PLAY AREA / PLAYGROUND

A play area or playground in a residential garden is an outdoor space designed for children. In a small garden the play area can become the focal point, such as in the center of a courtyard. In larger landscapes, the playground may be partially screened from the rest of the garden, while remaining visible from inside the home to allow for parental supervision. A fenced-in area provides a safe outdoor space for children.

Equipment and Mulch: The main objective is to create a safe environment in a pleasing setting, where children can play and have fun. Modern play structures are robust, durable and frequently safer than their predecessors. They are often manufactured from recycled materials. Mulch materials such as rubber mulch, with its high elasticity, break falls and increase safety. However, rubber mulch may be harmful to some plants. Sof’Fall Engineered Wood Fiber also provides a long-lasting and slip-resistant surface, and other products such as SafeGrass are available.

Plantings around a playground need to be robust and resilient. Children’s allergies, e.g. to bees, and avoidance of prickly plants have to be considered with plant selection. Fragrance, color and the right plants can attract wildlife such as butterflies or hummingbirds, will add extra interest to the garden and enhance the children’s experience with nature.

Playscape: In a natural play area, or playscape, materials and features blend with nature. Native or naturalistic vegetation and creative landforms are combined to create an environment that is fascinating and challenging to children. Playscapes are designed and built to look and feel like a natural setting, allowing children to learn about nature through play and interaction.

Courtyard and Play Area, Secure Storage: This courtyard garden is located close to the entrance of a tidy Storage company in Hood River, Oregon. The owners wished to create a private space for the manager and his family, including their three small children. A play structure was to be part of the landscape, as well as achieving privacy from storage patrons and the busy road to the south. An asphalt driveway and compacted soil had to be removed prior to garden creation. Bermed plantings lend privacy and large retaining boulders offer extra seating.

Secure Storage, courtyard garden design
East-facing view, February 2006. The asphalt area was subsequently removed and folded into the garden.	The future garden space at Secure Storage prior to construction, looking west, February 2006
The courtyard and play area two and a half years after planting, October 2008. The bermed south plantings are filling in quickly and provide screening for the garden.	Cheerful bulbs and perennials in the east front bed at Secure Storage, April 2009
Happily swinging in the garden, April 2009	The same space in late June of 2009. The shrubs and conifers along the south side now almost completely screen the play area and garden from the busy road nearby.
A trellis and small pergola shelter the patio adjacent to the manager's home, June 2009

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