Genius Hour Continuation

I've been working on my Genius Hour for one of my classes at school.

I stated that I am doing my Genius hour on the best way to go about utilizing my overgrown backyard. But since this class will be over in a couple of weeks- my Genius Hour will likely be just regarding the planning, not the actual doing of the work.

I took a screenshot of my backyard on Google Earth. This is what it looks like from above:

As you can see, The backyard is long, thin, and has a WHOLE lot of trees. I'm sure that you can also make out the 2 HUGE vegetable gardens lining the sides.

My plan was to rip out both of the gardens, but my new plan is to possibly leave one of them now.

This decision is still to be determined.

What I am doing now is planning. Planning the best way to utilize this backyard for my 3 boys. So, I've decided to look at play structures for them. I'd LOVE to have a backyard that I can send all 3 of them out to, and one that they would enjoy playing in.

I decided to look at DIY play structures on Pinterest.

Here are some that are contenders, for sure:

Pinterest, [thehandmadehome.net], Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/9359111702845057/

**I like the use of a canvas roof on this play fort- I'd like to price that out and see how canvas , or a different fabric compares in price to using wood for the roof and sides of the fort. 

Pinterest, [cubbyhouse.net], Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/522839837963359831/

**What I like about this play fort is the different play elements...the ladder, the climbing 'wall', the pole...I'm sure that I could find these items on kijiji or at the ReStore, if I take the time to look.

Pinterest, [cubbyhouse.net] Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/526921225122117472/ 

**What I really like about the fort above is the added element of the tires- and I happen to have 4 tires in my shed that I could use- BONUS! Oh, I also love the added basketball hoop, as well. Not too sure how much the boys will use it on the grass, but I'll likely add one anyway- for me to shoot some hoops, myself. ;)

So far for my Genius Hour, I've mostly been researching things that will add value to my backyard in the eyes of my boys...less landscape planning- more playground planning.

I'm excited to see what path this project brings me on next week!