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For a climbing element that stands on its own and is made entirely of tires, the "Pyramid Truck Tire" is great element for groups of children.

You can build a small pyramid with a handful of tires or if you have a lot of tires you can build a taller pyramid.

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own “Pyramid Truck Tire.”(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.

"Matatu" is a Swahili term that refers to mini buses; the most popular form of transportation throughout East Africa.

They are notorious for carrying loads far beyond the "Licensed to carry 14 passengers" motto branded on the side.

A playground "matatu" can be built from tires and steel or wood posts.

Mano Cordon built a similar, low to the ground version at a playground in Nicaragua.

Our second matatu design, the "Matatu Tu," is constructed with a low brick and concrete wall.

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own “Matatu"or "Matatu Tu."(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 "Elephant" is an imaginary play element first designed for a playground in northern Uganda, near to a game park home to many of these life-size creatures. Since our first attempt we've built elephants in several playgrounds in East Africa. There are many ways to adapt this element and add creative touches and personality to these animals. Ears can be made from car tire sidewalls or motorbike tires. Elephants are a great element for sandpits as their curved trunks make fantastic sand scoops.

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

This is another classic playground element. Like swings, children just love the motion of seesaws.

For any seesaw, it's important to add a bumper to prevent kids from crashing down too hard. There are many ways to create bumpers, but in our humble opinion, our tread loop bumpers are the best in the world. They allow for a soft landing when your mate jumps off the other end. They also stop little toes from being squashed. These bumpers can be retro fitted to pretty much any existing seesaw with bit of ingenuity.

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own “Seesaw Single.”(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.