You sure as heck do not want any kind of gravel under the playset!! You will have some very unhappy kids! Instead, fill that area with playground chips or even rubber mulch. If you don't like the rubber mulch (and I don't), rubber playground mats or tiles are also available.

And I'd likely go with artificial turf or groundcovers in any other open areas.

There is a particular pea gravel for play grounds.

This forum has taken a different turn all together. My question is regarding design ideas around my pergola and play yard area. Ofcourse i wouldn't be using gravel under the play yard!! Any pictures would be nice to have.

I don't know what zone you're in but I would look for some type of shrub to soften the wood fence and grow tall enough to add some privacy from the other yards. If privacy isn't an issue I'd go for vines to soften the fence. An advantage to vines is that they would take up less space. I like the idea of using artificial turf where possible since you have a limited space. It also feels good on bare feet.

Your post was a great deal about gravel I think that is why you're getting so many answers about it, and why it's not really off topic.

if you are looking for flower bed suggestions, what zone/state are you in?? that helps a lot with suggestions on what you can grow with greater chance or success. Also do you have dogs using the space, that might make a difference also.

also someone like pro dig dougs designs (he is here but also has a website and facebook page) can take a photo and design something for you at very reasonable price. you can then take it from there,.

HTH

I do understand your question but your yard is not deep and it looks like you do not have room to fill in. On the pergola side the DG goes very close to the fence. Shrubs would not fit there. You could grow a ground cover like Geranium there.

If you want plants on the play side leave more room next to the fence.

some ideas: