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.
Sort all materials into piles by like items to ensure you have materials needed to complete project.
Using the chalk line, lay out [32] 12"x12" squares on the 4x6 sheet of sanded plywood.
Using the circular saw, cut the plywood into 32 squares. Be sure to wear safety goggles while operating the saw.
Paint the plywood squares with exterior primer on all sides.
Let primer dry before moving pieces or painting.
Inventory and sort all of your materials.
Drill holes with the ¼" drill bit about 1" into each corner of the 12x12" mural pieces. Be sure to wear safety goggles while using the drill.
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.
Lay out drop cloths under working area.
Decide if you'd like to use a theme to create a mosaic mural, or paint unique mini-murals. Supervise children as they paint their beautiful creations!
Allow squares to dry. Attach to fence or other desired location with zip ties, screws, or wire.
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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Adults and children appreciate having plenty of seating areas in and near their playspace. We've included instructions for a KaBOOM! favorite here, a combination bench/planter! 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." The double planter bench can be a combination bench + planter OR can be used as a bench with a chessboard tabletop in the middle!
An outdoor classroom is a great way of encouraging schools and other organizations to take advantage of their outdoor playspace and turn the entire area into a learning environment.
A community bulletin board allows the community a space to post information about the playspace, upcoming community events, photographs from recent events, sign up sheets, messages, etc that will be visible to a large group of viewers. It can serve add to the community feel of the playspace by providing relevant and fun information that can be changed as frequently as necessary or desired. In addition, the board will keep the information dry and can add to the beautification of a playspace.