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The "Concrete Cubby" first came to life during Playground Ideas' early years on the Thai/Burma border. In that area, pre-made concrete rings were available in every hardware district for next to nothing. This element was designed to make use of this resource by crafting a stacked ring cubby house topped by a timber platform.

If you're building in an area where concrete rings are cheap and accessible, this is a great element option. If, however, you are not, apply the same practice this element was inspired from. Wherever in the world you are building, spend some time exploring the industrial areas, scrap metal yards, and hardware shops. Poke around, ask questions, and inquire prices. You never know what treasure you might find or the play masterpiece it may inspire.

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own “Cubby House Concrete."(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 "Caterpillar Bridge" is a flexible playground element. The bridge can be built in any length or shape.

While caterpillar bridge is a climbable element, it can also function as a tool to help organize the playground. As organizational equipment, it can be used to bridge between two or more different play elements, or it could be used to serve as a boundary of certain kind of play. Since the tire itself can be bouncy, this play equipment is recommended for older kids whose motor skills are more developed.

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own “Caterpillar Bridge."(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.

Did you catch ourpost yesterday on the “Maxi Tunnel with Tractor Circle Seat”?It’s a great design if you have lots of massive, tractor tires. But more often than not, you’re only able to get your hands on a few of these giants. If you are so lucky, consider the “Tractor Maxi Seat,” a simple design for a communal circle seat. Make two with one tire to double the element!

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

Marcus Veerman, Playground Ideas founder, was all set to begin a play space build in Davos, Philippines. The community had been consulted, design drafted, and materials ordered. They were just awaiting the arrival of 60 donated car tires before they could begin construction.

But when the load arrived, Marcus was met with a surprise. Instead of 60 car tires, 60 giant tractor tires were delivered.Overnight, the design was reworked around these monsters, and this is what resulted: the “Maxi Tunnel with Tractor Circle Seat.”

This new element turned out to be the centerpiece of the Davos playground. Children can squirm through the narrow openings of three tunnels that open up inside to cavernous hallways, large enough for a small child to fully stand up in. The tunnels meet in the middle, where the children can pop up onto a towering communal circle seat.

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own “Maxi Tunnel with Tractor Circle Seat.”(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.