I know I know this unit looks like alot of work went into it, but planning is the key!!! What you always have to remember when designing your layout is "your" physical placement within your unit. You should have a good idea how many staff and children will use your unit before you begin!! If you try to visually imagine yourself in the space you create things will fall into place. Don't get to hung up on details to begin with. Add your main units first, play structure, riding area, sand area and quiet space. Once you have the basic areas defined you can start laying down your "ground" work. Start these projects early, so that you can add the details later when time allows. All products used came from Hobbyworld. But, excellent cheap items can be purchased at Value Village for the same effect. I used alot of polymar clay, balsa wood and old fabric/vinyl scraps for both projects....start with those items. I used regular white glue and double sided sticky tape for all items. Nothing fancy!! Beads and things from the sewing kit and some plastic tubing. The plants are just dryed flowers I cut up from an old bouquet. I can't stress enough how important it will be to get started on this as soon as you have read the first section in your manual. There are some great resources on-line to look for inspiration. http://www.playworld.com/ and http://www.woodplaync.com/ both are a great place to start. Your grounding in any center should be of upmost concern, safety first!! All play structures are not created equal, so check out everything, the newer metal and plastic structures are awesome.
