Howdy folks!
We recently combed through all of our past forum posts and have pulled out some past and recent discussions that we think everyone building a playground should take a look at.

We plan on making this a little easier to read though browse, but for now I would bookmark this page for easy access to some of the community's best threads.

Maintenance/Maintenance Issues:

Issues that were discussed in this forum included:

*Best surface/safety materials to use when building and or improving current playground, issues of quantity of surface/safety material, while complying with CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) guidelines.

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3272/threadid/1600/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Issues of used drug needles and acid on playgrounds.Seeking solutions.

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3272/threadid/2129/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Using at risk teens for maintenance of play spaces as well as the children who play on them day in and out.

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3272/threadid/2552/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Needed suggestions for a playground renovation (size restrictions, trends, amenities, sufficient fall zone, etc).

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3272/threadid/2102/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Networking about maintaining/renovating play space area

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3272/threadid/3108/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Dealing with vandalism/graffiti

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3272/threadid/2043/scope/posts/Default.aspx

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3272/threadid/3301/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Suggestions for trees to be placed in playspaces/Debate: Are trees a safety hazard?

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/2722/scope/posts/Default.aspx

Alternative playing and safety surfaces:

*Artificial Turf vs. Pea gravel

*Considering Government entities (ADA requirements)

*Ultimate goal is to find best surface materials that last and that are not too cost prohibitive.

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3272/threadid/2100/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Metal slides vs. plastic slides (static build): issue with children who have cochlear implants.

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3272/threadid/2890/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Discussion about merry-go-rounds and alternatives to replace them

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/2985/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Link on the importance of safety/surface material: Decline in head injuries.

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3272/threadid/2449/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Discussion on turf surfacing: synthetic turf vs. poured-in-place rubber (in Hawaii)

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/2301/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Discussion on surface type: Wood chips vs. rubber surfacing

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/2285/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*News story/discussion on disadvantages & advantages of wood chips and engineered wood fiber.

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/3025/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Shared Stories of a fun build day activity for children-chalk out dream playground on sidewalk surrounding playspace.

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/2378/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Stepping Stones for playspaces (This would be interested and an awesome story to see written up-pics as well about what the people in this thread did with the stepping stones)

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/2980/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Playspace enhancements: Bricks

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/791/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Discussion on how to encourage passion, engagement within the community.

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/794/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Stories/Discussions of Hope after Hurricane Katrina hit Mississippi

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/520/scope/posts/Default.aspx

Ethical Issues:

* Advocacy on behalf of inhabitants of Poughkeepsie Public Housing Authority (hazardous playground).

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3272/threadid/2408/scope/posts/Default.aspx

Fundraising/Fundraising Ideas

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3295/threadid/1998/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Getting involved with restaurants

*Math-a-thon

*Adopt-a-classroom: set up an account for their classroom, get parents involved (donating money). This idea can be modified for a rural community.

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3295/threadid/1899/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Proposal writing/Ideas for writing an effective proposal/Grants
http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3295/threadid/2040/scope/posts/Default.aspx and http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3295/threadid/2154/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Macy’s have grant opportunities

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3295/threadid/2411/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Article about grants dated 1/3107

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/1784/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Grants in California for non-profits (10k-20k)

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/2122/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Grants from CVS: For Boundless Playground

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/2927/threadid/2707/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Hamburger Helper http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3295/threadid/2092/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Power of Matching-How parents and businesses can double play space/classroom funds

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3295/threadid/2271/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Fundraising ideas: Bowling with silent auction baskets and a bake sale, Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament, Fiesta Night with Mexican food, dancers, DJ, and carnival games, T- shirt sales offering more than one color. http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3295/threadid/2403/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Involving Youth in fundraising: have young people organize a talent show, or comedy night, or get a local band to do a benefit concert, mow your lawn.

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3295/threadid/2414/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*This forum discussion had a plethora of innovative and fun ideas to raise money.

