Playground Area & Rubber Mulch Installation Project in Glencoe

This Glencoe, IL landscape project focused on creating a dedicated and durable playground area around a new swing set. The work was planned in two phases to coordinate with the swing set installation, beginning with preparation of the designated play area and followed by the installation of rubber mulch once the swing set was in place. The project also included preliminary planning for potential future drainage improvements, with the drainage needs to be reassessed after completion of the new play area.

Project Goals

• Prepare approximately 220 square feet for the new playground area.
• Remove the existing sod from the designated play space.
• Grade the area to help prevent centralized water pooling.
• Define the playground perimeter with pressure-treated landscape timbers.
• Install landscape fabric beneath the playground surface.
• Return after swing set installation to complete the rubber mulch installation.
• Establish an approximately 4-inch finished depth of rubber mulch.
• Evaluate future drainage needs after the new play area has been installed.

Phase 1: Playground Area Preparation

The first phase of the project focused on preparing the designated playground area before the swing set installation. Approximately 220 square feet of existing sod was removed from the marked play area, clearing the space for grading and installation of the playground base materials.

The area was then graded to help prevent water from collecting in the center of the playground. Establishing appropriate grading before installing the finished playground surface helps create a more functional and maintainable play space.

Pressure-Treated Landscape Timber Border

Approximately 66 linear feet of 6-inch by 6-inch pressure-treated landscape timbers were installed around the perimeter of the playground area. The timbers define the boundaries of the play space while helping contain the playground surface within the designated area.

The defined perimeter also creates a clean transition between the playground and the surrounding landscape.

Landscape Fabric Installation

After the area was prepared and bordered, approximately 220 square feet of durable landscape fabric was installed throughout the playground area. The fabric provides a separation layer beneath the finished rubber mulch while helping maintain a defined playground surface.

Installing the fabric across the prepared area also helps create a consistent base for the rubber mulch that would be installed during the second phase.

Phase 2: Rubber Mulch Installation

The second phase was scheduled to take place after the swing set had been installed. Once the play equipment was in position, the team would return to supply and spread rubber mulch throughout the approximately 220-square-foot playground area.

The rubber mulch was planned to reach an approximately 4-inch finished depth across the play area. After installation, the material would be raked and leveled to create a clean and even finished surface around the swing set.

Future Drainage Planning

In addition to the playground installation, the client and designer reviewed and developed a preliminary plan for potential future drainage improvements. Measurements were taken during the planning process to help evaluate the property’s existing drainage conditions.

Because the new playground area and its grading could affect water flow, the drainage plan will be reassessed after the play area has been completed. Final drainage recommendations and any future scope of work will be determined following this reassessment.

Why Proper Playground Preparation Matters

A properly prepared playground area provides a defined space for play while helping the surface remain organized and easier to maintain. Removing existing sod, addressing grading, installing a perimeter border, and placing landscape fabric create the foundation for the finished rubber mulch surface.

Coordinating the work around the swing set installation also allows the finished mulch surface to be installed after the play equipment is in place, providing consistent coverage throughout the designated play area.

Project Highlights

• Prepared approximately 220 square feet for a new residential playground area.
• Removed existing sod from the designated play space.
• Graded the area to help prevent centralized pooling.
• Installed approximately 66 linear feet of 6″ × 6″ pressure-treated landscape timbers.
• Installed approximately 220 square feet of durable landscape fabric.
• Planned rubber mulch installation at an approximately 4-inch finished depth.
• Coordinated the project in two phases around swing set installation.
• Raked and leveled the rubber mulch for an even finished surface.
• Developed preliminary plans for potential future drainage improvements.
• Planned a post-installation drainage reassessment based on the completed play area’s effect on grading and water flow.

As you browse through the photos, you can see the preparation of the designated playground area, including the removal of existing sod, grading, landscape timber installation, and placement of landscape fabric. The project was carefully coordinated around the installation of the new swing set so the final rubber mulch could be installed once the equipment was in place.

The completed playground area provides a clearly defined space with a durable rubber mulch surface, while the additional drainage planning allows the property’s water flow to be evaluated again after the new play area is established.

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Tommy Pollina Landscape Company – serving Chicagoland since 1982.