Dad Constructs an Enormous Dinosaur Playground made in the Backyard Just for His Kids

They call him the dad of the year, Matthew Cosman is also known as thecauseman on Imgur. Matthew created a free DIY guide for all-in-one playground atop of the 48 feet (14.3 meters) long and 3,500 lbs (1587 kg), heavy Apatosaurus (herbivorous dinosaur). On May 6th, 2020, The creature arose, carrying ‘swings on its tail, rock climbing handles on one side of the body and rope and monkey bar handles on the other side, a crow’s nest on the neck and head with a slide to the side, and safety ropes all around with rubber chips for fall protection.’ “I really did this and shared it for fun. I fabricate for a living because it’s my passion—I make fun things for me because no one will pay me to build these crazy things. I do have a history in aerospace engineering, so that played a big role here,” Matthew explained. 24,000 pounds of concrete for the footing was needed to ensure that the dinosaur doesn’t lose its balance. Constructing the yard beast was a team effort, a help that came from Matthew’s girlfriend, brother, sister, and even their kids which made them feel like they were all apart of it. The inspiration for such endeavor Matthew had found way back into his childhood. “As a teenager, interacting at a local dinosaur park and doing some work there showed me kids love playing on these kinds of things. I knew back then that this was something I wanted to build for my kids. Mostly because I knew I would have loved it.”

More info: Imgur, Youtube (timelapse of the construction).

The dad who built a 48 feet (14.3 meters) long and 3,500 lbs (1587 kg) heavy Apatosaurus for his kids.

Foam and chicken wire.

He did it all just for fun.

Rubber chips used as an extra protection

Rock climbing handles on one side of the body

The crow’s nest on the neck and head with a slide to the side.

Rope and monkey bar handles on the other side of the body.

3D printed and filled rope clamps that glow in the dark

More led lights for nighttime play

The best thing is that Matthew Cosman (dad of the year) has made a free DIY guide that you can follow if you are interested.