DIY Backyard Playground
A backyard playground is an excellent investment for many homeowners. Not only does a playground provide a convenient and safe place for children to get exercise and fresh air, it can also add overall value to a home. Designing and installing a backyard playground does not have to be an overwhelming project. With thoughtful planning and the right approach, many homeowners can create a fun space for children and add value at the same time. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Shovel
- Rake
- Wheelbarrow
- Playground equipment (swing set, fort, sand box)
- Wrenches
- Screw drivers
- Socket set
- Pliers
- Limb pruners
- Mulch or sand
Instructions
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Select a location in your backyard for the playground. Choose an area that is either entirely or at least partially level. You will need some level ground, especially if you will be installing playground equipment such as a slide or a swing set.
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Level or grade the playground area by hand using landscaping tools such as a shovel or rake. Remove soil from areas that are elevated and fill in low-lying areas that might accumulate water from runoff. Also, fix any holes that could possibly cause an ankle or leg injury. Move any large amounts of dirt with a wheelbarrow.
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Remove any overhanging or extending tree limbs or branches that may interfere with a swing or other equipment you will be installing. Use a limb trimmer or pruners to cut limbs or branches back.
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Purchase a swing set, slide, fort, sand box or other equipment for the playground. Assemble the equipment--using wrenches, a socket set, screwdrivers and pliers--at or near the location where it will be installed to avoid moving it after assembly.
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Install all equipment far enough apart so that if a child should fall off he will not contact another piece of equipment or another child playing.
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Anchor the equipment in the ground with concrete, when possible. Dig holes that are large enough to accept support legs--as with swing sets--and add quickset concrete. Add water and allow the concrete to harden, then backfill with dirt to level the area around the support legs.
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Apply a coating of mulch or other shock-absorbing material to the entire play area. Rubber mulch is an excellent choice as it absorbs the impact from falls very well and it is a recycled product that helps reduce landfill space. Cover the entire area underneath and around all play equipment.
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Tips & Warnings
Refer any large leveling or grading work to a contractor with the equipment to properly do the job.
Many playground kits are available for purchase from playground specialty stores, sporting goods and big box stores. The kits may be assembled yourself, or onsite assembly may be available for a fee.
Consider adding a tire swing. A rope tied to a large-diameter tire and suspended from a limb is a tried-and-true favorite.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit at the playground image by Sherri Camp from Fotolia.com
