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!
Sort all materials into piles by like items to ensure you have materials needed to complete project.
Take the [2] 2x6x12' boards. Cut each down to [3] 43" pieces, for a total of [6] 2x6x43" pieces.
Take the [2] 2x6x10' boards. Cut each down to [3] 2x6x36 ½" pieces, for a total of [6] 2x6x36 ½" pieces.
Take the 2x4x8' board. Cut into [12] 2x4x8" pieces. Because of saw blade width and variances in lumber length, your [12] pieces may not be exactly 8" long. This is fine.
Take the 4x4x8' board. Cut into [6] 4x4x16" lengths.
Angled Cuts:
Inventory and sort all of your materials.
Attach the 2x4x8" braces to the legs. Place(2) 2x4x8" on either side of one end of each 4x4x16" perpendicularly (creating a "T" shape). Be sure the long sides of the 2x4s are flush with the edge of the 4x4s. Use [3] 2 ½" screws on each side to secure the braces in place. Then, use the ½" drill bit to drill a hole through all three pieces of wood and place an 8" carriage bolt in the center of the joint using 1 washer and 1 nut.
Repeat the same process for the remaining 2x4x8" pieces and the 4x4x16" pieces. You should have a total of 6 "T-shaped" legs.
Take all six 2x6x43" trapezoids and lay them on the ground so that they create a ring.
Take all six 2x6x36 ½" trapezoids and lay them on the ground on the inside of the outer ring.
Place one of the legs at each of the six joints where the trapezoids meet. Use the 2 ½" screws to attach the legs to the trapezoid. NOTE: Be sure to leave one side unattached until after you've placed the bench around the tree!
Carry the Tree Bench to the tree you'll be placing the bench around, place it around the tree, and attach the final side of the bench.
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.
We team up with communities to build incredible playspaces that help give every kid the opportunity to thrive.
Our goal is to end playspace inequity. For good.
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Beautify your playspace with fresh, green grass where children can run and play!
A Little Library is a great way to engage people of all ages with free books for the community. Place a Little Library by playspace benches to create a calming area for adults and children alike!
Beauty will always enhance a playspace, because it draws people into a common area – and into an opportunity to socialize with fellow community members. The planters also provide a unique opportunity for children to tend to a plant and watch it grow!