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.
Sort all materials into piles by like items to ensure you have materials needed to complete project.
Measure the surface that the table-top game board will be attached to.
Using the measuring tape and chalk line, measure a rectangle on the plywood board with matching dimensions to your table-top surface.
Using the circular saw, cut the plywood down to match your table-top measurements.
Sand all edges until smooth.
Prime both sides and all edges.
Inventory and sort all of your materials.
Decide what type of game board you would like to make. Popular choices are chess/checkerboards, Chutes and Ladders, tic-tac-toe, or Dots.
Use the yard stick, painter's tape, and pencils to create the outline for your game.
Fill in your game using exterior paint and painting supplies.
When the piece is dry, attach it to the table top surface using the 1 ⅝" deck screws.
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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Ga-ga is a fast-paced, dodgeball-style game played in a fenced-in court (often hexagonal or octagonal) with a single ball and two or more players. Like dodgeball, the object of the game is to knock out your opponents by hitting them with the ball. Unlike dodgeball, however, the ball can only be hit with open hands and is in almost constant motion. Players strike, jump, and run to avoid being hit and are eliminated only when struck on or below the knee.
Adding a huge, colorful map brings color to the playspace and teaches geography to kids. Children will be amazed by this enormous map, and will be drawn to thinking about it and playing around it. Painting is also a fun volunteer project! A finished painting project always provides a sense of accomplishment and very little expertise is needed to contribute successfully to the project.
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.