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. Picnic tables provide seating, which encourages supervision when placed near a playground. Also, picnic tables provide opportunities for groups of people (families, friends, community members) to socialize and enjoy one another’s company.
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.
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.