As spring approaches, mom and dad are probably just as anxious to spend more time outside as the kids. Thankfully, creating a kid-friendly backyard playground doesn’t mean sacrificing your beautiful landscaping. Sarah Ristorcelli for NewHomeSource explains how you can have the best of both worlds.
Create a unified look by choosing materials that match other aspects of your landscape.
Kid-friendly backyards don’t have to be devoid of design.
As I’ve reviewed entries for landscape design awards programs over the years, what’s surprised and delighted me most is when designers find innovative ways to incorporate children’s play areas into gardens. The key is to consider the big picture as you plan a play area.
Ask yourself what is a realistic budget for this project. How long will the playground be useful? Can the playground be physically or visually connected to other parts of the backyard landscape? What are the most important safety considerations?
Your Options
Whether your budget dictates a ready-made play set or a custom designed and built installation, there are fun, attractive and durable options for you. Regardless if your play set is custom or store bought, consider materials that will match, not clash with, other aspects of your landscape.
California designer Kristen Rudger’s work on this San Carlos, Calif., backyard transformed the space from a small patch of dirt and a high retaining wall into an enjoyable entertaining space with terracing, a large deck, turf and a custom play structure. By matching the decking and play set material, the kid’s area doesn’t seem out of place.
A ready-made play set gives you plenty of options that save time and money.
Highly rated Gorilla Playsets offer a number of activities for younger children, though most kids older than 10 years old can enjoy the sets too. Because Gorilla’s line is reasonably priced, you won’t mind selling or disposing of it after your children outgrow it.
Tip: If you’re not into DIY, you can add assembly onto your order. Gorilla offers that service — not everyone does.
One benefit of ready-made play sets is that they require minimal maintenance.
Swing-n-Slide sets arrive in one box. If you’re looking for an economical solution to your playground needs, and don’t mind investing a weekend to put it together, the Prescott Wood Complete Play Set Kit is a great option.
Tip: Power wash a wooden play set in early spring each year and re-seal it with polyurethane. Also, check regularly for loose screws and wood-boring insects, which can weaken the structural integrity of the set.
Incorporate your landscape, including fencing, into play areas to create a continuous look.
If you’re installing custom play features into your landscape, you can incorporate them seamlessly, like a climbing wall built on the yard’s fence. Also, elements like this appeal to young teens, so they are a useful part of your yard for more than a few years.
Tip: When a feature is innovative and well made, it adds character and appeal and raises your home’s value.
You’re not limited to traditional options, so don’t be afraid to think outside the sandbox.
Traditional play sets include swings, a slide and some kind of climbing element. Before you accept that these are the best and only options, check out some of our other favorites. Not only are these play elements more exciting for kids, they can be incorporated into the landscape without eating up your precious space. Placing various play elements throughout the yard lessens the visual impact of one giant play structure.
Zip Line
Let your kids fly across the yard, clearing planting beds or grass. A zip line is big on excitement, but hardly takes up any space, leaving you room for growing your favorite plants. Zip line kits are fairly easy to install and can be as short as 35 feet, so you don’t need a huge yard to have one.
Trampoline
I cringe when I see a trampoline that isn’t surrounded by protective netting. But if the safety net is there, it’s a fantastic way for kids to spend their endless energy, practice gymnastics moves and strengthen their legs. It’s a workout for grownups, too, and is one of the few pieces of playground equipment that kids and parents can enjoy together. Trampolines can be installed flush to the ground if you dig a hole beneath it — that makes it less of a focal point.
Climbing Wall
Earlier we mentioned how you can transform an exterior wall of your house or garage into a climbing wall. Did you love the idea but were concerned about safety? Crash pads installed on the ground beneath will cushion inevitable falls. Building the wall costs less than $1,000 and will be a huge hit in the ’hood. Your teens will love it as much as your tweens do.
Safety Issues
If you’ve hired a designer, make sure they are in compliance with the Outdoor Home Playground Safety Handbook, which can be downloaded for free. The handbook offers clear guidelines for all aspects of home playground safety, from materials selection to safety surfaces to anchoring.
Article by Sarah Ristorcelli originally appeared on NewHomeSource.com.
