This Grandma hears the concerns of parents who wish they could have their children play outside alone. Now there seems to be a debate about whether or not there should be a concern. This Grandma always errs on the side of caution. Better safe than sorry, is a mantra. To each their own.
But this Grandma is always looking for ways the grandchildren can play outside safely at their own home.
I have purchased a portable badminton and volleyball set. There are so many varieties, it is hard to choose. Take a look.
What I did learn from that purchase is that it was popular with the whole family and the older grandchild, who was about nine, and his friends, but only lasted one season. I wanted to think of something that would last more than one season, and would be used in more than one season now that the younger grandchildren were moving into a new home.
Taking a walk with Grandpa, I noticed that every private home we passed had a portable basketball hoop in their front yard. Our older grandchildren have a basketball hoop at their house which came with the house and they love playing basketball outside. Theirs was stationery in the ground. Thinking that a portable basketball hoop is a great idea and should be less expensive,, I stopped to look at the model of the portable basketball hoops.
Each home had the same model.
I came home and went on the internet. All the best lists of basketball hoops recommend in ground the way to go, if one can. But, one model stood out above the rest when it came to portable basketball hoops and it was in the front yard of at least six homes, every home that had one, in one neigborhood!
Lifetime 52 Inch Portable Basketball Hoop System is the best portable at the best price. It is significantly less expensive than any of the other highly recommended models.
Amazon describes it as “portable, height-adjustable basketball hoop with shatterproof polycarbonate backboard; 52-inch Makrolon backboard is virtually unbreakable and much stronger than acrylic; solid-steel Slam It rim with double-compression springs for spring-back action; powder-coated, rust-resistant finish; 35-gallon base; 5-year warranty.”
It seems to be the best of everything, and sturdy and adjustable in height making it usable for preschoolers and up. We know it is recommended that children get exercise. A study reported in the June 1, 2015 Time Magazine says, “48 is the number of minutes of exercise per day the average preschooler gets, according to Pediatrics; the recommended minimum is one hour.” This Grandma has seen her older grandchildren play for an hour; now it is time to introduce the younger grandchildren to the convenience of having a year round outside play toy in their own new yard.
Why is it a Top Pick by on line reviewers? A web review says:
“This portable basketball hoop is built for convenience and fun and it’s easy to see why. The Lifetime 52″ Portable Basketball Hoop System comes with everything you need to set up the goal. A clear, polycarbonate backboard, supported by a steel frame is shatterproof and has fade resistant graphics to show the target zone. Measures 55″ x 33″.”
“Mount the backboard to the 3.5″ diameter, telescoping pole made of steel that can adjust with one hand due to the convenient Action Grip Height Adjustment. Goes from 7.5′ to 10′ easily. The hoop has a Slam-it Rim which is built to last and take plenty of slam dunks with its double-compression springs and supportive ½” steel braces.”
“The 35 gallon capacity base can be filled with sand or water and it can be emptied if the hoop has to be moved. There are many great things to love about the Lifetime 52″ Portable Basketball Hoop System including its extraordinary price. It is the least expensive of the three and you don’t lose quality at all.”
All that is required is putting it together, which seems more difficult than they say. And buying the parents of the grandchildren some comfortable portable lawn chairs. A win-win. The parents can play on their electronics and the grandchildren can run around. Or better yet, a family tradition of playing basket ball together is created. Such
Joy,
Mema
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