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Jun 19, 2008 11:10 am US/Eastern
Angie's List: Backyard Playgrounds
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Are you considering a backyard playground for your little ones? They're great for providing hours of
entertainment.
But with so many models on the market, how do you know which is best for your
family and who is going to put it
together?
In this weeks Angie's List report Jim Donovan has some advice to help your decision.
Once school is out, parents are looking
for ways to keep the kids occupied and playgrounds are a great way to keep them
busy over the summer. "
"On Angie's List we're seeing the
average cost of playground equipment with installation running as high as $3,000
but can go up from there. You want to make sure you're getting the right
equipment for you and one that's going to grow with your children," said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List.
So what's hot?
"The trend these days in playground
equipment is going towards wood sets versus metal sets that we saw probably 20
years ago," said Hicks.
They're also more exciting than they
were back then with add-ons like forts and climbing walls.
Your best bet is to choose a set that offers changeable parts so you can
adjust it as your child gets older, this
way you get the most for you money.
And if you're looking to save a little consider building it yourself. But be warned.
"You need to be really honest about
your skills and your time commitment. This is not something that you can put up
overnight. If you're having it installed you can either have it installed by the
company you buy if from or there's independent installers that will come and
install one that you bought at any store," said
Hicks.
Angie says you also need to carefully look at your yard to make sure it's not
sloped, which could require special stabilizing equipment.
Types of materials for backyard playground equipment:
Plastic: Often used for toddlers
Wood: Wooden sets typically support 120 pounds or more per child and last
about 15-20 years. When selecting a wooden set, ask what the wood has been
treated with and be sure to avoid such treatments that contain arsenic or
chromium.
Metal: More cost efficient, but weather may wear them down faster look for a set made of heavy duty galvanized
steel with a lifetime guarantee against rust.
Angie's List tips for installing backyard playground equipment:
Ask your kids: Have your children test the equipment out if possible
since they will be using the equipment. Are they climbers? Do they enjoy pretend
play, or want to play in the sand? Choose equipment based on your child's age
and equipment that it meets the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
guidelines.
Size up your yard: Your yard will determine the type of playground
equipment you choose. Consider the size of the unit in comparison to your lawn.
You don't want the play set to · take up the whole backyard. Also, choose a
location with proper drainage.
Playground design: As you choose the play area, consider picking a spot
that will keep children out of the sun. You also want a spot where it is easy to
keep watch over them. Lay out your playground allowing at least 6 feet of open
space around the equipment.
Playground costs: There is a variety in costs for different materials.
Ask if the set is delivered and installed by an installation crew or left for
you to set up.
Soft surface: Injuries from falls can be reduced by placing your
equipment on softer surfaces such as wood/rubber mulch and sand. Materials
should be 9-12 inches deep. Add more material to the surface once or twice a
year Backyard Playground Safety Tips:
Adult supervision: Age appropriate equipment won't be enough to prevent
all injuries. An adult should be on-hand to watch children.
Playground checkup: Over time, weather can affect the condition of the
set. Check regularly for signs of wear and tear and broken or missing
components. Inspect for sharp edges and make sure all S-hooks are closed.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
