Playgrounds: what are they, how can you arrange them and where to place them?

Organizing leisure and entertainment for a child in a suburban area is not an easy task. Building a small slide and a compact swing is not a way out, since these structures will quickly get bored and the child will want to go in search of adventure. And the most suitable option is only the installation of a large playground. It is good if the child is also involved in the process of designing and organizing the play area. In this case, through joint efforts, it will be possible to create an excellent place for active leisure, and active recreation in the fresh air will become a useful and correct pastime for the child.

A playground is a very important attribute for a child's entertainment. But in order for it not to harm the health and proper development of a growing organism, it is necessary to take into account several points when choosing a suitable playground. There are many basic requirements that a modern play area must meet. It is advisable to carry out all of them.

• Strength and durability are perhaps the main requirements that a playground must meet.
• The material and structure of attractions must be resistant to climate change, high humidity, precipitation and temperature extremes.
• Most of the time, the play area is ignored - in this case, the dark time of day and winter are taken into account, therefore, the design of the play area should not give possible plunderers of temptation.
• The materials used in the construction of the playground must be environmentally friendly and safe for children.

• The height of ladders and slides must be safe for children. And all structures on the dais must have fences, rungs and railings.
• The construction of the site should not have sharp edges and corners.
• The ideal covering for the play area is shock-absorbing rubberized panels that cushion the impact of a fall.
• The playground should be fenced off from the roadway, and a low fence and green spaces are best suited for this. Flowering plants without thorns and thorns are perfect for this role.
• Not the least important point is the attractive appearance. The playground should fit perfectly into the landscape design.

With the opening of shopping centers, a large number of various entertainment clubs for children have appeared. Where a child can jump, swing on a swing, ride a slide and have fun with peers while parents are busy with their own business. The advantages of such play areas are many, but there is also an obvious drawback - the child spends most of the time indoors, and not in the fresh air.

We can talk for a long time about the importance of playgrounds in the full development of a child, but we can limit ourselves to only the main points:

• at an early age, the foundation is laid, which will further serve as the basis for the full development of the child, and games on the playground contribute to mental and physical development in a fun format;
• develops skills such as agility, coordination, balance and balance;
• outdoor games allow the child to throw out the accumulated energy and spend time with benefit;
• the child learns to get to know and build relationships with other children;
• outdoor games with peers contribute to the development of personality, children develop imagination and learn about the world;
• an active and eventful day spent contributes to a good and sound sleep.

It is important that the play area is calculated not only by the number of children, but also by age restrictions. In addition, the older the child is, the more play elements he needs on the playground. For children of different ages, it is necessary to choose playgrounds with a variety of designs. What preschoolers love will not be of interest to teenagers.

Children under the age of 2 usually play alone, they do not need the company of their peers. At this stage, a small sandbox in the yard and a small swing on a spring are enough for the baby. The sandbox is especially delightful for the youngest children. But when installing and positioning it, you should adhere to a few simple rules. In any case, the sandbox is located at the lowest level, and it is important that the rest of the game zones are not located on top. Swings and slides should not block access to the sandbox.

On the site for the smallest, it is recommended to provide a canopy that will protect from precipitation or hot sunlight. The canopy also performs the function of protection from moisture - the sand will not dampen and deteriorate. And also branches, leaves, dirt and other objects will not fall into the sandbox.

As they get older, the child develops a need for communication and joint games with peers. And at this time, the growing kid will be interested in carousels, slides, stairs and houses. At preschool age, active play on the playground begins to be collective. The child has friends, together with whom he overcomes the maze or climbs the highest hill. With great pleasure, preschool children play team, active and calm games.

For young children, playgrounds do not have complex structures with rope ladders, ropes and hanging bridges. And it is important to take into account that all structures must be comfortable for kids, that is, the height of the swing seats must be comfortable so that the child can sit on his own. Special attention should be paid to the design of the swing - the support holders to the seat must be attached to 4 points. Thus, the child will not need to maintain the balance that is necessary for a swing with two supports.

The play area should correspond to the level of physical development of the child. It is especially important that the child can sprawl on his own without the presence of adults. During outdoor games with peers, children develop their skills and acquire new ones. And at this age, schoolchildren prefer competitive games, so it is worth paying attention to sports and game complexes. Handles, ropes, horizontal bars and wall bars - this is what will be interesting for a child under the age of 12. And also at this age, children are interested in overcoming obstacles - it can be labyrinths, rope ladders or a climbing wall.

