BLUE MOUNTAIN SCHOOL

+ PLAY
ABBY JETMUNDSEN, ABIGAIL MOTLEY, JACQUELINE JENNETTE, KELSEY MANN | MARTHA SULLIVAN FOUNDATION STUDIO
SITE
This space promotes strength, agility, and balance
through play structures that are open to the interpreta-
tion of a childs imagination.This form of self-directed play
allows for kids to have fun through physical activity. The
suggested triangular area unifes the structures and
provides open space for movement.
1
MATERIALS AND COST
1. 10 pcs. of 2 x 6 x 16 pressure-treated lumber ($110)
2. 9 pcs. of 4 x 4 x 8 pressure-treated lumber ($72)
3. 3 pcs. of 4 x 4 x 12 pressure-treated lumber ($45)
4. 4 pcs. 2 x 4 x 10 pressure treated lumber ($20)
5. Hardware (hex bolts, screws, eye screws, etc.) ($30)
6. 66 sq. ft. climbing net ($264)
7. Tires
8. Dirt
9. 13 logs/stumps
Total cost: $550
2
STRENGTH
The net structure encourages climbing, which strength-
ens arm, shoulder, and leg strength. These core muscles
are important to the development of basic motor skills,
and help to maintain childrens overall physical ftness and
well-being.
3
STRENGTH
3
STRENGTH
1. Place 2 tires approx. 11 ft. apart.
2. Measure 10 ft. out at an angle of 60 degrees and draw
this line in the ground to use as a reference. The last tires
should reach the end of this line.
3. Make a row of (8) tires along this line.
4. Fill these tires with dirt.
5. Stack another row of tires, decreasing by one tire per
row.
6. Repeat this process until you get a height of 6 ft; be
sure to fll each row with packed dirt for support.
7. On the second-from-the-top tires of each column, at-
tach a large screw eye.
8. Attach the net to these screw eyes.
4
AGILITY
The pyramid structure helps to build agility, the ability to
move the body quickly and with precision. Agility allows
people to maintain good body control while transitioning
between movements. Because agility improves quality
of movement, it helps children to succeed in sports and
other forms of physical activity.
5
AGILITY AGILITY
5 6
1. Drill 4 holes in both sides of each tire. These will act as
drains to help keep water from collecting inside the tires.
2. Place the frst layer of tires (approx. 10 tires) down in a
straight line.
3. Pack the tires full of dirt.
4. Behind these tires, add a layer of dirt the height of the
tires (9 for the frst layer).
5. Place the second layer of tires on top of the dirt,
overlapping 2 of the tires on the frst layer about a third of
the way, making sure to align the drainage holes (see
illustration 2-A at the back of this book for help).
6. Pack these tires with dirt.
7. Continue this process (decreasing the number of tires
by 1 each time) until the wall is built with 3 tires on the top
layer.
BALANCE
The fort structure promotes balance, an important
component of muscle development. Studies have shown
a correlation between balance building and accelerated
performance in the classroom. Improving balance often
causes children with ADD, ADHD, and dyslexia to
maintain a heightened sense of focus.
7
BALANCE
7 8
The fort is slightly more complicated than the other two
structures, but can be built based on the following tem-
plate (build 2 of these and make sure to sand the outer
surfaces):
40 deg.
2x6 slats
for climbing
surface
10 ft.
4 ft.
4x4 support beams
BALANCE
For the frame of the fort, youll need to:
1. Place a 4 x 4 x 12 support beam in the ground at an
angle of 40 degrees.
2. Hammer the top end of this support to a vertical (90
degree) support that runs to the ground.
3. Hammer the two planes to this angled support.
4. Underneath the structure, add additional support
beams that run horizontally across the planes and attach
to the main frame.
5. Add two additional vertical support beams about
halfway between the frst beam and the corner point.
6. Cut 11 2 x 4 x 2 wooden grips and hammer/screw
these into one of the faces.
9
BALANCE
10
ILLUSTRATIONS
1A
2A
DIMENSIONS
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height: 6 ft
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widest point: 12 ft