Maria on our infant and toddler playground. She helped us choose the right equipment, handled the pour-in-place surface and turf, and coordinated seamlessly with other vendors on-site. Communication was excellent! We have peace of mind knowing our youngest children have a beautifully designed safe space to play. I would highly recommend them.

    Jacqui Schlosser, Executive Director

    Ascension Lutheran Church and School – Tucson, AZ

  • It has been a pleasure working with American Play Systems (APS). Maria Smith was wonderful to work with, and the APS team consistently collaborated with us to meet project needs. As a general contractor, we are always seeking opportunities to build strong partnerships with our subcontractors, and APS has proven to be exactly that.
    We have worked with American Play Systems on several multi-housing projects requiring play systems, benches, and shade structures. Throughout the course of construction, APS consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to quality workmanship. Their communication was always clear, proactive, and timely, ensuring that all parties remained informed and aligned with project goals and schedules.
    What truly sets APS apart is their team-oriented approach. They became a true partner in the process, contributing to project success and consistently exceeding our expectations. We highly value the relationship we’ve built with APS and would not hesitate to partner with them again on future projects. They are a reliable, skilled, and honest company that sets a high standard within the industry.

    Cesar P. Ahumada

    Canyon Building and Design – Tucson, AZ

  • We embarked on big project at our school which entailed the complete transformation of the play area for our elementary students.  We re-imagined this large space and relied on the expertise of Maria Smith at American Play Systems to guide us through the process.  Maria was incredibly patient, responsive, and prompt from the first conversation, when it was only a concept to the last day where she ensured the project was done to our complete satisfaction.  The play equipment is the focal point of this transformation, and our students are elated at what we dreamed up with American Play Systems.  I would use American Play Systems time and time again and would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for any sized project. 

    Kittren Johnson

    Valley Christian Schools – Phoenix, AZ