The (almost) Completed Play Area

The play area was completed enough to play in on Kate's birthday, just moments before her bedtime...so I think technically that means I made the deadline. Here's the before/after pics:

BEFORE (from inside pit, facing deck)

BEFORE (from deck, facing pit)

AFTER (from deck)

Work Items:

• [X] Remove gate between deck and pit.


• [X] Build step down from deck to pit.


• [X] Replace fence between deck and pit with handrail (and stain it).


• [X] Clear and level out ground with gravel.


• [X] Put down weed-killer and weed-blocking paper.


• [X] Build perimeter box out of 4x6 landscape timbers.


• [X] Fill box 6" deep with play cedar chips.


• [X] Install climbing toys.


• [X] Install flooring (astroturf-covered plywood) underneath play toys to avoid slivers.


• [ ] Install lattice under deck rail to prevent toys and kids from going under the deck.

Ok...so I didn't quite finish everything just yet...but it was definitely playable for Kate's big party on Saturday. All the kids had a blast. They even got to use the extra scraps of astroturf as toboggans for improved sliding viscosity. Laurie will probably post some pics/vids of the party soon.

In other news, Michelle came home to visit from Germany. She informed me that I was working on refinishing the dining room table the last time she visited. I guess I should get on finishing that table now...