Abstract: A ladder and attachment mechanism apparatus and methods are described herein. The apparatus preferably are of a modular design, and are especially useful for playground or similar equipment. Among other things, the apparatus and methods provide improved fabrication, construction, assembly, and ease of use in a variety of applications, and reduce manufacturing, inventory, shipping, assembly, and related costs. In one embodiment, the playground ladder includes a plurality of horizontal support members, a first lateral support member and a second lateral support member each having substantially the same size and shape and spaced apart from each other. Each lateral support member includes a plurality of corresponding sockets spaced along the length of opposite sides of each lateral support member thereby allowing the lateral support members to be interchangeable.