This large backyard, protected from the noise and traffic of Valencia street, was intended to be a safe place for the two young boys to play

...until we discovered extremely high lead content in the existing planting beds. Instead of removing more concrete to expand planting beds and inadvertently exposing more led, we chose instead to build beds atop the concrete. The boys could then safely dig to their heart's desire in the clean gravel of new raised beds. Once they out grew them, the beds would convert to planting beds for edibles and ornamentals. 

Leaving much of the concrete in place proved great for activities like bike riding, basketball, drawing and painting while Mom and Dad felt confident about providing a safe outdoor play area for the boys.