When it comes to backyard design, the children’s play area is one of the major focal points. This post will help you choose which style fits your individual needs the best. Will it be Traditional, Natural, Toddler, Do-It-Yourself or Fitness?
Design Style
Traditional: A basic play area is usually comprised of a swing set with a slide and possibly monkey bars. It is usually made of metal and is generally low to moderately priced. You can step up to a wooden or even vinyl play set. These can be very basic or come with many more options, such as a climbing wall or a covered deck. The price for these play sets are moderate to high.
Image My First Swing Set by Sportspower
Natural: The natural play area can be made from either wood, usually redwood, cedar, or pine, or heavy duty vinyl. These play sets are made to blend in with the natural elements. Prices are usually moderate to high, and options vary from the basic swing set slide combo to the deluxe versions with things like towers and tubes. Prices are going to be moderate to high for these.
Image 123RF.com Copyright : bisonov
You can also bring together elements from nature like fallen tree limbs and large boulders building a truly natural play area. The cost will usually be low but will involve other factors, such as the cost of tree removal if necessary. This type of playground fits into both the Natural and Do-It-Yourself categories.
Toddler: Toddler play areas are made from weather resistant plastic. You can get individual pieces, such as a slide and a playhouse and combine them to make up a play area. There are also complete play systems that have everything combined in one, like the Clubhouse Climber from Step2. Prices here will vary from low to high.
Image Clubhouse Climber by Step2
Do-It-Yourself: A DIY playground gives you the most options and offers the most customization. You can purchase playground kits to assemble yourself or find ones you love on sites like Pinterest and go crazy. But remember, Pinterest makes it look so easy and it rarely is.
Image Viewalongtheway.com
Fitness: Many people are skipping the swing set and going with a fitness course. Concentration is on a more physical play. There’s your traditional monkey bars as well as rope ladders, rock walls and balance beams. A DIY course will be on the lower side as far as cost, while the manufactured counterparts can be quite expensive.
Image Ninjawarriorblueprints.com
Things to Consider
Many playgrounds will improve your property value when you’re ready to move on. Having a playground already on site can help ease the transition to a new home for many small children.
Don’t forget to consider your playground surface. You don’t want a small fall to turn into a big injury. Choosing a ground cover like pea gravel or pine bark mulch will cushion falls and absorb shock. If at all possible, build a border around the playground to define the area and contain the surface material.
Got shade? Little kids don’t usually care if they are baking in the sun all day, but parents know better. Consider an area with at least partial shade and if that is not possible make sure your play set has some built in shade.
Starting out with a toddler playground is a great idea as long as you remember that your children will outgrow it in a few short years. You will need to change the playground to suit the age of the children. Factor in room for growth and how feasible changes will be to make. Will the whole thing have to come down and a new one built? Can parts be removed and replaced with more age appropriate items?
It’s always a wise idea to place the playground in an area where children can be easily supervised. Here are some simple ideas to make supervision easy. Have the playground in the direct line of site of the home. Arrange outdoor furniture so it faces the play area. Place a bench or other type of seating in the playground area for adults.
We previously touched on cost. Let’s take a closer look now. Face it, kids are expensive. Any manufactured item, if it’s of good quality is going to cost you. The saying ” You get what you pay for” is appropriate here.
U.S Average Cost for Wooden Play Set
| Playset | $857 to $5,000 |
| Installation/Labor | $200 to $900 |
| Supplies | approx. $25 |
Creativity is key. Don’t just rely on just a play structure. Add other elements to build a more complete playground. Consider making a small racetrack for cars or a construction site for trucks. How about painting some old tires and laying out an obstacle course.
According to the AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS, play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children. Some of the benefits to children of having a backyard playground include getting them outdoor more often, helping increase their physical activity level and build strength. Playgrounds help develop creativity and encourage exploration. It will enhance their sense of adventure and improve social skills.
Please take into consideration your ability to do-it-yourself. I have seen so many videos of people making it look easy. As I said earlier, it’s never as easy as it looks. Many projects require tools that only professionals usually have on hand. Don’t feel badly if you can’t make the princess castle your 5 year old wants. Take a realistic look at your ability and go from there.
It’s very important to take the size of your backyard into consideration as well as the size of your play area. As most parents know, it is very easy for the children’s things to take over any space. This includes your backyard. Think about the future needs of your yard. Will you want to add a pool or a garden one day. If the play area is too big you may have to sacrifice something else.
My Humble Opinion
Your children are going to spend a good deal of their young lives playing on the playground you provide for them. Safety, quality, and durability are so important. Never skimp on any of them when your children are concerned. My grandchildren are currently enjoying the playground we built for their parents over 15 years ago. The swings have been replaced and the awning has disappeared somewhere, but it was one of the best investments I made. I hope your children get as much joy from their playground as mine did.
This summer I plan to move it and remake using much of the knowledge I learned form writing this blog. I’ll add photos when it’s complete.