It’s no secret that kids today get far less physical activity than in the past. Kids used to revel playing outside, running around with their friends, and enjoy being active. Now, it’s a lot more sitting in front of the TV, a lot more texting, and a lot more video games.
It’s time for a change.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it’s recommended that children get at least 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day. Simply having a large backyard on your property isn’t enough to entice your kids to get outside an play. You might have to do a little more. Making some property improvements like building a playground, for instance, is the perfect way to get your kids excited about spending time outside.
Here is everything you need to know about building the perfect playground in your backyard:
- Acquire enough cedar playground chips — Cedar chips are essential for backyard playgrounds. For a quality playground, a 12-inch layer of cedar chip (or barkdust) is recommended. Additionally, cedar playground chips can fight against pest and even improve your lawn’s soil.
- Get playground essentials — Though you can get a little creative with your backyard play area, you need to make sure that you at least have the conventional playground necessities. When it comes to the “must have” playground pieces, make sure you get the following: swings, slides, climbing features, ladders, sky lofts, and a picnic table or two nearby.
- Get building essentials — Before you start putting together the slide or installing the sky loft, make sure you have all the necessary tools, as well. You’ll need a hammer, landscape timbers, framing square, weed barrier, utility knife, wood, cordless drill, screws, nails, and much more.
- Focus on safety — The most important part of any play area is safety. Make sure that everything is sturdy, there are plenty of “ouch-less” features to prevent splinters and pinched fingers, and everything is textured and powder coated to avoid burning hands on high temperature days.
Don’t let your kids waste away their youth in front of the TV. If you want to learn more about constructing your own playground, are in need of cedar playground chips, and want to work with barkdust specialists, give Barkdusters a call right away.