Playground estimate and Plan
Prepared for Review by Mara Goldberg
If you have concerns or suggestions please email me at
marathisyear@yahoo.com
Or join the project “metro play” on Kaboom.org and post
your comments on particular aspects of the project.
Table of contents----------------------------------------------------------1
Plan A and B Estimates--------------------------------------------------2
Surfacing -------------------------------------------------------------------3
Shade structure ------------------------------------------------------------4
Activity structures---------------------------------------------------------5
Chalkboard -----------------------------------------------------------------6
Paint for the wooden fence ----------------------------------------------7
Miscellaneous options--------------------------------------------------- 8
Actions up to this point and planned future activities -------------9
Plan A
This plan is a dream plan, it incorporates all the elements we wanted to see included, and all of
the materials are professional grade, and intended for playgrounds.
Components:
Rubber Mulch safety surfacing
approximate estimate $2,195 (Dyna Play Estimate )
Planter bench shade structure
discount)
approximate estimate $1018 1(Lowes without tax no
1 chalkboard
discount)
approximate estimate $96 (Lowes without tax no
1 Little Tykes four seater teeter
approximate estimate $818 plus installation
Paint for wooden fence
approximate estimate $35 (plus paintbrushes ect)
Painting Accessories
approximate estimate $25
Unexpected expenses and complications
approximate estimate $200
Total estimate for plan A $4,387
Plan B
This plan is the more realistic one. It would allow for much less involved installation and has a
considerably lower cost. However it does have some significant drawbacks particularly in the
area of effort required to maintain this plan.
Components:
Sod
approximate estimate 270$ (Home Depot)
Chalkboard
approximate estimate $96 (Lowes without tax)
Offset Umbrella Or Pergola
approximate estimate $200 or $500 (K Mart)
Little Tykes Swing along Castle
Paint for wooden fence
Painting Accessories
approximate estimate $105 (Toys R Us)
approximate estimate $35
approximate estimate $25
Unexpected expenses and complications
approximate estimate $200
Total Estimate for Plan B $931 or $1,231
With tax from Lowes the chalkboard and planter bench together are approximately $1212.41, Lowes may be willing to
reduce their price by approximately 10% bringing it to around $1002 for both sets of materials. Some adjustments to the
shade structure also need to be made to fit our space which might further reduce the price.
1
Surfacing
Option A
Rubber Mulch Safety Surfacing
Approximate estimated cost: $2,195.00
Advantages include:
low maintenance
Excellent safety for small children
Porous surface allows for drainage
May be available in different colors
Disadvantages include:
Expense
Unsecured loose fill material which may clog drainage or be thrown by children
May become hot in sun
Does not secure down the surface like grass would and therefore leaves the
underlying surface susceptible to erosion over time
Option B
Sod (grass)
Estimated cost:
Advantages:
Inexpensive
Eliminates ongoing drainage issues
Disadvantages:
Can become muddy
Requires mowing
May need treatment to reduce pests
Shade
Option A
Planter bench shade structure (modified to fit )
Approximate estimated cost: $1018
Advantages:
Provides seating for parents supervising small children
Adds shade to space
May function as a sort of outdoor play house
Beautifies the area
Disadvantages:
Wood even if treated will eventually deteriorate
Chemicals used to treat wood may not be advantageous around small children.
Slatted roof may not provide as much shade as other forms of shade structure.
Option B
Offset Umbrella or Pergola
Estimated cost $200 or $500 respectively
Advantages:
Inexpensive
Easy assembly
Provides a more solid shade
Disadvantages:
Less stable more susceptible to wind and rain damage
Less durable may last only a few years.
Activity Equipment
1 Four Seater Teeter
Approximate Estimated cost: $818 plus installation
Advantages:
Entertains up to four children simultaneously
Movement is soothing for children
Concreted in and therefore very stable
Disadvantages:
Expensive
Requires safety surfacing
May not fit within the available space
Would be concreted in and therefore immobile
Little Tykes Swing and Slide Castle
Approximate cost $103
Advantages:
Inexpensive
Provides motion which is soothing for children
Promotes active play
Is under 4 feet in height which removes the requirement for safety surfacing
Is not a commercial product which means it has fewer use zone restrictions.
Disadvantages:
Not a commercial grade product.
Not concreted in so children may move it.
Not as durable as a commercial grade product.
Chalkboard (concreted into ground see appendix)
Approximate estimated cost $96
Advantages:
Gives kids an artistic outlet
Encourages creative play
Creates a space which could be used in other ways for instance as an outdoor
classroom for presentations
Takes up minimal space for the amount of fun provided
Fits into the play patterns already seen with kids here
Discourages chalking on inappropriate surfaces
Disadvantages:
Wood even if treated will eventually deteriorate
Chemicals used to treat wood may not be advantageous around small children.
Is currently planned to go in the rear near a building exit and may need to be
planned elsewhere.
Colored Painted wooden fence
Estimated cost: $60
Advantages:
Adds color to the yard
Creates an inviting space
Inexpensive
Disadvantages:
Requires additional time
May be messy or require close supervision of volunteers
Requires upkeep
Upkeep more expensive than for plain white fence.
Miscellaneous options and components:
Shaped chalkboards to be attached to the plastic fence
A mural created by either staff or volunteers (a farm theme was suggested)
Paint station
Activity panels
A weather station
Play house
Some kind of dog house or dog area
Four Square
Painted on hopscotch or other games on concrete area.
Theme
Actions Up to This Point
Original plan was conceived by Ratasha and Rebecca
Original drawing was made by Ratasha of both the project and a potential mural
Wall was white-washed and old play structure was removed
Webinar on safety surfacing was attended
Kaboom sight created to co-ordinate efforts
Volunteers found and service day scheduled for the first Saturday in August
Volunteers found to assist with prep on the last Sunday in July
Approached Lowes regarding estimate and possible lowering of price
A full color rendering of plan A was made and posted on Kaboom.
Estimates of cost for rubber safety surfacing were solicited
Pricing trips were made to determine cost for other items
Discussions regarding the Payton Play it Forward grant and applying for funding took place.
Discussions regarding a possible corporate donation took place.
To be completed
Choices need to be made between plans A and B
Estimate sent to possible corporate sponsor
Grant Application completed
Sources of donations need to be received and coordinated
Volunteer’s need to be coordinated
Supplies need to be purchased
Logistical support obtained regarding construction, drainage and other specialized tasks.