Need some creative ideas on what to do with 6 x 4 area in our garden

[iwantavuvezela]

I would love some input in what to do with an area at the back of our garden which measures roughly 6 x 4. OUr garden is split into three areas, a decked area; followed by a grassed area, and then the 6 x4 area right at the end.

At the moment it is covered in that hard slate chips.

We want to move the trampoline to this area, and make it a play area so are looking for ways to cover this area, that look good, and provide a nice surface to play on. There is a big tree in that spot, and as the trampoline will effectively take up 1/3 of the space, i dont think laying grass is an option.

I looked into quotes about laying artifical turf, but that comes in over £1200 - £1500.

I have called in two local gardeners and they said that the cheapest option is to put bark down - i am worried about this, as we do have the occasional foxes and cats in our garden and i am sure i read somewhere that it can be a nightmare if they start using it as a toilet! HAs anyone used bark and have any thoughts on this?

I guess that leaves the other possibility of laying down those plastic/rubber squares you see in playgrounds - has anyone done this and can recommend a person/organisation / type of cost this might involve.

Or is there something i have not thought about ....

I desperately need some inspiration on this ....

Thanks

Well after some initial investigatins yesterday it seems like bark is my option (price wise!!!)
Anyone else who has used bark and can share thoughts on this????

We have bark around the DDs' climbing frame. Make sure you get play bark and get the best you can afford as some of it can be quite rough which means it's quite painful to walk on in bare feet (which my two do all the time). You also need the right depth to provide a soft landing - I think it's at least 5cm but check this.

Local foxes around here don't seem too attracted to ours but no guarantees there. Old wives tale solution to keep foxes away is to get your DH to wee around the garden in a territorial way to warn them off.

Grass is a much nicer surface to play on than bark, and some varieties are fine under trees.

You must mean 6*4m. I came in expecting it to be feet and was going to suggest clematis [wrong end of stick emoticon]

Thanks for that bpb - my husband has done the male territorial thing! It seemed to work must remind him to do it again! Thanks for the tip on the best play bark, i might go and have a look at this, and also about the depth

Auntie - i got a local gardener around, and because of a large oak tree at the back, quite shaded, she recommended that we shouldnt do grass - i did ask her about this.