Yes, the Tokyo Olympic Games are finally here and well underway. Just a year late but still very exciting, Team GB’s rather tremendous exploits so far might have got you in the mood for a little Olympics-inspired activity yourself.
Of course, you might not have a 60,000-seater stadium, state-of-the-art velodrome or Olympic-size pool on your doorstep, but you do have your garden. That’s right, we reckon you can make your very own backyard into an Olympics-ready, gladiatorial colosseum… or maybe just a cool space you can do a few fun activities in.
Here’s how.
Content Compass
Set the foundations
An Olympics-ready playground requires solid footing underneath. Before you start plotting out any activity areas, playing fields or courts, you need to check whether the ground underneath is suitable to withstand them. You can consult a landscaping expert to take a look at your terrain and let you know whether it’s in good enough condition to support some sporting fun.
Assess the playing field
Continuing with practicalities, there are two other key elements of your garden to consider: the available space and the flatness of the terrain. You really need to have a level playing field to be able to enjoy any fun and games properly, and the same goes for having enough space.
If you are working with an uneven surface, that can be rectified with a little help. The amount of space you have is certainly not as easy to address, so make sure you have the room you need to achieve what you want.
Temporary or permanent
How serious are you about creating a sports den out of your garden? Depending on things like family requirements, logistics and your budget, you may wish to make your sporting fixtures either permanent or temporary. Portable games and surfaces are usually less expensive than permanent ones, so if you’re just after fun in the summer, it’s perhaps best to stick to non-fixed equipment.
Likewise, you might want to think about the turf underfoot if you’re making it a permanent change. If you don’t want to churn up your natural grass or don’t have much natural grass, installing some artificial turf will do the trick.
What additions make the most sense?
Making a sports/Olympics-ready garden brings a number of options with it. If you’re looking for inspiration, consider one of the following:
- A putting green
- A tennis court
- A baseball/rounders diamond
- A basketball court
- A volleyball court
- A football pitch
- A bocce ball court
- A gym area
Naturally, what you do and don’t install will be largely cost-led, as garden makeovers tend to be quite expensive projects, and something you’ll need to budget for carefully.
Regardless of whether it’s Olympics fever or anything else driving forward your garden vision, make sure you make careful preparations before starting your garden design, and don’t be afraid to draft in professional help when and where you need it.