Blog

The "Bridge Tread Loop" is a simple, low cost, no-frills bridge option for connecting two platforms or play pieces. Its wobbly nature makes for a great balancing element.

The bridge is made up of two lengths of tire tread loops, side by side, connected over fabricated steel "staples."

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own “Bridge Tread Loop.”(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“Scoop and Shaft” is an interactive element and a great addition to a cubby-house. Kids can scoop sand or soil on the ground level, pull it to the top, and dump it through the shaft.

Playing with the scoop and shaft will challenge children to coordinate their actions and develop social skills. They may require assistance at the bottom of the cubby house to scoop up materials such as dirt or sand and have another person at the top of the cubby house transfer the material from the scoop to the shaft.

This playground we stumbled across in Germany has a similar feature:

To avoid any strangulation risks, we suggest following the instructions in the Playground Ideas design to create a loop of rope instead of a long single chain, as pictured in this example.

Here's another "Scoop and Shaft" in use in theAdventure Playground for Educationat the Light in Africa Children's Home in Tanzania. This one has an added wheel at the end of the shaft.

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

Think of it like a banister you'reencouragedto slide down. We were inspired to design a set of instructions for building this element after visiting the wavy pole slides at Lafayette Park Playground in San Francisco, designed byMiller Company Landscape Architects.

This adaptation is built from straight steel poles and truck tires.

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own “Slide Jimmi.”Also check out the"Slide Jimmi 2"variation.(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 "Snowflake" is one of our newest designs in the library. It was inspired by another one of our favorites: the"Motorbike."

While the "Motorbike" is a great imaginary play feature it also makes for a surprisingly comfortable lounge chair.

And we're not the only ones to have discovered the beauty of a good motorbike nap.

The "Snowflake" is like a spiral of intersecting motorbike elements. It's a lovely piece that it doesn't prescribe an intended use. Kids may choose to lounge on the tread loops, balance along the bridges, or hop from tire to tire. Its open-ended nature leaves room for endless interpretations.It would also make a fantastic public space installment that both adults and children could use for seating or play…or naps.

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