green hippo Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 Hi all, Our PTA have recently expressed a wish to buy a climbing frame for the FS outdoor play area. I've never been that keen on climbing frames due to the 'closed' nature of the play that can occur on them. I would prefer seperate bits e.g. a climbing a frame, balancing logs etc that are a bit more open-ended in their nature. What do others think? Does anyone have any suggestions of high quality play eqipment That you could recommend? Thanks, Green hippo. Apologies for strange message and spelling - typing on tablet and its going a bit strange! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finleysmaid Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 well i feel like you green hippo. I do not have static equipment in the garden but i have lots of planks, wooden cookies and four small benches which the children use to create the most amazing climbing courses.If i could i would have liked a fallen tree stump...but haven't manages this yet....but i have rescued several large cut offs from some local trees that were cut down. The only thing that i might add now is a set of a frames with ladder attachment (consortium) as this would add the benefit of being able to swing ..so using their arm and shoulder muscles. If i had lots of money and space then i might get someone like 'cool canvas' in to come up with something bespoke depends on your budget really! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
narnia Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 well, without banging on about it...........Community Playthings have a new climbing frame out right now. It is quick and easy to put up and down, has several configurations.........I saw it 'up close and personal' at a recent visit and would love to own one. We do have planks and crates etc, but I would definately find a place for this 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finleysmaid Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 well Narnia for £1748 i could equip a whole playground! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catma Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 well, without banging on about it...........Community Playthings have a new climbing frame out right now. It is quick and easy to put up and down, has several configurations.........I saw it 'up close and personal' at a recent visit and would love to own one. We do have planks and crates etc, but I would definately find a place for this It's brilliant and worth the money I'd say in a long life 10 year guarantee, designed fit for purpose and all natural materials plus a high degree of challenge and storability. If you could get this I'd say go for it. I too dislike fixed frames but this is really special!! YOu could use it every day and never have the same frame twice. Cx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stargrower Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 (edited) We've got the usual planks and tyres etc but also the Consortium A Frame that Finleysmaid mentioned. It is really versatile and can be adjusted for different abilities. It's also good for den making etc. It's been reduced in price too - about £100 cheaper than when we bought it a couple of years ago! :huh: Edited October 12, 2013 by Beehive Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
narnia Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 £1748??? Does that include the VAT??? Bargain...........guaranteed 10 years, you'd still be playing with it in 50 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finleysmaid Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 cor blimey Narnia that's the about whole of my equipment budget for a year....i'd have to go and beg from about three different grant funders to get it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
green hippo Posted October 12, 2013 Author Share Posted October 12, 2013 Do you know whether the Community playthings frame (which I agree looks GREAT!) is ok to stay out in all weathers? It looks like it's ok to use on the grass? We don't really want something that we have to bring in and out all the time. We have been quoted £4000 for a fixed frame with a similar simple set-up - a cube with a roof, space underneath, climbing (rope and blocks to hold) and a slide. We could at least use different sections of this for different purposes but it's no where near as versatile as the CPT frame but not for £4000 which I don't think the PTA will be funding anyway!!! Green Hippo x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catma Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 I'd talk to them - just phone them and I'm sure they would be more than happy to discuss it. Best to go to the source for info I think!! Cx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
narnia Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 Certainly I wouldn't leave it out all the time, unless you had a covered area for it, BUT, and this is very special.........it takes less than TWO minutes to erect or dismantle. But Catma is right, talk to them directly, they're very very helpful and will have all the answers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 there is loads of cheap stuff in here. we've got £3000-£5000 to spend and will get one of the trim trails, the play lodge and sand pit http://www.sovereignplayequipment.co.uk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lumpty Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 We've got a community playthings climbing frame- but I wouldn't risk leaving it out? But that doesn't mean that you can't. But it is fantastic. In the catalogue it shows how you can use it for role play (as a barn with hay on the top platform, or a bakers shop- lowering the platform) very versatile! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 14, 2013 Share Posted October 14, 2013 Love CPT can't beat it and I have found them nothing but really helpful, friendly I would love the frame it's on my wish list Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melcatfish Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 Well if we are doing the money no object I would want a climbing structure from these guys: http://www.infiniteplaygrounds.co.uk/natural-playgrounds/natural-climbing-structures/#lightbox[gallery-1]/64/ But as it is we are also in the position of looking towards buying something to replace the (IMHO) hideous plastic monstrosity which was there before I got there! Sorry, hope that doesn't offend, just my opinion. Mel x PS anyone link to the Community Playthings new frame? I can only see one which has been there a while?? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finleysmaid Posted October 21, 2013 Share Posted October 21, 2013 Well if we are doing the money no object I would want a climbing structure from these guys: http://www.infiniteplaygrounds.co.uk/natural-playgrounds/natural-climbing-structures/#lightbox[gallery-1]/64/ Mel x Awww stop teasing! <_< Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts