Blog

11 Nov

Day 36: Slide Tile

Posted by Elizabeth Moreno

For years we've been on a quest to find the perfect slide design. We think we just may have found it. Check out this little video of our journey to create what is, to the best of our knowledge, the world's first brick and floor tile slide:

This was our first model, built last year in Gulu, Uganda for a toddler daycare.

Since then, along with our Global Play Alliance members, we've built many more.

Play Pilipinas – Philippines

East African Playgrounds – Uganda

Our latest was built at a primary school in Nairobi, Kenya and is our biggest model yet.

And it needed to be to withstand the force of 2,000 kids at recess.

Our next challenge? We're currently toying with the idea of building the model fromearthbags. Stay tuned!

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own “Slide Tile"(small sized) or the bigger version.(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.

10 Nov

Day 35: Sports Pole

Posted by SocheataKong

The "Sports Pole" will allow many children to interact with each other in a friendly competition. Playing sports is a great way to aid children in the development of their social skills as well as their mental and physical skills.

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

9 Nov

Day 34: Rope Net

Posted by Elizabeth Moreno

This climbing frame can be built on its own or it can be attached next to a two story cubby to function as a ladder. This rope net “ladder” provides a more challenging way to reach the cubby. The play structure creates two different types of play in one set: one for more active climbing and
the other a quiet retreat for self reflection.

When constructing a “Rope Net,” it is important to pay attention to and guard against possible entrapment hazards.

“Entrapment is caused when a child’s body part (often the neck) gets caught in a space from which it cannot get out. This only an issue with children because their heads are comparatively larger than their bodies. This type of hazard is the least obvious hazard in a playground, though it can have the most serious consequences.All openings at least 600mm (23”)above the ground need to either: Allow a 230mm (9”) “head sized” round disc to pass through easily OR be smaller than 89mm (3.5”), to completely stop the passage of a child’s body.” – Playground Ideas Safety Manual, page 8.

The East African Playgrounds team using cardboard models to test out elements for possible entrapment hazards during a Playground Ideas staff training.

Download our pictoral playground safety manual, based off EU playground safety guidelines to learn more about entrapments, other hazards, and safety measures.

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

8 Nov

Day 33: Half Tire Circle

Posted by SocheataKong

The "Half Tire Circle" is a simple build and all you need are tires. It's a great element that allows children to jump and leap as they develop coordination and balancing skills.

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

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