Creative Playthings RESIDENTIAL PLAY SETS User manual

Owner’s Manual
FOR RESIDENTIAL PLAY SETS
Required Reading Before Assembly
Important Safety Information,
Maintenance Requirements and Warranty Data
Register your play product online at: www.creativeplaythings.com

Dear Creative Playthings Customer,
Thank you for purchasing a Creative Playthings backyard play set.
Great care has been given to the design, material selection, and quality controlled
manufacturing of your purchase. We are condent that it will give your growing chil-
dren many years of imaginative and invigorating play activity.
Unfortunately, we cannot always assemble or install the play product. We cannot
supervise children's play, or provide necessary regular maintenance. However, we
can share our knowledge and experience with you through this owner's manual and
the assembly instructions. For additional information contact our Customer Service
Department. They are available to assist you at [phone], Monday-Friday,
9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., EST.
We know that with active use of a Creative Playthings play product, your children
will develop muscular coordination and condence while sharpening social skills. For
your children's sake and your own, we encourage you to take time to become familiar
with the required maintenance procedures and to perform these on a regular basis.
We have learned that a properly maintained Creative Playthings play product will not
only serve your family better, but will also retain a large percentage of its original
purchase value. Even though the original warranty is not transferable, a well cared
for play product can be sold through a local classied advertisement.
Maintain the equipment!
The entire Creative Playthings family of employees continually strives to improve our
product in both design and utility. Some of the most constructive ideas come to us from
customers. We encourage and welcome your comments.
For safety's sake, please remember always to supervise and instruct the children.
Most of all, treasure the experience with your children. We all know too well, how the
pre-teen years pass too quickly!
Sincerely,
Donald E. Hoffman
Founder and Chief Executive Ofcer

1
Table of Contents
For Your Records ................................................................................ Page 2
Hints for Assembling Your Play Product ........................................... Page 3
Selecting a Proper Location ................................................................ Page 3
Safe Play Area ....................................................................................... Page 4
Special Safety Notes ............................................................................ Page 5
Assembly & Installation Suggestions .................................................. Page 6
Required Maintenance ........................................................................ Page 6
Maintenance Materials & Replacement Parts ..................................... Page 8
Commonly Asked Questions ................................................................ Page 8
Limited Warranty ............................................................................... Page 11
Warranty Claim Information ............................................................... Page 12

2
For Your Records
Where Purchased_______________________________________________
Purchase Date___________________ Installation Date_________________
Model Name & Number__________________________________________
Creative Playthings Customer Number______________________________
Please read this Manual completely before beginning the assembly process.
This Owner's Manual has been prepared to help you and your family achieve
full benet from your Creative Playthings backyard play set. It contains
important information concerning safety, assembly preparation, installation
procedure, required maintenance, replacement parts, and should the situation
occur, the procedure for ling a warranty claim.
Please validate your warranty online at www.creativeplythings.com within 30
days of installation. This information is used exclusively for internal purposes
and to verify that you are the original owner.
The warranty on a Creative Plaything's play product is valid for the original
purchaser and is not transferable. Creative Playthings does not assume any
responsibility for modication, or accessories added, to this product other than
those manufactured and sold by Creative Playthings, Ltd.
Creative Playthings Residential products have been designed for single
family home/residential use only and are not intended for use in a
public setting. Placement in a public setting such as a day-care, preschool,
nursery school, recreational park or other similar commercial application
constitutes a misuse of these products. Any commercial (non residential)
use voids all written or implied warranties. For play systems appropriate
for public settings, contact our commercial division at 1-800-444-0901 or
[email protected]
For warranty claim purposes, you must retain your sales receipt or other
means of Proof-of-Purchase. You should keep this Owner's Manual and the
Assembly Instructions. Please attach the sales receipt to the inside cover of
this Owner's Manual for future reference.

