Playground Construction Updates
Pictured: Hill slide awaiting its finishing touches
Pictured: Sand play area has been filled in and the playhouse has been relocated to its edge
Since our last update, work on Saint Peter’s nature-based playground has continued steadily. Here’s what’s new:
The team finished preparing the frame for the bench swing set. Once installed, the two swings will be perfect for soothing swinging and rocking, and whether kids want to relax on their own or chat with a friend.
Pictured: Bench swing set frame
Pictured: One of Nancy Striniste’s completed bench swing designs, a glimpse of what is to come
Over at the hill slide, things are close to finishing up! The hill was built using the sand repurposed from the original sand pit. It now includes a stump scramble made from old locust stumps that have been cleaned up and sealed for safe climbing (see first photo at the top of the page). In the fall, the hillside will be planted with native, shade-loving plants to help hold everything in place and keep the soil from eroding. The hill offers a few different ways to climb: some easy, some more of a challenge in order to train kids strength and problem-solving skills.
And there is now a dug-out space where the playhouse frame will go. It’ll be pretty simple by design, but the whole point is for kids to make it their own by adding things like fabric, toys, or whatever else they dream up.
Pictured: The space dug out for the playhouse frame
Pictured: An example of a playhouse frame from one of Nancy Striniste’s previous projects
Next up: the mosaic stream is about to get its sparkle! Tomorrow, the crew will pour concrete over the gravel base and start inlaying colorful marbles, tiles, and stones. The idea is to make something that’s both fun to touch and beautiful to look at whether it’s dry or has water flowing through it. Additionally, a pump will soon be added to the mosaic stream structure.
Pictured: The mosaic stream, which has been hooked up to a water source and awaits a hand pump
Stay tuned for more updates!
