At Texas Backyard Structures, we take pride in bringing outdoor spaces to life for families, schools, and communities. One of our most exciting recent projects was a full-scale playground and preschool area transformation at The Magnolia School, located in the beautiful Hill Country setting of Bee Cave, just outside Austin, Texas. This multi-phase project reflects our commitment to safety, creativity, and long-lasting quality.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through each stage of the installation process, share some behind-the-scenes insights, and highlight how this project helps create a safe and engaging environment for children to learn and play.
Phase 1: Removing the Old to Make Way for the New Playground
The project began with a clean slate. Our team at Texas Backyard Structures started by deconstructing and hauling away the aging wooden playset from The Magnolia School’s main playground. This crucial step allowed us to safely remove deteriorated materials and assess the space for future installation.
Key Tasks:
- Deconstruction and disposal of the original wooden playset
- Clearing of all old ground material from both playgrounds
- Site prep and leveling for new installations
Phase 2: Installing the Vinyl Clubhouse & Tunnel Adventure Set
The structure features bright, inviting colors and thoughtful design details tailored for younger children. The clubhouse provides an ideal setting for imaginative play, while the tunnel set adds an element of exploration and physical engagement.
- Vinyl is splinter-free, easy to clean, and weather-resistant, making it ideal for commercial and school settings
- No staining or sealing required, significantly reducing maintenance time and costs
- Swing Kingdom products meet rigorous safety and durability standards
Phase 3: Adding Shade with a 20×35 Cantilever System, a necessity for any Austin playground
This commercial-grade shade not only blocks harmful UV rays but also keeps equipment and surfaces cooler, increasing comfort and extending the life of the play structures beneath it. The cantilever design was chosen specifically to maximize shade coverage while minimizing ground obstruction, allowing children to move freely underneath.
Shade Benefits:
- Reduces surface temperatures by 15-20 degrees
- Shields children from direct UV exposure
- Enhances the comfort and usability of playground equipment
Phase 4: Installing the Large-Scale Vinyl Playground
The crown jewel of the project was the installation of a large-scale vinyl playground also produced by Swing Kingdom. This dynamic and interactive structure was custom-designed to meet the needs of a wide range of age groups and activity levels.
Playground Features:
- Lemonade Stand: A charming touch that encourages imaginative roleplay on the ground level
- Three Tower Decks: Multiple climbing points and lookout areas
- Spiral Tube Slide: A thrilling ride that remains cool to the touch thanks to the shade
- Tactile Learning Panels: Interactive elements to promote sensory development and motor skills
All materials used were commercial-grade and designed for high-traffic, all-weather use. The vinyl finish ensures long-term durability while maintaining a fresh and colorful appearance.
Phase 5: Finishing Touches with ASTM-Certified Rubber Mulch
To complete the playground transformation, we replaced the existing ground cover with ASTM-certified rubber mulch. This high-performance material offers a clean and cushioned base that complies with national safety standards.
Rubber Mulch Advantages:
- Superior shock absorption compared to wood chips or gravel
- Doesn’t attract pests or decompose over time
- Low-maintenance and weather-resistant
- Available in a variety of vibrant colors to complement the playground aesthetic
This final touch not only ensured the safety of the playground but also added a polished and professional appearance to the entire space.
A Word from Texas Backyard Structures
Transforming The Magnolia School’s playgrounds was more than just a construction job—it was an opportunity to create a meaningful space that supports the physical and cognitive growth of children in our community. By combining thoughtful design with high-quality materials, we delivered a project that will serve students and staff for years to come.
If you’re a school, daycare, or homeowner in the Austin area looking to elevate your outdoor space with safe, durable, and creative structures, Texas Backyard Structures is here to help. Contact us today for a custom quote or to learn more about our products and installation services.
Let’s build something amazing together.
