Dan's Papers - May 15, 2009 - Turn a Yard into a Play Area

Yards can add a lot to a home. A sprawling outdoor space can act as a weekend getaway of sorts, allowing homeowners the chance to go outside in the spring and summer sun and escape all of life's other distractions. For parents, a yard can be a great place to let kids play and enjoy themselves, all within viewing distance of Mom and Dad's watchful eyes. Take a trip to Herrick Park playground in East Hampton. Many of the smart playground building techniques used there can be applied to your backyard playground.

Though backyard playgrounds are not as common as they once were, that doesn't mean they're still not fun for kids. Of course, a backyard play area is only as fun as it is safe, so parents considering creating one for their kids should consider the following tips before getting started.

Think about the drainage patterns in your yard. Building a play area in a spot on the lawn that doesn't have proper drainage is asking for trouble. During winter, such areas are likely to have excessive ice, threatening kids' balance and possibly causing accidents. Even in warmer months, poor drainage could result in puddles after rains, attracting mosquitoes and other biting insects. Have fun with what you build and take into consideration goofy ideas. One playground item that has stood the test of time at the Springs School in East Hampton is a concrete slab of "Swiss cheese" that kids can climb through the holes on.

Try to build in a relatively shaded area. While it might not be possible to create the play area entirely in the shade, try to keep as much as possible out of the sun. This will protect kids from the sun, particularly during those hot summer afternoons when kids love being outdoors, but UV rays are at their most harmful.

However, it's important not to build in areas that are entirely concealed by trees so parents can still keep an eye on their kids.

Build your play area away from the patio or barbecue area. In addition to concrete sidewalks that can hurt children, you won't want kids playing anywhere near charcoal, starter fluid or propane tanks.

Think about installing a padded surface or sand around swingsets and jungle gyms. Both will help cushion kids when they fall. Recycled rubber pellets and even wood chips also work well, this is used at the wonderful outdoor playground at the Montauk Playhouse in Montauk. Kids and parents love it.