A playground for teenagers should have a place for ball games. It can be a basketball hoop, volleyball net, or soccer goal. Even in a small area, teenagers will be able to practice hitting the ball and learn how to score goals for the opponent. With age, the child's interests and preferences change.Therefore, when developing a play area for a preschooler, you should immediately think about the possibility of subsequent modification of the site.

Playgrounds differ not only by age. The size of the site plays an important role.

• For children under the age of 7 - the playground should have an area of ​​50 to 75 sq. meters. Most of the play area is occupied by a sandpit, swings, gentle slides and small stairs.
• For schoolchildren of elementary grades, more space is needed for games - the recommended area is from 70 to 150 sq. meters.
• For active games of adolescents, a playground of about 300 sq. meters, on which simulators, sports structures with horizontal bars and hanging rings, rope ladders and trampolines can be located. It may be worth setting aside an additional area for ball games.

The most popular materials for playgrounds are wood, plastic and metal. And each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Wood is a durable material that lends itself well to processing. From wood, you can create strong and reliable structures of any shape. Wooden play areas will perfectly fit into the landscape design of a suburban summer cottage, and will also look good in a metropolis. For homemade playgrounds, you can use any available items, for example, wooden pallets can serve as an excellent basis for the construction of a playground.

Metal - often used in playgrounds. It is recommended to connect all fasteners and connections by welding - this way, the risk of injury will be reduced. Since there is always a risk of catching and getting injured by metal corners or bolts. But since metal is susceptible to corrosion and rusting due to moisture, all elements also require proper care. The metal surface must be covered with paints and varnishes and the color must be renewed periodically.

Playgrounds made of plastic are considered the most popular in recent years. Such structures are durable and reliable, and at the same time have a relatively low price. Some manufacturers offer budget designs, but such sites should be treated with extreme caution, since low-quality and budgetary plastic, when heated in direct sunlight, can emit toxic substances. In addition, brittle plastic can quickly crack even under light loads.

On the other hand, high-quality plastic can withstand heavy loads, does not crack, does not rot or rust. And most importantly, plastic is able to withstand temperature extremes. And with the onset of cold weather, playing on such a site is more comfortable than on a metal one. The advantages of plastic also include lightness, brightness and ease of maintenance. The best option remains platforms made of combined materials. For example, the mountings and frame can be made of metal, swing seats, stair steps, railings and handrails can be made of wood, and slides and other decorative elements can be made of plastic. This design has great strength and reliability, and will last much longer.

Outdoor play areas allow you to solve several problems at once. Young children are helped to train perseverance, patience and develop imagination.When the child gets older, on the playground he begins to master slides, various walls and houses - during this period, the child learns to walk, works out steps and tries to keep balance. The next important stage in the development of the child is the training of the vestibular apparatus - and this is exactly what swings and carousels are useful for. Over time, the child grows stronger and becomes interested in everything new - most of the time on the site he spends on the gymnastic wall, developing strength and flexibility.

And all the modules on the playground can be roughly divided into two points.

• Collapsible and mobile structures - can have one or more removable elements. When the season changes from such a site, you can remove several modules or completely transfer the playing area to the room.
• Stationary - have a complex structure and large size. For a more secure installation, bulky platforms should be concreted.

Playgrounds and sports playgrounds are designed for both active and relaxing recreation. And depending on the preferences of the child, several modular structures can be placed on the site.

• Sandboxes - an important attribute in the playground. As a rule, sandbox games are interesting for young children. Up to 2 years old, a child fiddles with sand in his hands, develops tactile sensations and motor skills. In the future, the baby learns to make Easter cakes, which helps to develop imagination and imagination.

• Balance swing - have a fairly simple and reliable design, due to the low lifting height and the presence of handrails. This swing is most popular with children under the age of 5.

• Spring swing - compact swing for small children under 5 years old. Such a swing has a bright design in the form of a car or a boat, which is located on a spring and balances slightly in different directions. Babies are attracted by the bright design of the swing and the light motion sickness.

• Slides - they can be of various configurations and are calculated for different age groups. For small children, they choose straight, gentle slides, and for older children, with a screw descent. Slides are considered the most traumatic objects, therefore, in order to ensure the safety of the child while playing, choose structures with high protective sides. And also the stairs leading up to the rise of the slide must have a guardrail.

