For families with kids, incorporating a dedicated backyard play space allows children the freedom to play safely within view. As a veteran landscaper, thoughtfully designed play zones not only bring kids joy, but become favourite family gathering spots for years to come. This article covers key elements to create childhood wonderlands right at home.
Space planning
Decide on play area size and location considering access, visibility from the home, screening from neighbours and distance from hazards like pools or vehicle paths. Fence if necessary for safety. Shade options like trees or shade sails allow play even on hot sunny days. Nearby seating lets parents relax comfortably while supervising.
Play surface material
Impact absorbing soft surfaces help prevent injuries from falls. Shredded bark chips, rubber mulch, sand or wood fibre surfacing cushion better than grass or dirt while still allowing wheelchair and stroller access. Such permeable materials also prevent hazardous standing water puddles after Perth rains compared to concrete or pavers. Consider accessibility needs.
Play structures
Custom designed timber or metal play structures with elements like raised forts, slippery dips, swings, rope ladders, tunnels and cubbies spark children’s imaginations during creative play. Place securely following manufacture guidelines with proper anchoring, safety surfacing and fall height allowances. Sturdy construction prevents collapse or entrapment issues.
Activity stations
Beyond climbing frames, activity or learning stations promote varied developmental play. These include:
- Sandpits with diggers and moulds
- Music walls with xylophones
- Basket swings or hammocks
- Mini herb/vegetable gardens
- Mud kitchens with mixing bowls
- Drawing surfaces like mini blackboards
Landscaping elements
Further enrich play spaces by incorporating child-friendly landscaping such as:
- concealment bushes for hide and seek
- pathways kids can race down
- flowering plants, butterfly gardens to explore nature
- interesting boulder arrangements, logs, and tree stumps.
Shade options
Effective sun and heat protection allows the playspace to stay comfortably enjoyable even during hot Perth summers. Carefully position shade elements based on summer sunlight angles and protection needed during peak use hours. Consider both built and botanical shade solutions:
- Trees – Carefully site drought hardy evergreen and deciduous trees like Chinese Elm, Jacaranda or Desert Oak based on size at maturity. Maximise Future shade without overly restricting play now from low branches during establishing years.
- Shade Sails – Anchor rectangular shade cloth sails firmly on posts at proper angles and tension. Use neutral colours to prevent glare. situate to block midday summer sun but allow lower winter sunlight for plant health beneath.
- Shade Structures – Custom design free standing shade structures with timber slatted or polycarbonate roofs sized generously enough to cover multiple play zones. Allow airflow rather than fully enclosing.
Accessibility planning
Optimise playspace accessibility and safety for children of all abilities. Key considerations include:
- Surfacing – Ensure proper site grading for drainage while maintaining almost-level areas suitable for wheels and supportive shoes. Avoid loose fill that impedes mobility devices in primary areas.
- Structures – Research accessible-certified models offering transfer platforms, ramps and sensory play elements catering to diverse needs. Provide ample clear circulation space around.
- Risk Mitigation – Use rounded corners, soft textured plant selections, ample padding under climbing structures and equipment meeting safety codes to prevent injury from collisions, falls or entrapment even for unaware kids.
Conclusion
Backyard play zones not only benefit children’s creativity, motor skills and friend interactions, they bring families together laughing, playing and making memories that last for years. Engage site planning and landscape professionals to tailor inviting play spaces perfectly suited to your family’s needs right in your garden sanctuary.
