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.
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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Bright games painted on a cement or asphalt surface are a welcome addition to any playground! Use the suggested patterns attached here, or think back to your own childhood to come up with possible games! Note: Your site will obviously have to have a bare cement or asphalt surface on which you can paint, and where children can play safely.
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.
Plant trees and shrubs, or add a pizza garden, butterfly garden, or custom garden to your playspace! The pizza garden is easy to create and provides a place where kids can watch different plants grow, seeing the similarities and differences in each. The butterfly garden encourages exploration, offers a sensory experience and can be the setting for many science lessons. The custom garden is specifically designed for the needs of the community.