Blog

The "Sandpit Square" is another of our "No Excuses" elements: play features so cheap and easy that anyone can build them regardless of budget or skills available. The only tool required for this element is a knife. Cut the sidewalls off a handful of tires, arrange them in any formation to fit your space and fill with sand. This style of sandpit creates sand "pods" that give kids ownership over workspaces. They'll enjoy digging and building in individual tires or moving sand between spaces. Size of tires can be alternated to create levels within the space.

<img alt="DSC08520" "="" data-cke-saved-src="https://playgroundideas.org/sites/default/files/goplay/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/DSC08520.jpg" src="https://playgroundideas.org/sites/default/files/goplay/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/DSC08520.jpg">

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own “Sandpit Square.”(Note: must create a free user account to see full instructions.) Got an idea for a playground element?Join our community and submit your designs here.

The "Wide Slide" is a traditional steel slide that is wide enough to accommodate several children sliding down at once.

A safety tip on welded slides: the way sheet metal base is connected to sides is extremely important. The welding that connects the sheet mental to the sides must be strong and reinforced with other steel. The most common point of fracture on cheaply welded slides is in this angle. On welding that is not strong, the steel comes away from the side and forms a jagged hole kids can stick fingers into or get their clothing caught in as they are sliding down.

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own “Wide Slide.”(Note: must create a free user account to see full instructions.)

Got an idea for a playground element?Join our community and submit your designs here.

We've mentioned beforehow much we love hills. Every playground need a hill.

The "Earth Hill with Steps" is a great way to augment an existing hill, adding dimension and structure to an inclined landscape.

This feature is particularly well suited for toddlers and young children just learning to walk. The hill provides a challenge for their newly developing coordination, and the tire add support and stability. The "Earth Hill with Steps" can be used as a transition piece on a playground or the steps can be structured to lead to a slide or other playground element on the top of the hill.

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own “Earth Hill with Steps”(Note: must create a free user account to see full instructions.)

Got an idea for a playground element?Join our community and submit your designs here.