BIG INVESTMENTS
When choosing a large outdoor play structure, you need to consider the entire age range of children who will be using it. It is possible to find structures that will adapt to almost every age, and to which you can add extra pieces as your budget permits. The Indiana play structure, by TP, includes a large climbing tower and triple swing frame that can be supplemented with a wide range of accessories suited to a variety of ages and abilities. The structure is made from selected pine, pressure treated to resist decay and insect damage, and includes a 1.2 x 1.2m platform that is covered with a large canopy. The structure is 225cm high and requires 450cm of ground length, if you include the rope ladder. The playframe is priced 699; the Crazywavy Slide Body is priced 85; swings are priced from 16. This, and other TP play structures and accessories, are available from Letterbox.
* Telephone 0870 6007878
Timberline produces a range of play structures for younger children, and a trim trail that includes a wobbly bridge, a scramble net structure, a pole climb and balancing bars that can be arranged to suit a wide age range.
They can take up as much or as little space as necessary. The wobbly bridge measures 200(l)cm x 99(w)cm; the scramble net bridge is 95(h)cm and the pole climb is 102(w) x 200(h)cm. Made from pressure-treated Scandinavian Redwood pine, priced from 548.
* Telephone 01246 454484
INDIVIDUAL ITEMS
The separate items you provide for older children to use outside need to strike a balance between the conventional, such as slides and swings that will always be appreciated, and slightly more unusual pieces that will encourage reluctant users outside in the first place. Kettler's new Jumbo Slide is 325(l) x 120(w)cm, to accommodate larger children, and has a ladder height of 195cm. The chute is made from galvanised steel, with plastic safety platforms at the top and bottom of the slide and a central support bar for extra rigidity. Anchors are included to secure the slide to the ground, priced 129.
* Telephone 01527 591901
The Fireman's Pole by TP can be used as an addition to an existing play structure, or set up on its own on a suitable safety surface or grass. The pole is made from epoxy-coated steel to facilitate 'smooth gliding', and comes with a ground bar and fixing kit.
The pole measures 8(h)' and is priced 25. Available from Letterbox.
* Telephone as above
Wicksteed Leisure stocks a very wide range of swings for all ages, but the Cantilever Swing is particularly suited to older children (from eight to 12 years). This swing is designed to allow children to swing safely with friends, and the tyres are made from reclaimed rubber. The chains of the swing are designed to be 'anti-wrap', to prevent tangling during use, and are also made from twist links to prevent pinching and provide a good grip.
A Key Link, that has been developed to make height adjustment easy, connects the chains to the frame's shackle. The swing measures 250cm at the base, 650cm from frame to swing, and requires a safety surfacing area of 41m2. Priced 3,468.
* Telephone 01536 517028
For children and adults who prefer to move along the ground, the Pedal-Go, (pictured left) also from Letterbox, should provide plenty of exercise and activity. The Pedal-Go consists of four wheels and two foot platforms that require you to balance before being able to move backwards or forwards. As the user's skill progresses, it is possible to make the Pedal-Go spin round as well as move in straight lines. Suitable for ages five to adult, priced Pounds 16.99.
* Telephone as above
Ball games cannot be ignored, but there are plenty of alternatives to football. The Low Fun Ball game from Wicksteed Leisure is ideal for children in wheelchairs and provides infinite variations on 'shooting' the ball through one of the four side chutes or the top outlet. The sphere is made from glass-reinforced plastic, mounted on a metal pole that is pretreated with a zinc metal thermal spray and polyester coated. An alternative height pole is also available. Priced 1,416.
* Telephone as above
If you happen to have two sturdy trees growing in your outside area, or even two firmly installed posts, you might want to consider the Deluxe Funride from Letterbox. The Funride comes with 20m of cable, 'easy to grip'
handles, fittings and instructions. The Funride is capable of bearing a weight of 102kg, so there's no excuse for the adults not to have a go, either.
* Telephone as above
HANG AROUND
It's not always easy to get older children to plunge into the open air in the first place, but if you are able to provide an inviting structure where they can linger, they are more likely to extend the time they spend outside and become involved in activities as well.
Wicksteed Leisure has a selection of outdoor seating, including the Double Tower Teenage Village and the Triple Tower Teenage Village. The Double Tower includes one high-level shelter and one low-level shelter. The Triple Tower has one high-level shelter and two low-level shelters. The Double is priced Pounds 6,547; the Triple is 9,125. * Telephone 01536 517028