3
Hints for Assembling Your
Play Product
Prior to assembling your play product, take thorough inventory of all components
using the parts list printed in the Assembly Instructions (usually found in the
plastic hardware bag). Finding extra hardware is not cause for alarm. In case
parts are lost during assembly, extra hardware is often included.
Warping: Occasionally, some wooden components may twist or warp in the
carton after packaging. This is not necessarily a cause for alarm. In most
instances, these parts straighten out when assembled. Seasonal checking (or
cracking of the grain) on wooden parts is also quite natural. Water and heat
are the two most frequent causes of expansion and contraction of wood bers.
The pressure-treatment process prevents wood rot and insect decay but does
not reduce the normal wear and tear wood undergoes as a result of exposure
to water and varying temperature conditions.
Stain/Sealer Finish: An exterior water repellant stain/sealer has been applied
to all wood parts at the factory. It is highly recommended that a clear sealer be
applied to all wood parts at twelve-month intervals from the date of installation.
A stain/sealer application should be performed once the factory original stain
has faded considerably. Page 8 of this manual, details the maintenance
materials available from Creative Playthings.
The wood used by Creative Playthings has been seasoned prior to
manufacturing and can accept renish as needed.
If at any point in the installation process you have questions or require
additional help, please call your retailer or our Customer Service Department
at [phone], Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., EST. or visit the
customer service pages at www.creativeplaythings.com.
Selecting A Proper Location
To help prevent injuries, it is critical that the play set be installed in
a suitable location. Selecting the correct location for your play product is
important for your children's safety and for the play product's longevity. Please
read and follow the directions below for selecting the proper location for
your child's play set.
Slopes: Install your play set on level ground. Installation on sloping ground will
cause your set to lean or “rack” and, in time, this leaning will put stress on all the
joints. This stress will cause the set to become loose and unstable. Once this
occurs, it becomes difcult to correct, and Creative Playthings will not assume
responsibility for any failure from improper installation. Level the ground properly
before installation.

4
Safe Play Area
• The Safe Play Area refers to a zone extending 6 feet beyond the play set
on all sides, including the slide and the space above the play set. Because
children may deliberately jump from a moving swing accessory, the Safe
Play Area must be extended to 14 feet in front of and behind any 7 foot tall
swing accessory and 18 feet in front of and behind 9 foot swing accessories.
• The ground surface must be level. Installing your Play set on sloping
ground can cause it to lean or “rack". This leaning puts additional stress
on all connections and joints and in time will cause those connections to
loosen and fail.
• The Safe Play Area must be free of all structures, landscaping, trees and
branches, rocks, wires, and other obstacles to safe play. Children can be
seriously injured running or swinging into such obstacles.
• Remove all tripping hazards from the Safe Play Area. Tripping hazards
include; roots, stumps, rocks, landscaping, sprinkler heads, railroad ties,
plumbing and electrical connections.
• Do not install your Play set over concrete, gravel, asphalt, packed earth,
or any other hard surface. The following is a list of recommended ground
covers from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
RECOMMENDED GROUND COVER
Suggested Material
Double Shredded Bark Mulch
Uniform Wood Chips
Fine Gravel
Fine Sand
Rubber Mulch
A FALL ON TO A HARD SURFACE COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

5
6' 6'
6'
14'
14'
WHICHEVER
IS GREATER
18' FOR 9' HIGH SWING BEAM
18' FOR 9' HIGH SWING BEAM
Special Safety Notes
• Only the Playtime Swing Sets™ version of the Classic Top Ladder is avail-
able with swings hanging below monkey bars. Children should NOT use
the monkey bars on the top ladder when swing accessories are attached.
Swing accessories must be removed before using the monkey bars.
• Never fasten anything not approved by Creative Playthings to your Play
set. Accessories or items not approved by Creative Playthings include;
Dog runs, clotheslines, electrical devices, bird feeders, hoses, etc.
• Children should NOT walk too closely in front of, behind, or between moving
swings, trapezes, gliders or other swing accessories.
Safe Play Area using
recommended ground
cover.
CPSC* Safe Play Area:
*CPSC = Consumer Product
Safety Commision

