Tanglewood Guideline
Play Structures

Background
Tanglewood is a vibrant family community, and as such play structures are recognized as part of the “outdoor features” which may be included in a landscape design plan. Provisions for play structures are included under the Tanglewood Design Guidelines, which state the following:

Outdoor features built into the site serve to enhance the homesite and make a smooth transition between the built and natural environments. They can also make the outdoors more enjoyable by enhancing views, catching the sun’s warmth and giving shelter for harsh winds. Site features may include:
• Courtyards, terrace and decks,
• Privacy walls and fencing,
• Greenhouses, arbours and trellises,
• Play structures, and
• Barbecue areas.

These features should be designed to respond to the landforms and other conditions of the site. They should be extensions of the architecture and integrated with the site design as a whole. The goal is to achieve the charm of traditional country houses, where the houses and gardens seem to have grown together with the landscape.

Residents are requested to follow the guidelines below to enhance the esthetic of our community and continue to ensure that Tanglewood is a desirable location in which to live.

General Appearance / Construction Materials
In keeping with the community esthetic, play structures should generally integrate with and enhance the existing landscape, and be constructed primarily of natural materials such as timbers. Colours and materials should all mirror those found in nature.

Size
Play structures may be up to 150 inches in height, and may occupy up to 15% of the available space in the rear yard.

Placement
When considering placement residents should seek to ensure that they are not unduly affecting their neighbours (eg. structures should not be placed in close proximity to a neighbour’s home, and should avoid obstructing neighbour’s views.) As such, residents are asked to consult with their neighbours when planning location for their structures. All structures must be placed a minimum of 5 feet from the property line, and may not overhang onto adjoining properties. Where possible, landscape features such as trees and shrubs should be planted in proximity to the structures to blend with surroundings and ensure a smooth transition between properties and natural environments. Play structures must also be positioned in the rear yard in such a manner that there is minimal visual exposure of the structure from the front street.

Application Process
As part of a “good neighbour policy”, residents are encouraged where possible to consult with neighbours when planning significant changes to the landscape. For instance, when planning the design and placement of a play structure, it would be wise to seek input from affected neighbours to avoid unduly impacting them, and thus avoid potential future conflict. It should be noted in the application to the Board that such consultation has taken place. (Note: all “permanent structures” and landscape plans must be approved by the Tanglewood Board, and may be submitted either through Condominium First or through the Contacts page on this website at www.tanglewoodestates.com.)