You wake up, shrug into the kitchen, and before you can press brew on that life-sustaining coffee pot, your beautiful bright-eyed tiny human reminds you of your promise to go to the park today. And in Kid Time, today means absolutely, positively RIGHT NOW! So, maybe it’s time your munchkin gets their own backyard paradise — and you get to finish that cup of coffee before it gets cold.
Swing Sally Up, Swing Sally Down
One of the first things you’ll want to shop for is, of course, the playground equipment. You’ll want to find something that your kids can use for a few years, but isn’t out of their skill level right now. Do you have more than one kid? A swing set with at least two swings, and maybe a see-saw, can encourage them to play together. Is your brood on the younger side? A covered sandbox provides endless hours of fun. Even if the kids are way too old for swings and slides, a swimming pool makes for the ultimate teen hangout. You may also want to think about mobility. Do you plan on moving? And is it important you bring your playground with you if you do?
A Soft Place to Land
One of the first things you learn as a parent is that kids fall down — a lot. So you’ll want to choose a foundation for your playground that works for both safety and landscaping. Some popular options are:
- Solid rubber matting — Super safe, and low maintenance
- Rubber mulch — Similar to the solid rubber in safety, but a lot cheaper
- Sand — Cheap, but requires some maintenance from time to time
- Artificial Grass/Turf — Wheelchair accessible and relatively low-maintenance
Location Matters!
Now that you have an idea of what you’d like your playground to look like, it’s time to pick the perfect spot. There are a lot of factors when it comes to where to build your backyard oasis. You may want it in the shade, but be mindful of falling branches. Do you have a garden? You’ll probably want your park away from your plants. Are you planning on landscaping anytime soon? Keep those visions in mind. Can your garden hose reach for a quick spray off or a makeshift water park? Will it be positioned so you can peek out the window when you need to check in?
Slide Into Fun with HFS Financial
When you get ready to build the ultimate backyard paradise for you or your kids, HFS Financial is ready to help find you the right loan options for all your home improvement needs. Take a quick minute to apply, and hear from one of our expert financial consultants within 48 business hours. And with no effect on your credit score for inquiry there’s nothing to lose. You dream it, we finance it!