Built in sandpit

Now updated with more photos:
Most children cannot get enough of digging in the sand.  We had some hefty criteria for investing in a sand play area. 

1. It needed to be covered from the sun and the rain, so that it could be played in all year long. 
2. It needed a lid to keep the neighbor cats out. 
3. It needed to be big enough for more than one child to play in. 

We decided a sandpit built into our deck was the way to go. We hired a builder and got the project started. 

We decided on where we would put it. In the corner next to the planter, so there was easy access from the garden too. 

 J had a front row seat to all the action. 

Our deck now has a wee hatch. Lift the lid and presto! - A sandpit! (well, nearly as it still needs some sand. )

Here is a picture of the hatch closed. We still need to drill a hole in the lid for easy lifting and latching open.