I have asked Grandpa to ghost write this post. Though my communication skills are "off the chart," my typing skills are minimal at best. The thoughts are all mine, but the typing belongs to Grandpa.
When the family completed the Bluff House, I was the only child/grandchild. I suspected I would not be the last, and was determined to make the place super child-friendly. Why have a special retreat in the woods without places to entertain ourselves? This project was a special challenge as all the decisions would be mine, and with it the responsibility to make it enjoyable for the siblings and cousins who would no doubt be joining me.
The notes below detail what went into the design and construction of this special project. (Design comes naturally to me, as I am blessed genetically with some very strong GA Tech genes.) Fortunately, JeeJee is a master at photo archiving as the images below will attest.
I remember Christmas Day, 2011 as if it was yesterday. As I was deep in thought, I realized it was very unlikely I would be the only child to enjoy this place. I don't mind taking turns, but this swing is MINE. What will the other children do for fun on the farm? I decided the only fair thing to do would be to add to our outdoor entertainment department--I would design and build a playground. But first, who could I get to help?
I first talked with Grandpa about my idea, and then decided to call Uncle Jimmy. He seemed to be pretty resourceful at "finding things," and takes great joy in making children happy.
While Uncle Jimmy was busy looking for the playground equipment, Grandpa and I toured the site looking for the proper place for the new playground, confident Uncle Jimmy would come through for us. "Grandpa, I don't think the front yard is the right place for a playground. Let's move a little to the west." (I hoped my poker face wouldn't betray my real opinion of Grandpa's site selection.)
Right on schedule, Uncle Jimmy comes through with the first load of equipment. I hope he didn't get too cold riding all the way home seated on the slide.
No need to wait for the other children to come on the scene. This equipment must be properly tested, and there is no better place to start than the slide.
After pouring the foundation, Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Martha assist with the placement of the Merry-Go-Round. This part is trickier than you might think.
Sorry, Henry! I got here first, so I get to handle the front end loader for the precise task of setting the equipment properly.
It seemed only fair, that I as project manager would be the first to try out the Merry-Go-Round, but...
Uncle Jimmy had other ideas! So far, so good, but what if we have a boy in the family?
No problem! Uncle Jimmy also found a jungle gym/monkey bars. Notice the laser level in the background--I insist on precise work!
You can't have a playground without swings! After all, the white swing on the back porch is mine. Where will the other children swing?
See how my foresight paid off? Yes, that is Brigette underneath all that sun-shading clothing. I'd say this project turned out pretty well, but aren't we missing something?
You guessed it! A water park! Complete with beach, swimming, waterslide, and comfortable pool furniture. Now that the construction is complete, why not invite some friends over for a swim?
What better way to initiate the opening of Vivi's Bluff House Playground and Water Park than to ask over a couple of the "bunnies."
Thanks for your patience. I know this post is a long one, but nobody ever accused me of being short of words! Hope you enjoyed my detailed account of one of my top ten projects.
Love,
Vivi Charles Lay, P.E. (Playground Engineer)