A wooden climbing frame sitting on play bark

Garden bucket List {Update} | Creating a children’s play area

June 15, 2020

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As the lockdown started and we began our time at home and in the garden. We decided to think about things we’d like to tick off the never-ending to-do list. With the children home and spending more time in the garden, we opted to focus our attention there first. So that they could have better space to explore, have fun and enjoy during their time at home.

The garden bucket list

Our garden bucket list was put together and as we approach three months into the lockdown I’m pleased to say that we have made some progress. Some of the smaller tasks such as painting the fence have been crossed off the list. As well as finally getting around to planting bedding plants in the rattan planters that we had been collecting rainwater since we bought them last year.

Creating a children’s play area

One of the bigger tasks that we wanted to do was to create a play area for the children. After losing their trampoline in the storms earlier in the year they have only had a few bits and bobs to occupy them in the garden. Wishing to create something that will last whilst they each grow up. As well as a durable area so that we don’t have to worry during storms and Piglet’s fearless approach to life.

Multiflyer climbing frame from Wickey
A teenager sitting on a wooden climbing frame

Location

We are fortunate to have a large area behind our garage which measures 5m x 6m. It seemed the perfect area to section off and dedicate to a play area for the children. Originally the plan was to add a wooden climbing frame, then at a later date, we’d complete the area with bark etc. Given that we aren’t going anywhere and all our holiday plans have been cancelled this year, we decided to do the whole project in one go.

Over to the professionals

Whilst I would love to tell you that we rolled up our sleeves and managed to section of this area of the garden ourselves, we thought it best left to the professionals. With a local gardening company coming over to section off the area with wooden sleepers. Add a weed-control membrane before backfilling the area with child-friendly bark. All completed in a socially distanced way and in just one day – it would have taken us MUCH longer to do it ourselves.

Selecting a wooden climbing frame

With three children in three different age groups, we wanted something multifunctional. Something that they could all enjoy, be it on the swing set, climbing frame or sliding down the slide. The Multiflyer climbing frame from Wickey ticked all the boxes and then some. A substantial piece of play equipment that will keep the children entertained in the coming years.

Multiflyer climbing frame from Wickey
Children playing on a wooden climbing frame sitting on play bark

Ordering and delivery

Ordering the Multiflyer from Wickey was really straightforward. You are able to see different elements that are included, as well as being able to select the colour of the slide you wish to receive. It was great to see that the site made recommendations on additional products that you might want to purchase alongside the Multiflyer. Including anchors, weed control membrane and safety tiles. Having ordered as the lockdown was starting across Europe there was a slight delay in receiving the climbing frame. However, we were kept up to date with delivery timings etc.

Assembly

The Multiflyer is a large playset and therefore adequate time needs to be set aside to construct it. Each of the wooden elements needing to be measured, pre-drilled and then screwed into place. Which can be time-consuming and a little daunting if you’re not very handy. Between me and What The Dad Said we managed to get the main structure completed with a day.

The instructions are relatively easy to follow, although as there are several different versions of the Multiflyer climbing frame you do need to double-check that you are following the right section number.

Multiflyer climbing frame from Wickey
A close up of a wooden climbing frame rock wall

To paint or not to paint?

The wood arrives pre-treated so there is no need to treat, stain or varnish. However, we opted to add a wood stain to give it a treehouse-style feel for the children. In hindsight, we should have made this decision before assembly as it would have made the painting process easier and quicker. We got there in the end and I do think it looks good (if I do say so myself).

Accessories

Once the Multiflyer structure had been assembled and painted, it was time to add in the accessories. From the key features such as the swings, slide to the fun elements such as the rock climbing grips, steering wheel and telescope.

A telescope accessory on a wooden climbing frame

Finishing touches

The transformation has been wonderful to see, and whilst we still have a few finishing touches to add – bunting, repainting the children’s picnic table and a few garden planters. We are so pleased with – and so are the children, which is the important thing!

Have you been updating your garden during the lockdown?

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