AboutBob Meihaus Expertise I can provide experienced answers, options, solutions and personal opinion on almost any topic concerning children`s playgrounds residential or commercial. Including questions on design, construction, maintenance, groundcover, accesiblity and most importantly safety.
Experience For 23 years owner of custom design and build playground company. Over that time designed and built thousands of residential and commercial play structures.
Organizations Certified Safety Inspector and member ASTM committees on playground safety for commercial and residential play areas.
Question QUESTION: Bob,
I'm trying to design a playground for 10.5 year old girl, I know I'm late in the process but I've been drying to get this done for 2 years. Area that I have to work with is approximately 21x27 with 9x12 tree house in one corner. I would be glad to send you a powerpoint on the dimensions but I'm trying to get idea's/design on what would be both fun and save. She is atheletic, not over weight. thanks
ANSWER: Not any one simple answer. My suggestions for playhouse, no straight ladders, angling them a little will make them much safer for access and egress. I very seldom recommend using a real hardsurface roof, have never figured out how to keep children from climbing on them. Do no go to high 6'? it is not the height as much as a good functioning play space especially for this age, they want a good space they can move around and use as they want, like to sleep out in. Also make sure it is big enough for table and chairs etc. Swings are always popular but require a lot of use area, should have double the height of swings front and back as open use zone. Avoid trap zones any opening larger than 3 and a half inches and smaller than 9 inches. Install 9 to 12 inches of groundcover, woodchips or "P" gravel 6' around structure, more as stated earlier, in front and back of swings. Good luck Bob
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QUESTION: Bob,the tree house/playhouse is already built, besides swings(which for her age would take up too much room) what else would you recommend? The Tree house/playhouse is 6-7 feet above the ground with the area underneath able to support some type of activity. thanks Dave
Answer You could enclose the lower area into an additional playhouse to create a 2 level play structure, maybe with a different look or design than the top area with a tunnel leading in and out of. If your child is into gymnastics you could install a set of turning bars, single metal bars set a several heights for skin the cat and hanging from etc. Bob
