Sandpit

Sandpit

A sandpit or sandbox is a low, wide container or shallow depression filled with sand in which children can play. Many homeowners with children build sandpits in their backyards because, unlike much playground equipment, they can be easily and cheaply constructed. In North America a "sandpit" may also denote an open pit sand mine. [cite news |work=Los Angeles Times |title=Sandpit Owners Ordered to Take Corrective Steps |page=OC-A1 |date=1969-07-15] [cite news |work=The New York Times |title=$75-Million Industry Park Planned for L.I. Sandpit |date=1967-10-08 |first=Arnold H. |last=Lubasch |page=R1]

Sandpits encourage the imaginations and creativity of children by providing the materials and space to build structures such as sandcastles; use toy trucks, shovels, and buckets to move the sand around; dig holes and bury things, etc. In other words, the sand provides a medium in which children can pretend to explore, construct, and destroy the world in three dimensions. This idea of being creative and experimentation is what the metaphorical uses of the word 'sandpit' or 'sandbox' were born out of.

The "pit" or "box" itself is simply a method of storing the sand so that it doesn't spread outward across lawns or other surrounding surfaces. Boxes of various shapes are often constructed from planks, logs, or other large wooden frames that allow children easy access to the sand and also provide a convenient place to sit. Nevertheless, small sandpits are also available for purchase. These are usually made from plastic and are often shaped like an animal or other familiar object. which are necessarily non-toxic and light enough to easily vacuum.

Sandpits can have a solid bottom or they can be built directly onto the soil. The latter allows free draining (which is useful if the top is open) but can lead to some contamination of the sand with soil if the children dig down to it.

The sand gets dirty over time and is eventually replaced. The old sand can be discarded or it can be used for other things (for example, mixed into concrete). Some may use ordinary building sand to fill sandpits, while others use special sandbox sand. Since it is not washed, building sand is far cheaper but often contains materials such as clay that can stain clothes. It will also contain a mixture of grain sizes and colors, and hence will have less appeal to the eye. Ordinary building sand may be strained with a sieve and washed to remove clay and particles to create a cleaner play surface. Many schools and playgrounds around North America have replaced sand around play structures with a wood chip mixture, as it is cheaper and does not stain clothing.

ee also

*Zen garden
*Borrow Pit
*Sand art and play

References


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем сделать НИР

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Sandpit — Sand pit , n. A pit or excavation from which sand is or has been taken. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • sandpit — ► NOUN 1) Brit. a shallow box or hollow, partly filled with sand for children to play in. 2) a quarry from which sand is excavated …   English terms dictionary

  • sandpit — UK [ˈsæn(d)ˌpɪt] / US noun [countable] Word forms sandpit : singular sandpit plural sandpits British a large low container that is filled with sand for children to play in …   English dictionary

  • sandpit — [[t]sæ̱ndpɪt[/t]] sandpits also sand pit N COUNT A sandpit is a shallow hole or box in the ground with sand in it where small children can play. [BRIT] (in AM, use sandbox) …   English dictionary

  • sandpit — /ˈsændpɪt/ (say sandpit) noun a container for holding sand for children to play in. {sand + pit1} …  

  • Sandpit, County Louth — Sandpit is a small village in the rural hinterland of Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland.LocationSandpit is located about four miles north of Drogheda, off the road to Termonfeckin. It lies between the M1 motorway and the coast, where there are… …   Wikipedia

  • Sandpit Hole and Bishop's Lot — Infobox SSSI name=Sandpit Hole and Bishop s Lot aos=Somerset interest=Geological gridref=gbmappingsmall|ST531498 area=1.8 hectare notifydate=1987 Sandpit Hole and Bishop s Lot (gbmapping|ST531498) is a 1.8 hectare geological Site of Special… …   Wikipedia

  • sandpit — noun Date: 1898 British sandbox b …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • sandpit — /sand pit /, n. a deep pit in sandy soil from which sand is excavated. [1520 30; SAND + PIT1] * * * …   Universalium

  • sandpit — noun /sændpɪt/ A children’s play area consisting of a large container filled with sand. Syn: sandbox …   Wiktionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”