6
Assembly and Installation
Suggestions
1. Metal Plates: The structural integrity of the play set is dependent upon
the proper installation of the metal plates, as noted and diagrammed in the
Assembly Instructions.
2. Ny-Glide Swing Hanger: Our Playtime Swing Sets™ products contain Ny-
Glide Swing Hangers (metal hangers screwed into the top support rail to con-
nect the frame to the swing accessory). The Ny-Glide Swing Hanger must
be screwed into the wood until it is tight against the stop washer. The
triangular bend of the hanger must be rmly positioned against the sup-
plied washer. Each hanger must be properly aligned so that the nylon
bushing moves freely with the swing. An improperly installed or mis-
aligned swing hanger will break or pull out and cause injury! This instal-
lation procedure is extremely important and is well detailed in the Assembly
Instructions. Creative Playthings cannot assume any responsibility for the in-
correct installation of Ny-Glide Swing Hangers. For the Heavy Duty Ny-Glide
Swing Hangers supplied with our Premium Pine™ and Classic Pine play sets,
follow the included installation instructions provided with the hangers.
3. Ground Stakes: Wooden stakes are provided and are to be installed
as outlined in the assembly manual. Embedding in concrete is neither
recommended nor required.
4. Climbing Ropes: It is important to keep any climbing ropes taut. There
should not be enough slack in the rope to allow the formation of a loop.
5. CAUTION! This play product will not be ready for a child's play until assembly
procedures are complete; all hardware is tightened, all ground stakes are
installed, and you, a responsible adult, are satised the unit is secure and safe.
At this time, review the "Safety and General Information - Cautions for Use"
section of the Assembly Instructions with each child, using the play product.
Required Maintenance
All outdoor wooden products, including Creative Playthings play
products, require routine inspection and regular maintenance. Inspect
your play set one week after installation and twice a month thereafter for the
remaining life of your play product. Maintenance should be performed at any
time it is deemed necessary. As a general rule, major maintenance (wood
renishing) should be performed at twelve-month intervals from the date of
installation. Inspect and perform maintenance based on the following checklist.
1. Wood Parts: Inspect for splintering and structural defects. If necessary,
lightly sand and renish with a clear sealant or an exterior water repellent stain.
2. Inspect hardware for tightness. Be certain that hardware is rmly against,

7
but not crushing the wood. The chief reason for inspecting hardware regularly
is so it does not become loose and fall off. Lock washers supplied with the
hardware on your play set product help maintain the correct tension without
overly compressing the wood. Over-tightening hardware crushes wood bers
and splits wood components. Over-tightening could result in the bolt threads
extending beyond the wood and presenting a safety hazard. If splintering
occurs from over tightening, washers can be purchased at your local hard-
ware store and installed under the bolt head. Be sure to reuse or replace lock
washers. If over-tightening has caused the bolt threads to protrude beyond
the wood surface, replace the bolt with a shorter one that will not protrude.
Hardware used on all Creative Playthings play sets is specially coated
for corrosion resistance. If non-Creative Playthings hardware is used, it
MUST be galvanized or stainless steel.
3. Screw-in Ny-Glide Swing Hangers: (Playtime Swing Sets™) Check to in-
sure correct installation. Make sure that the bend of the Ny-Glide Swing Hanger
is positioned tightly against the stop washer and the top ladder or swing beam.
The axis of the Ny-Glide Bushing must be perpendicular to the swing motion. If
squeaking occurs, the nylon bushings can be sprayed with WD-40 or another
household lubricant. (Explicit instruction regarding installation of Ny-Glide Swing
Hangers are outlined in the Assembly Instructions)
4. Realignment: Leaning (racking) occurs in play products installed on uneven
ground. In addition to being unsightly, leaning causes bolt holes to expand.
Consequently, it becomes increasingly difcult to tighten the hardware. If
racking occurs, re-level the area and loosen the hardware. Reposition the
parts so that the climbing tower uprights are perpendicular to the ground and
at right angles to the level platform. Retighten the hardware.
5. Ground Stakes: If appropriate to your particular play product, check to be sure
that the stakes are secured. If necessary, reposition or replace the ground stake.
6. Ropes and Rocks: Examine all ropes to make sure that they are secure
and taut. Check all climbing rocks for cracks and assure that the fasteners are
secure. Replace any worn parts.
7. Roped Accessories: Check seats, chains, and bars for integrity, and check
all ropes for fraying, separating strands and wear. An accessory should be
replaced if signs of aging or deterioration are observed.
8. Tents/Sandbox Covers: If appropriate to your particular play product, clean
with a non-abrasive household cleaner and apply a vinyl upholstery spray.
9. Preparation for End-of-Season: Although the play set will be used
throughout the year, we recommend that you remove all fabric tents when the
outside temperature drops below 32º F and store it indoors for the winter. Any
snow accumulation should be removed from the slides.
10. Surface Rust: To remove surface rust use WD-40 and a wire brush. A
commercial rust-resistant paint may be used to protect from surface rust.

