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The "Maze Mini" was first built at a nursery school in Brazil. It is an excellent element for both hiding and climbing.

East African Playgrounds has also built the "Mini Maze" in Uganda.

In our latest design for a playground in Rwanda, we've drafted up plans to build a "Mini Maze" following an "imigongo design," a traditional Rwandan geometric pattern. We can't wait to see how it turns out.

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own “Mini Maze."(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 "bucket" style swing seat is a brilliant adaption to the traditional swing that allows infants and toddlers to swing safely.

Unfortunately, purchasing a manufactured bucket swing seat can be quite costly, particularly if it must be imported. Luckily enough, it's easy to hack-your-own baby swing using just tire tread, bolts, and a bit of welded steel. The photos below picture rope hangings, though chain is a more durable option.

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own "Bucket Seat Tire Toddler."(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 "Clock" is a simple version of a playground sundial. With this element, the "making of" can be just as enjoyable as the element itself. Teachers can incorporate building this structure as a part of a lesson on time-telling and the rhythms of the earth. Each hour the class can go outside to see where the shadow of the stick is cast and mark where the numbers should fall. By the end, they'll have created a playground element that integrates the playground with the outside world.

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own “Clock."(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 “Wonky Balance Plank is another element convenient to be built in different configurations and length to define the space of a playground. Check out “ZigZag Tires,” “Caterpillar Bridge,” “Crazy Caterpillar,”and “Balance Seesaw Hybrid” if you are looking for space defining play elements! You can also alternate truck and care tires for children to jump between different heights.For this play element, it’s important to add soft landing zone to protect children from hard fall.

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own “Wonky Balance Plank.”(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.

by Wenpei Wang