BUILD DAY Preparation

Your play equipment representative should be able to assist you in identifying the tasks that will need to be accomplished in preparation of the playground build. 

Digging holes.
If excavation is needed, make sure you have found someone, hopefully a volunteer or local contractor, with the proper equipment to accomplish the task.  If possible find someone with a bob cat or other machine that has an auger for digging the holes.

Delivery and off loading.
Be sure that your play equipment will be delivered well in advance of the build. Usually we like to deliver the materials 3-5  days prior to build day. You don't want a broken down truck to be the disappointment of everyone involved that has reserved the date for this event.  Be sure that you have a scheduled group of people (or a forklift) available for off loading at the time of delivery.

Cleaning and leveling holes.
Assemble a team that will be responsible for cleaning out and leveling the holes prior to the build day. A transit or site level, hand post hole diggers, shovels, digging bar, tamper and wheel barrows may be required for this. Your equipment representative may be able to provide a site level if you do not have one available.

Tools.
Be sure that the tools needed are available from volunteers.  Ask your equipment representative for a list of tools that will be needed.  Volunteers can bring most tools from home on the day of the playground build, marking them so that they find their proper owner at the conclusion.

Pre-assembly.
Schedule a handful of volunteers to work a few hours the day before the playground build so that equipment unpacking, organizing and any pre-assembly can be completed.

Notify volunteers.
Be sure that any volunteers that have expressed an interest are notified about the day(s) and time(s) that help is needed.

Concrete.
Order any concrete (usually 60 lb. or 80 lb. bags work well) to be delivered the afternoon prior to the build. Often you may find a local supplier that will donate this material or provide it at a discounted price if they know the nature of the project.

Water source.
Make sure there is a water source available with a hose long enough to reach the the footer holes. A nozzle for the hose is a good idea as well.

Safety of parts and people.
Protect any loose play equipment parts as well as any open footing holes from children or curious neighbors.

Trash.
Make sure there is either a dumpster available or another method to dispose of the play equipment packaging materials (pallets, shrink wrap, paper, cardboard, banding materials, etc).

Go to the next step:  Prepare for Build Day

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