8
Maintenance Materials and
Replacement Parts
Any wood product that is exposed to the elements requires maintenance. To
help you maintain your Creative Playthings product, maintenance materials
and replacement parts may be ordered through your local Creative Play-
things retailer. To locate the nearest Creative Playthings retailer call:
Customer Service Department
[phone]
or see our web site
www.creativeplaythings.com
Keep your set looking its best and protect your investment with an annual
application of our time-tested water repellent clear sealer or stain/sealer.
Available in gallon sizes.
Commonly Asked Questions
This section of the Owner's Manual has been prepared to emphasize many of
the issues that have been already covered in this manual.
Question: Is the warranty transferable?
Answer: The warranty is valid only to the original owner.
Question: Now that my play set product is assembled and installed, will I have
to do anything to it?
Answer: Yes. You must provide routine inspections and regular maintenance.
These procedures are covered in the "Required Maintenance" section of this
manual on pages 6 & 7.
Question: How often should my assembled play set product be inspected?
Answer: An initial inspection should take place one week after installation and
twice a month thereafter for the remaining life of your play set product.
Question: When should the necessary maintenance be performed?
Answer: At the beginning of each play season or as often as may be deemed
necessary from inspection. Major maintenance (primarily a thorough inspection
and re-sealing) should be performed at twelve-month intervals from the date
of installation.
Question: Why does it seem that my play set product is developing cracks?
Answer: As wood is a natural material, no two pieces are exactly alike.
Each piece has its own characteristics and personality and reacts differently
to climatic changes. When any wood product is exposed to the elements, it
develops "wood checks". A check is the radial separation of the wood bers
running with the grain of the wood. These are caused by varying tempera-

9
Crack
Check
(non-structural)
ture and moisture conditions. A check is not a crack – it does not affect
the strength or durability of the part and is not covered under warranty.
If you have ever noticed large beams in a barn or old building, you will see
similar checks. Yet, many of these structures are still strong after dozens or
even hundreds of years! You can slow (but not stop) the checking process by
maintaining the water repellent nish on your set.
A crack in a part goes through both surfaces of the wood and is usually caused
by some outside force, such as excessive loads, being struck by machinery, etc.
If you nd wood that is cracked, contact our customer service department.
Question: What are the weight recommendations for swing accessories?
Answer: Your play set product has been designed to accommodate as many
children as there are play positions. ASTM provides testing procedures for
swing accessories up to the weights listed below. Our swing accessories easily
meet those tests. A maximum of 120 lbs. is recommended on single occupan-
cy swing accessories such as the Sling Swing and Ring Trapeze. A maximum
of 175 lbs. is recommended on multiple use swing accessories such as the
Back-to-Back Glider. Please remember that your play set product has been
engineered for children.
Question: Why does my play set product move or rock?
Answer: Because the structure is wooden rather than concrete or steel,
movement is not only natural, but required. There is a saying...”If the branch
doesn’t bend, it will break.” Rocking is caused by uneven ground under the base
pieces. After a short period of time, your play product should settle into place
and the ground stakes will provide proper stability. However, if rocks or roots
surface under the base support pieces, these protrusions must be removed or
the play product relocated to another area in order to eliminate rocking.

10
Question: Why is my play set product leaning (racking)?
Answer: Leaning occurs in play set products installed on uneven ground.
Realignment will be necessary and is covered in the "Required Maintenance"
section of this manual on pages 6 & 7.
Question: What can I do about squeaky Ny-Glide Swing Hangers?
Answer: To eliminate the squeak, spray the nylon or bronze bushings with
WD-40 or other household lubricant. Some families like the squeak as it allows
them to hear their children play.
Question: Why does the wood splinter under the bolts when I tighten the
hardware?
Answer: Wood will splinter when compressed. The compression caused by
over-tightening fractures wood bers. The splintering is an indication that you
are overtightening the hardware. If splintering occurs, it is recommend that you
purchase larger diameter at washers to install under the head of the bolts.
Question: How do I clean my set? Is it covered under the warranty?
Answer: Clean your swing set, slides, and swings just like you’d clean any
other piece of outdoor furniture. To clean mold and mildew, use a bleach and
water mixture. This treatment is not covered under the warranty.
Question: Should I power wash my set?
Answer: For cleaning, you may hose the set down, but we recommend against
pressure washing the wood components. The exception: before applying a
stain sealer it will help to power wash and then let the set dry completely. This
will help the stain penetrate the wood.
Question: I am starting to see rust on the hardware and chain. I thought the
hardware is rust proof.
Answer: The hardware and chains are “rust resistant” not “rust proof”. It will
from time to time get surface rust.
Question: Is maintenance service covered under warranty?
Answer: Maintenance service is not covered under warranty. Maintenance
service packages are available through participating retail stores.
Question: My play set is splintering. Is this normal and is it covered under the
warranty?
Answer: Splintering may occur and is normal with a natural wood product.
A light sanding of the wood will correct this. Splintering is not covered under
warranty.

