A set of cubbies alongside the play area allows for a place for children and adults to store their belongings safely while enjoying themselves. Cubbies enhance the functionality and beauty of the playspace, and allow parents visiting the recreational area to relax, and not have to keep track of their child's things. It provides a place for the children and youth to meet and interact, and shows them the benefits of keeping their things neatly in one place and respecting one another's belongings.
Sort all materials into piles by like items to ensure you have materials needed to complete project.
Take [1] sheet of plywood. Measure and cut [1] 12x72" piece, [1] 36x72" piece, [1] 12x34 ½" piece, and [4] 11x12" pieces as shown below. The grey areas are scrap. Cut exactly as diagram shows to maximize plywood.
Take the second sheet of plywood. Measure and cut [6] 12x34 ½" pieces, [1] 12x72" piece and [8] 11x12" pieces as shown below. The grey area will be scrap. Cut exactly as diagram shows to maximize plywood.
Take the final sheet of plywood. Measure and cut [24] 3x12" pieces.
Prime all sides and edges if the cubbies will be painted after assembly.
Inventory and sort all of your materials.
Start by attaching the 3x12" shelf supports to the vertical supports of the cubby. Using a pencil and measuring tape, mark 11 ½" in and 23" down from the top and draw a straight line. This will be the guide for the top of your shelf support. After you verify the measurements according to the diagram, attach each support with two 1 ⅝" screws. NOTE: Five of the vertical supports will have shelf supports on both sides and two of the vertical supports will only need them on one side.
Next, create the frame by attaching the 12x72" top and bottom with three screws at each connection. Be sure to face the vertical supports with only one side of shelf supports toward the inside of the cubby. Spacing BETWEEN shelves will be 11". You can use the 11x12" shelves to help with spacing.
Install the 11x12" shelves onto the shelf supports. Put two screws into each support and make sure the sanded side of the plywood is facing up.
Finally, attach the 36x72" back to the rear of the cubby frame. Make sure the large back piece has the sanded face outward and that it lines up along all 4 sides of the frame: you may have to rack the frame a bit (push on the top corner) until it is square, and then attach the back with three screws into each vertical, the top, and the bottom.
If the cubbies will be painted, do so once it is completely assembled.
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Shade is a very important topic for many communities when it comes to their children. The structure not only provides a bit of relief from the sun but also adds to the aesthetic quality of the overall playspace. The more inviting a gathering area is, the more likely community members will begin to treat it like the “town square” it should be.
Adults and children appreciate having plenty of seating areas in and near their playspace. Benches encourage adult supervision when placed in close proximity to the playground equipment. Seating also encourages a sense of community by creating a designated area for neighbors to gather together, much like a “town square."
This is a great project for kids! Each child is given a square piece of plywood to paint to beautify the play area. Finished squares can be fastened to a chain-link fence or drilled into wooden walls or fence posts.