* A fence or courtyard may have to surround this area if you need to contain
your children.
* The play area often needs to be in sight from a window in the house, this
will enable you to keep an eye on the children.
* In areas where the children play ball games, the windows of the house
have to be considered.
* Keep in mind that the cost of the equipment must warrant its use. The
kids do grow up and their needs will change.
General Tips
Generally cost seems to be a major factor in the decision of the type of
material used for the play equipment. As children tend to loose interest
fairly quickly people are hesitant to spend too much money on this
equipment when they can take them down to the park. However if money
isnt a concern then there is a large variety of equipment to choose from.
Theres a lot of kits available in the treated pine material and they can
always be painted to look bright and cheerful.
For the toddler the plastic equipment is ideal as there is little chance of
them hurting themselves.
Plastic Play Equipment
Cubby houses, slides, sand pits and a whole lot more are now available
in plastic, which is ideal for toddlers and little kids.
The equipment is very colourful and attractive. It is also UV treated so it
wont go brittle.
It is easily installed and for the amount of fun the kids can get from it is
often very cost effective.
Timber Play Equipment
There is still a lot of equipment built from timber, usually treated pine,
from towers, to swing sets and a whole lot more.
Although the treated logs might not look as attractive as the metal counter
parts, they can always be painted. This will not only improve the look it will
also protect the wood from the weather.
Wood can often look more homely than metal or plastic and depending on
the rest of your landscape, may fit in better.
Maintenance
Check this equipment regularly as the kids may try to undo something if they think it can come undone. Hinges for swings have to be checked for their operation as well as the safety features on platforms etc. you can NEVER be to careful with all the aspects of maintenance on play equipment, the safety of your children is at stake.
Childrens Play Area
