Recycling bins and trash containers help you maintain the playspace by providing places for community members to properly dispose of waste. Bins can be placed inside these containers, making for a much more attractive receptacle.
Sort all materials into piles by like items to ensure you have materials needed to complete project.
Take the [2] 4x4x8' boards. Cut each into [2] 40" pieces, for a total of [4] 4x4x40" pieces.
If you will be concreting the trash container into the ground, cut 48" pieces instead of 40".
Take [1] 2x4x12' board. Cut into [4] 2x4x31" pieces and [1] 2x4x19" piece.
Take the remaining 2x4x12' board. Cut into [4] 2x4x28" pieces and [1] 2x4x19" piece.
Take the 2x4x8' board. Cut into [2] 2x4x28" pieces and [1] 2x4x31" piece.
Take all [10] 1x6x6' pickets. Cut into [2] 1x6x36" pieces, for a total of [20] 1x6x36" pieces.
Angled Cuts:
Priming:
Inventory and sort all of your materials.
Start by attaching [3] of the 2x4x28" boards to [2] of the 4x4x40" (OR 4x4x48") pieces using the 2 ½" deck screws. Be sure the outside edges of the 2x4s are flush with the outside edges of the 4x4s. The top 2x4 should be attached flush with the top of the 4x4 posts. The bottom 2x4 should be attached 4" above the bottom of the posts. For the middle 2x4, center it so it is even between the top and bottom frames.
Repeat this process with the [3] remaining 2x4x28" pieces and the remaining [2] 4x4x40" (OR 4x4x48") pieces.
Connect these two frames using [3] 2x4x31" boards to form a 3-sided rectangle. The top 2x4 should be attached flush with the top of the 4x4 posts. The bottom 2x4 should be attached 4" above the bottom of the posts. For the middle 2x4, center it so it is even between the top and bottom frames.
Build the door frame. Use [2] 2x4x19" pieces and [2] 2x4x31" pieces to build the gate frame as shown. Use the 2 ½" screws to secure each connection.
Attach the pickets: Using 6d nails, start by attaching a picket onto each bare 4x4 post on the side that is getting the gate. Align the pickets here so that the edge is flush with the inside edge of the 4x4. The other 3 pickets can be attached to the gate frame itself. Then continue around the trash container frame, attaching 5 pickets per side.
Secure the gate frame to the posts. Be sure to check that the gate frame does not hit the post when it swings open. Position the gate frame between the posts accordingly so that it swings open freely. Use two hinges to attach the gate frame to the picket/post on one side while the other side will be secured with a latch. Make sure the frame is attached so that the top of the pickets on the frame line up with the top of the pickets that have been attached to the posts. Use the 2 ½" screws to attach the hinges.
It is important that the hinge and clasp points are affixed so that they are driven through the pickets and into the 2x4s on the frame (and not JUST the pickets). You can move the hinges and the clasp as necessary to ensure this happens.
If you will be setting the trash container in concrete, dig [4] holes 8" deep and 6" in diameter.
If you will be painting the trash container, ensure that it is fully assembled and set in place first.
KABOOM! is a national nonprofit that works to achieve playspace equity. Kids who don't have access to play miss out on childhood and are denied critical opportunities to build physical, social and emotional health.
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Our goal is to end playspace inequity. For good.
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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. A tree bench also encourages a sense of community by creating a designated area for neighbors to gather together under a tree’s natural shade. If you have small to medium sized trees near your playground this may be the bench for you!
Building with sand in a sandbox is great for children's healthy development. These plans are for a sandbox with seating around the perimeter.
Games like chess and/or checkers can be played by people of all ages, and providing this opportunity will encourage youth, teens, adults, and seniors to frequent the playspace. These games can also be a perfect catalyst for playspace programming! They can also add to the beautification of a playspace. Ideally, this project involves adding a twist to existing, ordinary picnic tables.