Theseus' Playset

One of the great paradoxes of ancient philosophy of is that of Theseus' ship. So beloved was it by the Athenians that they preserved it, replacing planks as they decayed to keep it in excellent condition. However, the philosophers point out, at some point, no planks that sailed with Theseus remain. Is it still Theseus' ship? If someone were to find one of the discarded, decayed boards that actually sailed with Theseus and build a replica around it, would it not then have a greater claim to being Theseus' ship? Or are there now two ships of Theseus?

While neither Soren and Sigrid--nor their cousins--have yet founded great civilizations, one of my Summer construction projects has been the restoration and updating of a family playset: a wooden play structure rivaling the fun of the $1200 playsets advertised in venerable publications such as Skymall (with much sturdier build). Designed and built by my grandfather for my cousins, the set was passed on to us a couple years ago, when my older cousin began college and my younger cousin obtained his learner's permit. It has been sitting in the corner of our yard for a while, waiting for Sigrid to get enough judgement to not hurt herself, or me to get around to trying to put it together.

When I sorted the pieces to assess the project, I found the elevated platform and railings were still in stunning shape; a good powerwash and restaining would restore them well. However, the parts of the playset that sat on the ground were decayed; even cedar eventually rots out, apparently in less than two decades if it's stored on the ground in the shade. In addition, I wanted to add some additional playset appointments.

Here's the final product:

I replaced the vertical corner supports and ground-level braces, and added a swing and steering wheel.

Soren helped.


I purchased a slide, which is challenging because slides are expensive to ship, and most of the slides available locally are only sold in kits. The local unfinished furniture place assured me they didn't sell individual slides, unless there were "extras" from the kits. We then had a surreal conversation about a particular orphaned slide on their floor, which was clearly "extra": they felt it was important I understand they didn't sell slides, while I tried to get them to suggest a price. I walked out with a good deal.

Surprisingly, it fits in a Jetta.

One of the orignal ladders was badly decayed, and since Sigrid won't be able to climb ladders for some time anyhow, I decided to use the old vertical corner supports as a frame for a climbing wall. There are kid-sized grips for Soren.


And some steps for Sigrid to climb.

It even has the hallmark of a custom playset: it is stained the same color as the shingles on the upper level of our house!

Sound like something your child would enjoy? Fear not! I still have a few scraps and partially decayed planks from the original. I'm sure we can negotiate an appropriate price for one of these artifacts. Then you, too, can have Theseus' playset!