Except these days, it's not the rusty, metal swing set with the striped poles and concrete anchors that our parents suffered through assembling. Today, it's play sets, with wooden forts built atop rock walls and roped ramps, picnic areas underneath, and the "accessory" swing beam fluttering off at the side. It's the treehouse you never had, accessible only through physical effort mimicking Marine basic training. It's a home-away-from-home that can cost as much as your own monthly mortgage payment (if not more).
However, this daunting purchase must be made in a vacuum, as there are no comprehensive articles, how-tos, or review sites that allow you to make comparisons across manufacturing lines or among dealers. What you're left with is a vague recollection of the kickin' play set that President Obama purchased his daughters (made by Rainbow), and that Toys 'R' Us still sells those rust-filled metal sets to somebody.
Hereon, I embark upon the impossible: A series of posts documenting our research and ensuing purchase to help others navigate this task. But where to start?
Part I: Deciding on the purchase
After all, purchasing a swing set (yes, I'll still call it that) is not for everyone. Here are some factors that you can consider as you start setting up your priorities and budget for the purchase.
- Do you already live close to neighborhood parks or playgrounds? If so, it's time to assess whether you can get by using those communal resources and putting your savings toward another kid investment, like that other popular playplace--college.
- Do you have ample incentive/motivation to bring your kids to the park as long as they can't go by themselves? If not, a swing set may be a good purchase since it's in your own yard. Be honest with yourself on this one.
- Do you have a neighbor with a play set? If so, you might go down the path of buying a different play component in your backyard, and you can share the yards.
- Do you have the square footage in a yard with little to no slope? Although some play sets come with a smaller footprint, you'll need at least 15' in each direction to install a play set with swings, along with another 6' of buffer on each side as recommended by the Consumer Product Safety Commission for safe play. If your yard slopes steeply (sloping 6" or more between the outside posts of your play set), installation may not be advisable.
- Do you have the money? Play sets come in a huge variety of styles, material types, and customizations. Purchases can range from $200 (a metal swing set or a small plastic play set) to $12,000. Many of the under-$2000 sets require assembly, while most over that price point come with installation and/or delivery. So in cost considerations, you have to decide whether you have not only money in the bank for the equipment, but also the means for assembling it (either your own talent, borrowed brawn, or the cash to buy installation).
Still want to purchase a swing set? Next, we'll explore some of the soul-searching and decision-making you'll need to make even after you've committed to cough up the cash for a magnificent tribute to steel/wood/plastic in your very own yard.