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3295/threadid/644/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Interesting fundraising idea: Hot Air Balloon Rides

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3295/threadid/2800/scope/posts/Default.aspx

**Check out local fire and police department, hot-dog stand rentals and talk to some of the local businesses to sell on weekends. Last Man Standing, i.e. during one of the parent nights, they said something like "Everyone stand up... if you are willing to donate $10 tonight, remain standing...if you are willing to donate $20 tonight, remain standing..." and the amounts kept going up and up and up. (Taken directly from forum discussion). Politicians.

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3295/threadid/2789/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Canister Fundraiser: Canisters that look like future play sites are placed in convenient stores/local businesses.

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3295/threadid/2679/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Cool Fundraiser:Vineyard/Winery Tours/Wine Tasting http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3295/threadid/2950/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*This idea is about involving local business to donate at different giving levels (Silver, Gold, and Platinum). Also serves as advertisement for businesses.

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3295/threadid/3040/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Interesting/Active Fundraiser:

Family and friends to donate per lap, and during school one day the kids ran laps and collected money.

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3295/threadid/3325/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Interesting Fundraiser Idea: Services Auction (Music, dance, cooking, etc.)

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3295/threadid/3346/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Discussion about a block party

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/2948/scope/posts/Default.aspx

Building Spaces/Volunteerism/Helping-Boomers to Boomers

*In the spirit of helping others build playgrounds

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/2048/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Needed info about Green play spaces

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/1867/scope/posts/Default.aspx

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/2259/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Issues with obtaining Liability Insurance

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/1625/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Liability Waiver: Children's Activities

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/2745/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Debate on if swings sets are a liability for School Districts

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/1856/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Boy and Girls Scouts-Building Playgrounds

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/2057/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Boomers helping Boomers: Budget Spreadsheet

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/1995/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Costs of side projects

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/1914/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Best materials/method for drain tiles

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/2328/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Boomers sharing stories of their builds, and advice/encouragement on building projects

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/448/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Efforts to get playspace equipment/playspace are in Dominican Republic

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/2359/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Information on choosing best playspaces tailored to the specific type of playground.

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/2677/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Best options when choosing shade structures (Steel roof, Fabric Canopy, etc.)

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/2676/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Discussion on what makes a great playspace

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/2222/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Discussion on Evos by Landscape Structures and if it is the future of playspace equipment.

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/2816/scope/posts/Default.aspx

Special Needs/Wheel Chair Accessible Playspaces

*Discussion of the structure of a playspace for special needs children

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/2824/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Wheel chair accessible playgrounds

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/2927/threadid/3278/scope/posts/Default.aspx

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/2927/threadid/1548/scope/posts/Default.aspx

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/2927/threadid/2761/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Resources for play equipment that is accessible for children with special needs

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/2927/threadid/2003/scope/posts/Default.aspx

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/2927/threadid/2596/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Signage playspace for non-verbal Children

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/2927/threadid/2306/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Handicap accessible Baseball field

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/2927/threadid/2116/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Things to consider: Playspaces for children with special needs

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/2927/threadid/1426/scope/posts/Default.aspx

Miscellaneous

*The impact of the thank you note/There are interesting accounts of the effectiveness of thank you cards.

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/3295/threadid/2967/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Ideas for Service Learning Projects/Youth Involvement

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/2828/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Vivid discussion about how fun saddle spinners are

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/2468/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Good ideas/Reminders for Build Day/Advice

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/3094/scope/posts/Default.aspx

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/3335/scope/posts/Default.aspx

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/2927/threadid/3290/scope/posts/Default.aspx

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/3113/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Advice for playspaces in progress of being built

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/2927/threadid/1596/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Handy information about equipment storage

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/3039/scope/posts/Default.aspx

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/3332/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Playspace build needed more volunteer, made a competition between 2 radio stations to see who could get the most volunteers.

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/202/threadid/3134/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Future Inventors of playspace equipment

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/2927/threadid/3123/scope/posts/Default.aspx

*Innovative/Unique Playspaces

http://www.kaboom.org/OnlineCommunity/Forumsnbsp/tabid/58/forumid/2927/threadid/1556/scope/posts/Default.aspx