11
Creative Playthings Limited Warranty
Subject to normal use, Creative Playthings warrants to the original purchaser all
wooden components, in the respective categories, against insect damage and
wood rot from the date of original installation.
The lumber in Creative Playthings Premium Pine™ sets is covered by a Lifetime
warranty; lumber in Classic Pine Deluxe Swing Sets™ is covered by a 15-year
warranty; lumber in Classic Pine Swing Sets™ is covered by a 10-year warran-
ty; lumber in Playtime Swing Sets™ is covered by a 10-year warranty. All plas-
tic and fabric parts, including rope ladders, trapeze bars, chains and hardware
are warranted for 1 year from the date of installation. Labor and installation is
warranted for 30 days from the date of installation.
Within a 30-day period Creative Playthings will repair or replace, at our option,
defective merchandise free of charge, provided that the defective part is a
manufacturer’s defect and not a seasonal check. Creative Playthings requires
photographs of the part in question. The respective servicing center must be
contacted for authorization for all warranty related service. All returns must be
accompanied by a dated proof of purchase.
After the 30-day period contact customer service at: 1-800-598-4997 or by email
at [email protected]. Creative Playthings will repair or re-
place, at our option, defective merchandise for a service charge, provided that
the defective part is a manufacturer’s defect and not a seasonal check. Creative
Playthings requires photographs of the part in question.
It is the customer’s responsibility to perform regular inspections and maintenance
to ensure that the product is not prematurely aging. These inspections should
include an evaluation of the stained nish, all ropes, chains, hardware and wooden
components. A complete listing of replacement parts is available through your
Creative Playthings dealer.
This Limited Warranty does not cover the labor or cost of labor for replacement of
the defective item after 30 days; the cost of freight after the initial 30-day period;
any incidental or consequential damages, cosmetic defects that do not affect
the structural integrity of the unit; items damaged due to vandalism, acts of God,
improper usage, improper installation or other abnormal conditions.
Seasonal checks and surface cracks are natural characteristics of all outdoor wooden
play equipment, and are not considered defects nor covered under this warranty.
Creative Playthings cannot assume any responsibility for modication to, or
accessories added to these products, other than those sold by Creative Playthings,
Ltd.
This warranty covers residential installations and is not designed for commercial
applications. This warranty gives you specic legal rights which vary from state
to state. This warranty excludes all consequential damages. Some states do not
allow the limitation or exclusion of consequential damages, so the above limitation
may not apply to you.
Special Note: We reserve the right to make changes in material and design
without notice.

12
Warranty Claim Information
If you believe that you have correctly assembled, installed and maintained your
play set, and have a warranty claim, contact your original place of purchase for
resolution. Your retailer will need a brief letter describing the difculty you are
experiencing with your play set, a copy of your proof-of-purchase (sales receipt,
canceled check, or charge card statement), photographs of each specic area
of concern, and an overall view of your play set product. Your retailer will work
with our customer service department to resolve your particular situation.
If you need parts covered under warranty, you will be responsible for shipping
and handling charges only.
All plastic and fabric parts, including rope ladders, trapeze bars, chains and
hardware are warranted for 1 year from the date of installation. Labor and
installation is warranted for 30 days from the date of installation.
All wooden parts carry a specic extended warranty. Therefore, after the rst
30 days, you will be charged for shipping and handling only.
Creative Playthings' Limited Warranty does not cover labor or the cost of labor
for removal or reinstallation of the defective item.
If you cannot produce a proof of purchase, or if you are not the original
purchaser, Creative Playthings will gladly sell you replacement parts.
33 Loring Drive Framingham, MA 01702

You can register your play product online at:
www.creativeplaythings.com

©2003 Creative Playthings, printed in U.S.A. 19534-300 N (12/23)