• Swing - interesting for children of absolutely any age. In addition, it is an excellent simulator for the development of the vestibular apparatus. For small children, you should choose seats with a backrest and a handrail limiter in front, so that the baby cannot fall and be injured. Or double seats that sit opposite each other. Older children from 5 years of age can enjoy swinging on the backless swing. And schoolchildren love to swing by the "sun", that is, to completely scroll on a swing over the top.

• Carousel - an exciting attraction for a collective pastime. The main advantage of carousels is their simple design, which does not require complex calculations. In addition, the carousel takes up little space on the site and can be installed anywhere.

• Stairs - various options, for example, classic stable or rope. The rungs of the stairs should have a rounded edge so that the child does not get hurt if they fall. Climbing a rope ladder requires better physical fitness as it requires balance and balance.

• Scammers - the more complex the shape and design, the more pleasure it will bring to the child. Modern manufacturers offer various modifications: cobwebs made of rope, handles, etc. At first, such attributes may seem difficult to a child, but over time, when dexterity and strength develop, it will become much easier to overcome such tests.

• ​​​​​Ropes - contribute to the development of endurance and strength.And children like this activity no less than rolling down a slide or swinging on a swing.

• Small houses - give the child the opportunity to hide from the all-seeing eyes of parents and feel like an adult. In his little house or hut made of branches, the child can set his own rules. During such games, social skills are developed, children learn to interact with peers. The houses can be in the form of secret structures on the second level of the site or in the form of a knight's castle. And you can also make an ordinary hut from scrap materials. In addition, the design of such a wigwam is very simple and does not require a reinforced structure. And next year it will be possible to create a new house from ordinary branches and bedspreads.

• Trampoline - will make any child rejoice. It is not difficult to acquire a suitable design at the present time. At the same time, the structure will be quite lightweight, mobile and compact when assembled, which will allow you to remove the trampoline with the change of season or during precipitation.

• Maze - the simplest design has a labyrinth of ropes. For this entertainment, you can select a small corner near the fence on the site. On the other hand, you will also need to install a small fence that will serve as a support for the maze. Pull the ropes randomly between the two fences so that the child has a goal to walk between them without hitting any rope.

• Climbing wall - is gaining popularity among children. This is a great activity to develop physical skills, endurance and coordination. And what is important, the climbing wall allows the child to develop imagination, while conquering the next peak, the child feels like a brave climber.

• Decorative elements - they also perform a developmental function. For example, on the site there may be a corner with multi-colored cubes with letters fixed on one line, from which you can form words by turning the elements over. A large slate board can also be used for relaxed play on which you can draw with crayons.

• Inflatable pool - it is not necessary to install a large stationary pool in the children's area, it is quite enough to fill a small pool with warm water with warm water for water games with children on a hot sunny day.

When designing and arranging a children's area in a private house special attention must be paid to the choice of location.

• The ground for installing the site must be level; if necessary, the place can be leveled in advance with special equipment.
• The playground should be visible from the windows of the house. And at the same time, you should not choose a passage area for placing a playground.
• The play area should not border on buildings on the site, such as a gazebo, bathhouse or fence.
• You should not have an open-air area, otherwise the sun's rays on a hot day will cause inconvenience during games, and may also cause sunburn. Ideally, a large tree can grow near the site to provide shade. An artificial canopy over the play area can be a good alternative.
• For a playground, it is worth choosing an area protected from drafts and strong winds.

Coverage also plays an important role in choosing a place for installing a playground. It helps reduce the risk of injury while playing. A soft green lawn is suitable for a play area for young children. For sowing, you should choose a sports lawn, the front one will quickly lose its fresh appearance. The grass must be able to withstand heavy loads and be soft at the same time.But a green lawn has disadvantages - it requires constant maintenance: watering and mowing.

Swings, slides and various areas with stairs and other climbing frames are very popular among older children. And it is for this area that you should choose a ready-made soft shock-absorbing coating that will protect the child from impacts and soften the fall. Because if you set a place under a swing or a section in the area of ​​descent from a slide without a special covering, a hole will quickly form there, and water will accumulate in this unevenness after rain.

