When it comes to creating a space where kids can unleash their energy and imaginations, there's nothing quite like a backyard playground. Recently, our team of uw-madison students had the pleasure of assembling a playground for a family home in the Tenney-Lapham neighborhood in Madison, Wisconsin. This project was more than just constructing a play structure—it was about crafting a space where childhood memories will be made.
In this blog post, we'll share the journey of this playground assembly, from the initial planning stages to the final installation. You'll get a glimpse of the steps involved in bringing a private backyard playground to life and enjoyable for children.
Whether you're a homeowner considering a similar project or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes work that goes into playground assembly, this story will offer insights and inspiration. Let's explore how we transformed a backyard into a playground paradise for one lovely family in Tenney-Lapham.
Project Details: From Boxes to Backyard Playground
Building a playground from the ground up is no small feat, especially when it involves assembling an entire playhouse with multiple components and countless pieces. When we arrived at the job site in the Tenney-Lapham neighborhood, we were greeted by three large boxes containing the various parts and pieces of the playground. Here's a breakdown of how we tackled this complex assembly project.
Unboxing and Organizing
The first step was to unpack the three large boxes and take inventory of all the components. This playground assembly included a deck, a ladder, a roof, an upper and lower section, and numerous other pieces of wood, screws, nuts, and bolts. To make the assembly process as smooth as possible, we laid out all the pieces and organized them according to the 50-step brochure provided by the manufacturer.
We grouped the bags of screws, nuts, and bolts in numerical order to ensure that each step in the brochure could be followed seamlessly. This level of organization was crucial, given the sheer volume of pieces involved in the assembly.
Assembly Begins
With everything organized, we began building the playground from the ground up. This required careful measurement and precision to ensure the structure was safe and sturdy. The foundation had to be level and secure, setting the stage for the rest of the assembly. Using tape measures, drills, and a variety of drill bits, we meticulously followed the instructions, double-checking measurements along the way.
The assembly process involved attaching the deck, ladder, and roof, as well as constructing the upper and lower sections of the playhouse. With each step, we made sure that all screws and bolts were tightened securely to maintain stability and safety.
Our Campus Handymen installed the Beacon Heights Playhouse, which you can find at Backyard Discovery.
Unexpected Challenges
About four hours into the job, it started to rain. This added an unexpected layer of complexity, as we had to quickly cover the parts and tools to prevent damage. The rain also meant taking additional precautions to ensure safety, as the ground and equipment became slippery.
Despite the weather, we persisted and continued the assembly process, adapting our workflow to accommodate the changing conditions. Through teamwork and careful attention to detail, we overcame the challenges and completed the project.
A Playground for the Future
After several hours of hard work, the playground was fully assembled and ready for play. The end result was a safe, sturdy, and enjoyable playhouse that the family could enjoy for years to come. This project not only brought joy to the homeowners but also gave us a sense of accomplishment as we saw the transformation from three large boxes to a fully functional backyard playground.
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