A PLAYGROUND ON THE PREMISES
Kids today are often consumed with screentime and spending lots of time indoors, and many neighborhoods lack nearby playgrounds. So, where can young ones go to move and avoid electronic overstimulation?
Look no further than your home’s backyard, the ideal spot for a playground you can have built. “Many people don’t know how to make the best use of their yard. And while many kids have some outdoor toys, most of these toys aren’t made for that purpose. But by investing in an outdoor playset, it encourages outdoor play,” says Cristina Miguelez, remodeling specialist for Delaware-based Fixr.com.
Yard playsets are typically made of wood and plastic and sold in kits that include one or more swings, a slide, and a climbing area with shade. These kits can be assembled by handy DIYers or a hired professional (the latter is recommended to ensure safe construction), and they vary in price from $500-5,000.
“Previously, kids used to go outside without prompting and play. But now parents increasingly need to urge their kids to get outdoors and away from virtual devices,” notes Baton Rouge real estate investor Travis Steineman. “The nice thing about having a playset installed in your yard is that you can keep your children within your sight and have a convenient, nearby place to send them off.”
Of course, there are some downsides. Kids busy at play can create a lot of noise or a dirty or unkempt yard. And there’s always the chance of an injury while using the playground, especially if the kids aren’t supervised or cautioned about its proper use or if maintenance falls behind.
An ugly and poorly cared for playset can be an eyesore that detracts from your property’s allure. Or all the time and money you spent on the playset could be for naught if your child ultimately doesn’t use it regularly.
“Good candidates for a playset are homeowners with children between the ages of two and 12 who don’t plan on moving anytime soon and who have enough space in their yard,” says Miguelez, noting you typically need at least a 12-by-15-foot area. “You also want to make sure you can either put down a mat, soft rubber mulch, or well-established, thick grass.”
A playset is best in a spot where children will have ample room to play. “Once built, plan on inspecting the playset regularly for softening or rotting wood and any affected planks that need to be replaced. Also, keep the treads in good order, oil swing sets and chains as needed, and inspect all the materials carefully for signs of dangerous wear and tear,” recommends Miguelez.