The rubber coating will last for more than one season, but requires proper installation. To begin with, in the area where the site is located, it is necessary to remove the upper soil, and cover the bare earth from above with rubble and sand. These layers will require about 15 cm. Of course, sand also absorbs and softens falls, but is not the best option for a playground. The wind will quickly spread small grains throughout the territory, and the sand can deteriorate from constant moisture, so periodically it will be necessary to update the embankment. Therefore, the best option is to cover the area with a rubber pad.

Making a sandbox for a child will not be difficult. It is enough just to connect four boards and the usual structure is ready. But I want a playground for children to be beautiful and harmoniously fit into the design of the site. You can improve the design and add a few decorative details, and then you get not a standard sandbox, but an original sandbox-ship. In the cabin of the ship, you can make a compartment for storing toys. And on the main deck, install a rudder to steer the ship. And the shade in the sandbox will be provided by a large sail, which can also be used as an awning to protect from sunlight or precipitation.

Hanging swings are popular not only among children, adults also sometimes want to relax and swing. Note the nest seat designs. It is a round seat with strong threads stretched inside it. You can swing on such a swing both sitting and lying down, looking at the clouds or peering into the night sky. However, textile elements must be inspected and their condition checked. If necessary, it may be necessary to reinforce the seating structure by updating strong threads.

When designing and arranging a playground there are several parameters to consider.

• The age of the children who will play on the playground.
• The location of the play area is on a suburban area, school yard, residential yard, park.
• Price - plays a significant role when choosing a suitable design. If you wish, you can purchase one large playground with several play blocks or combine several structures with different modifications on one site.

An important attribute is functional zoning, which allows you to competently divide the site into several play areas so that children of different ages can play in one place. When developing a project, divide the site into several zones.

• Area for active and noisy games - in this part there are various climbing frames, ladders, horizontal bars, handhelds, etc. And also in this area you should leave most of the free for running and other activities.
• The zone of calm games - in this part there are houses, sandboxes for kids and a swing on springs. The zone for quiet games is also important for children, because it is here that you can communicate and build friendships with peers.
• Recreation area - the place is mostly intended for adults and older children, here you should install benches, a veranda, a flower bed with flowers.
• Sports area - in this area you can place a basketball hoop, soccer goal, or stretch a volleyball net. In this case, not only teenagers, but also adults will be able to play the ball in the yard.

Modern manufacturers offer ready-made prefabricated play areas:

• thematic (in the form of a large ship or a fire station) - such models not only diversify the landscape design on the site, but also allow the child to gain new knowledge and experience;
• sports - on such sites there are a large number of stairs, cobwebs, railings, horizontal bars and other equipment;
• custom-made sites - lately, manufacturers are ready to meet the client's needs and try to find a suitable option, even with individual development.

In any case, the appearance of the site will depend on the choice of the type of construction. Playground manufacturers are trying to create a real fairy-tale world from the play area. And in order for the magical atmosphere to perfectly fit into the landscape design, it is recommended to first select a site for the future site, determine its size, and then proceed to the selection of suitable structures. In some cases, it is wiser to choose not a single complex for active games, but several sites that can be installed side by side on the same site. Over time, when the child grows up, his interests will change and some play modules can be replaced without violating the integrity of the playground structure.

The most favorite place for many children is a small hut, in which the child can set his own rules and use the small house as a summer room. In order to build a house for one summer, you do not need a lot of materials, you can use old boards and branches. It is only necessary to strengthen the structure so that the hut does not collapse from the strong wind. At the beginning of summer, plant maiden grapes, a blooming morning glory, or any other climbing plant around the hut. The ivy will grow very quickly and cover the walls of the hut with green leaves. Inside the wigwam, you can put a blanket and soft pillows, and a small separate world for the child is ready.

A playground can be very simple, compact, and at the same time functional and interesting. And on such a site, you can arrange tournaments and competitions with several participants. And at the end, determine the winner and hand over the cup. These events can be great family traditions.

For families with small children, it is wiser to pay attention to simple mobile structures for the playground. Such portable houses and simple slides will bore a child in a couple of years, and it will not be difficult to replace such a platform with a new and interesting one.

When decorating a children's site, try to make every effort to create a fairy-tale world for the child. The play area may contain figures of cartoon characters or fairy-tale characters. And it is not at all necessary to buy expensive ready-made decorations. Hand-made crafts together with children will look more original and cute. In addition, the general occupation with creativity is not only pleasant, but also low-cost leisure. And to transform the site and place bright accents, you only need a few cans of paint.

For information on how to make a playground with your own hands, see the next video.