Playground rope project

MillWeld · Jul 25, 2013

I have a friend who has has asked me to help install a rope around 3 large trees in his yard for his 5 yo daughter to play on. The idea is to have 2 parallel ropes around the trees, the lower one to stand/walk on and the upper one to grab hold of so she can walk hand-over-hand between the trees. I initially thought of using wire rope inside a garden hose but that may be difficult to install and stretch tightly. If we use rope it must sag minimally and hold up to the weather and be thick enough to make a comfortable grip. Any ideas on a material to use?
Thanks,
Bob

forgeblast · Jul 25, 2013

What about using a slack line Gibbon Slacklines on the bottom and rope (box stores will sell rope by the foot, or precut) on top. Tie one end with a clove hitch and the other end with a taut-line hitch so you can adjust it.

geko · Jul 31, 2013

Metal cable on strainers attached to the tree would work well and can be quickly & easily adjusted if it sags.

SPIKER · Jul 31, 2013

One thing is what the rope will do to the trees long term, I would think wisely on this but you can do it. Might look into ratcheting straps the 2" wide ones can be run and tightened down. There are some YouTube videos of guys on slack lines and ratcheting straps both doing pretty slick tricks.

Slackline Tricks Compilation ... it´s all about Balance - YouTube

Vertical Jump - Trick in a Minute - YouTube

I would not suggest the garden hose cable direction as the cable and hose can rotate independently and be harder to hold. Look around for some good turn buckles that you can run heavy rope thru and have them inside the trees, like a boxing ring. so tightening the turnbuckles will put greater tension on the ropes.

Mark

tcreeley · Jul 31, 2013

Soft nylon rope like they use on docks to tie up boats. It weathers well, gentle on hands and very strong. 7/8", 1" etc..
Our local discount tools sells it. A marina would too.

Woody65 · Aug 2, 2013

I just researched a fence project and found that the best option is natural manilla rope. It comes in all sizes, is resistant to rot and UV rays. Take a look at my thread in regards to the fence. The man made options did not seem to hold up to the weather. Especially UV rays. Good luck on the project.

quicksandfarmer · Aug 3, 2013

I'd use Dacron rope, very durable and low stretch.

How long do you expect to leave this up? If more than a season, you have to worry about damaging the trees by girdling them. It's kind of counter-intuitive, but the healthiest way for the tree to attach a rope long-term is to use an eye-bolt.