Space for play is an essential part of any healthy community. Play parks provide safe spaces for children to make friendships, explore their creativity and the world around them, and develop their bodies. Play parks can also be wonderful community gathering spaces and provide opportunities for parents to meet. For many communities around the world, a lack of funds prevents them from building play parks. We’ve put together some of our favorite DIY play park structures any community around the world can build using only local tools, materials, and skills. Check it out!
This extra large concrete and tile slide is perfect for a public play park because it is extremely durable and long-lasting. It also can accommodate several children at once, making it perfect for heavily trafficked spaces. Build this slide into a large hill and you’ll eliminate the need for a ladder!
Click here to get the step-by-step instructions to build your own Big Tile Slide.
Sandpits are wonderful play park elements! They promote open-ended creative, and social play and are great, tactile experiences for younger kids. This design includes a sand and water table made from tire treads. Add in small shovels, scoops, buckets and funnels to make your sandpit even better!
Click here to get the step-by-step instructions to build your own Tire Sandpit Combo.
3. Maze Mini
This tire maze structure is perfect for a large play park space. The structure creates both climbing structures and smaller, enclosed cubby areas perfect for sitting and chatting with friends or playing out make-believe scenes. Try using the maze to divide energy zones in the play park by butting the maze in between active play elements (like a slide) and more quiet areas (like a playhouse or sandpit.)
Click here to get the step-by-step instructions to build your own Maze Mini.
4. Tunnel Tire
The Tunnel Tire is a super simple play park tunnel made from a few truck tires and a handful of bolts. This element is perfect for younger kids–they can crawl over it and through it and test their balance and climbing skills while still staying low to the ground. This element is a great addition to a sandpit, which can give the climbers a soft space to fall on.
Click here to get the step-by-step instructions to build your own Tunnel Tire.
The Pyramid Truck Tire is another easy to build climbing structure made from truck tires and bolts. Try putting this element up on a hill to add extra height and a safe dose of risky play! The Pyramid Truck Tire is a great play park addition as it is extremely low maintenance. Just remember to check the bolts periodically and tighten any loose connections.
Click here to get the step-by-step instructions to build your own Pyramid Truck Tire.
Looking for more DIY playground designs? Check out the full Playground Ideas Design Library, with over 150 playground element designs that can be built using only local tools, materials, and labor.
