Outdoor Wood Playscape - Recommendations (Sunray: appointed, home, neighborhood)

[Mrs.JT]

Looking for recommendations. Thanks!

[achtungpv]

Not the one made by Rainbow/Sunray from Costco. If I had boys, I doubt it would be standing a year later. Pretty disappointed in the durability.

[ATX Homeboy]

I found abig wooden playscape with slide, rock wall, swings and rings on craigslist for eighty bux used. It was in great shape and my boys been using it for several years. Only thing was, i had to pick it up and move it myself. Saved lots of money too. Good luck.

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by ATX Homeboy

I found abig wooden playscape with slide, rock wall, swings and rings on craigslist for eighty bux used. It was in great shape and my boys been using it for several years. Only thing was, i had to pick it up and move it myself. Saved lots of money too. Good luck.

Along those same lines, I know that at least a couple of playscapes have been moved from one home to another in our neighborhood...sold or given away via the neighborhood message boards. Some were pretty high-end(to go along with the home); but when the kiddos get too big, a playscape becomes a bit of a nuisance...might as well let someone else move it and get some pleasure out of it.

Of course, if you are in HOA-land; make sure that the height and setback requirements are met with your new set-up.

[maustintx]

I ordered a playsest from Kid's creation last April. My grandkids have thoroughly enjoyed it. It's heavy duty enough for adults to be on the raised platforms. Wooden Swing Sets | Wooden Playsets by Kids Creations . Even if you don't buy from them, review under the 'why us' the swing set comparison for things you need to consider for any playset you get. I understand you can buy them from Sam's.

[Dr.Mom]

Originally Posted by 10scoachrick

Along those same lines, I know that at least a couple of playscapes have been moved from one home to another in our neighborhood...sold or given away via the neighborhood message boards. Some were pretty high-end(to go along with the home); but when the kiddos get too big, a playscape becomes a bit of a nuisance...might as well let someone else move it and get some pleasure out of it.

Of course, if you are in HOA-land; make sure that the height and setback requirements are met with your new set-up.

This is how we got a playset for our kiddos. The neighbors behind us took theirs down in order to put in a pool. It was just sitting in their yard disassembled. So, we went over and offered them some cash for it and they said we could have it for free. Then we went to the local Rainbow playset place and hired one of their installers to move it on his own time during the weekend. It's a bigger one than we ever would have gotten and only needed some re-staining. The whole thing cost us about $200 bucks, plus the cost of some cool new pool accessories to gift to the neighbors.

[Mrs.JT]

Thanks for all your recommendations. I hope to find one before 8/11 for my daughter's birthday.

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by Dr.Mom

This is how we got a playset for our kiddos. The neighbors behind us took theirs down in order to put in a pool. It was just sitting in their yard disassembled. So, we went over and offered them some cash for it and they said we could have it for free. Then we went to the local Rainbow playset place and hired one of their installers to move it on his own time during the weekend. It's a bigger one than we ever would have gotten and only needed some re-staining. The whole thing cost us about $200 bucks, plus the cost of some cool new pool accessories to gift to the neighbors.

Well done! I love it when a plan works out!
On a different scale...
I've made feeble attempts to start a 'bicycle/scooter' re-cycling program in our area. Instead of an outgrown bike just rusting and collecting dust, families would publish what they have AND what they might need. Short of that, I do encourage folks to donate their bikes to a local charity. I know it's hard to let go of a nice bike; but if it is not being used, 'pedal it forward' so someone will get some benefit from it.

This can be as easy as a 'sticky' on a message board...allowing folks to 're-cycle' items rather than sell them. A 'bit' more complicated with a playscape vs a bicycle, but the idea is the same.

[tazbigdog]

Rather than chance a crappy playset, I would use a local park.

[Dr.Mom]

Originally Posted by 10scoachrick

Well done! I love it when a plan works out!
On a different scale...
I've made feeble attempts to start a 'bicycle/scooter' re-cycling program in our area. Instead of an outgrown bike just rusting and collecting dust, families would publish what they have AND what they might need. Short of that, I do encourage folks to donate their bikes to a local charity. I know it's hard to let go of a nice bike; but if it is not being used, 'pedal it forward' so someone will get some benefit from it.

This can be as easy as a 'sticky' on a message board...allowing folks to 're-cycle' items rather than sell them. A 'bit' more complicated with a playscape vs a bicycle, but the idea is the same.

Your "re-cycle" program sounds like a great idea! It would be nice if a local bike shop would partner up with you. Not only would it benefit the community, but I'll bet that people would use them to get their new bikes in shape and buy accessories for their new rides.