I grew up next to a park that had a tall wooden climber with monkey bars perched over a cement pad. Despite the monstrous slivers my mom had to pull out of my fingers daily, it was the best.
After the day my thumb got stuck in the giant rubber tire see-saw and I nearly lost my thumbnail, my parents decided they’d had enough. They bought us a candy-striped swing set for our backyard, hoping to lure my brother and me away from what they lovingly called the “Sliver City.”
I can still hear the whine of the chains as my little brother and I swung. The harder we pumped our legs, the more the frame groaned and swayed until one day it tipped right over. That was the end of that.
Today, play structures have reached new heights…the safe kind.
Build it and they will play
“Backyard play has evolved far beyond the standard swing set,” says Gilles Fortin, owner of Flamborough Patio Furniture. For over forty years, Fortin has been building distinctive outdoor furniture and custom play structures. “Families today see their outdoor space as an extension of their home. It’s not just about keeping kids busy, it’s about creating an experience.”
That experience can take many forms. Some families opt for prefab playsets with plastic slides, swings, and climbing features. Others prefer custom-built designs that blend into the natural aesthetic of their yard. Think timber frames, rope bridges, built-in sand areas, and treehouses tucked among mature trees.
Before diving into your dream design, there are a few key considerations.
Budget is often the starting point. Prefab kits can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, while custom builds can climb much higher depending on materials and complexity. Deciding where to invest helps narrow your options quickly.
Space matters just as much. Start by measuring your yard and planning for clearance zones. You need room for the structure and safe movement around it.
Then there’s the age of your kids. Are you building for toddlers, or creating something they can grow into? The best play spaces evolve. A small platform and slide can later become a hangout space or clubhouse for older kids.
Installation will depend on the type of structure you choose. Basic prefab kits typically come with detailed instructions and can often be assembled over a weekend (unless you’re my husband, who claims to be allergic to nails and sawdust).
For more complicated kits or custom builds, especially when dealing with elevated platforms or more complex features, it’s critical to have a professional installation.
“Once we’ve installed a play structure, our job is done,” says Fortin. “Then families need to install a safe surface. It’s not the most exciting part, but it’s what helps prevent injuries.”
Happy landings
There are several surface options to consider. Poured rubber offers excellent shock absorption and a polished finish, but the cost is high. Like, pump your legs and swing as high as you can, high.
Milton Stone offers artificial turf that, when installed with proper under padding, is a low-maintenance choice. And of course, sand or wood chips are traditional and budget-friendly options that deliver great impact protection. You can also find rubber mulch at Vanbeeks. It’s durable, eco-friendly, and the rich brown colour mimics the look of natural mulch, without the need for constant top-ups.
Each option has trade-offs, but all aim to create a safer play environment.
From there, the possibilities are wide open.
“Don’t be afraid to get creative,” says Fortin. “We’ve built everything from pirate ships to whimsical treehouses. You’re only limited by your imagination.”
Whether you’re working with a compact yard or a larger property, your backyard can become something truly special. Because in the end, it’s not just about swings and slides. It’s about creating a space where kids can explore, build confidence, and make lasting memories.
Ideally, without the splinters.
Local Links:
Van Beek’s Garden Supply, Oakville
Stocks various rubber mulch options, including 25L bags and 1 cubic yard super sacks, suitable for playgrounds.
vanbeeks.com
Flamborough Patio
Offers a variety of play centres
flamboroughpatio.com
Rubberscape Oakville
Loose/bagged rubber mulch and bonded rubber mulch for playgrounds, daycares and residential projects.
rubberscape.ca
Funscapes, Toronto
Swing sets and jungle gyms
funscapes.ca
Rainbow Play Systems, Mississauga
Wooden playsets
rainbowplay.com
Milton Stone
Carries artificial turf
miltonstone.ca
By Lisa Thornbury
