Choosing the right playground for Schools, Churches, Parks and Communities

You’ll have a variety of different safety surfacing options including pour-in-place rubber, rubber mulch, rubber chips, wood fiber strips, artificial grass and compressed rubber tile. Now there is a difference when it comes to safety and durability. I’ll rank each type of surfacing on a scale of 1-5 from high, medium high, medium low and low (1) being the least safe or durable

5 for High
4 for Medium high
3 for Medium
2 for Medium low
1 for Low

(1) Wood fiber strips are the traditional surfacing material that has been used in playground safety for many years. However the durability is low with wood fiber, many playgrounds have surfacing that is moved or spread throughout a park causing a risk for fall heights. Many people who provide playground maintenance find that they often need to replace the wood strips several times a year. I give wood fiber strips a safety rating of 2 and a durability rating of 3.

(2) Pour-in-place was a growing trend in safety surfacing a few years ago because of its immobility and design options. You will find rounded edges or names that are designed into pour-in-place surfacing as well as different colors. The disadvantage with pour-in-place is that it will crack and fade within three years or less. You will also begin to see holes in the top layer (there are two layers) where the rubber has been worn. This is of extreme concern due to safety regulations on the minimum depth of surfacing for a given fall height. Since pour-in-place is fairly new, we’ve only seen this lack of durability within the past few years causing many people to stay away from this type of safety surfacing. I give pour-in-place a safety rating of 3 and a durability rating of 2.

(3) Rubber mulch is becoming the next generation of wood fiber – the same people that make this also make larger chunks that they refer to as rubber chips. Recycled material is sent through a unique process that cleans and colors the rubber so that it is completely safe for children and has color that lasts as much as seven years. I give rubber mulch and rubber chips a safety rating of 4 and a durability rating of 4.
We have discontinued selling this product due to reports of possible toxicity. Please contact us if you need more information.

(4) Artificial turf has been around for a while with some good improvements. The material is placed onto a base of spongy beads that act as a layer of cushioning, much like tilled dirt. Unlike dirt though – this base provides long-lasting safety for anyone who might fall and it allows water to flow freely throughout so that the turf doesn’t have water damage. I give artificial turf a safety rating of 4 and a durability rating of 5.

(5) Rubber Tiles are a well-established high-quality surfacing material. There’s only one manufacturer of rubber tiles that I would recommend: SofSurfaces has a patented locking system between tiles that created one massive surface for playground safety. This material is also very durable – SafSurfaces provides a solid 10 year guarantee on not only the color but the depth also. That’s THREE TIMES longer than the first three safety surfacing options. I give rubber tiles a safety rating of 5 and a durability rating of 5. If you budget allows – this is the ideal choice.

Written By: Austin Stanfel

Choosing the right playground for Schools, Churches, Parks and Communities

For commercial use – It is important that you know a few things about your needs before we get started. It is a buyers market so there are many different options when looking for a new playground. First, you must have an idea of the age group that the playground must be tailored to. Standard age groups are 2-12, 2-5, 5-12, 8-up and 2-7. Next you must decide on the area where your playground will occupy – what are the dimensions of the space? And finally, what is your budget for your playground project? Keep in mind that you will have installation and playground safety surfacing as an expense by the time your project is complete.

So onto the fun part – deciding on a design. There are many different pre-designed units that are available to manufacture but more than 80% of people choose to customize they’re playground. You can start with a base idea that meets the limits of the area that you’d like to have it then ad a slide here or a climber there – and the next thing you know – you’ve created everything that you could ask for in a playground. It is also important to note that the size of the playground needs to accommodate the number of children that are expected to be playing on it at any given time. You’ll find that newer playground – with a good design – will attract a lot of attention and it would be a shame to have overcrowding on a structure that is likely to become a safety hazard. All and all you’ll want to make sure that the playground equipment has at least the basics (climbers, slides ect.). If you have no idea where to start you might also find it useful to ask the kids what they would like. Have them all create drawings of their “dream playground” then you’ll know that the final design you choose is based off the ideas of what the children want. After all, the children are the ones that will be using the playground equipment the most – hopefully.

Once you’ve decided on a design for the playground equipment you’ll want to make sure that you get an estimate which includes the cost, freight, tax and installation (if needed). The idea is to get all of your possible expenses laid out on paper so you’ll know what amount of funds that you’ll need to buy the structure and have it installed. It’s best not to do this in reverse which would be, to get the funds first then pinch pennies to spend no more or no less then the budget provides. In some cases this is unavoidable but with enough planning, you can arrange to raise the money that you may not have to buy the playground that your community needs. Playgrounds are very expensive but when everything is complete – you’ll create an environment for children where they will have positive memories of their childhood which will contribute to their wellbeing later on in life.

Written By: Austin Stanfel

Disabled Children and Commercial Playground Equipment:

“Play is an important part of your child’s physical, social, intellectual and emotional development, ” according to KidsHealth.org. Today’s leading playground manufacturers believe that children of all ages and disabilities should enjoy the same quality playground experience. This is why they work hard to comply with ADA requirements and safety guidelines.

Safety experts suggest that the safest surfacing for playgrounds is either wood chips or rubber surfacing. However, wood chips do not provide a sturdy enough surface for wheelchairs to maneuver. ASTM standards state that for wheelchair access, surfaces are required to be “firm, stable, and slip resistant” as specified in ADAAG. This is why leading playground manufacturers specializes in SofTile surfacing, a surface that is durable enough to withstand weather and wear, soft enough to cushion, and sturdy enough to provide easy wheelchair access. We supply and install ADA compatible ramps so that your playground can be fully accessible to those disabled. We also offer a large variety of playground equipment which we can personalize and combine to meet your unique needs. We supply ground level play components, such as swings and stand alone climbers, to accommodate ground play for disabled children. Our elevated play components also meet ADA requirements by being wheelchair accessible.

Many site furnishings also meet ADA standards. Today’s leading playground manufacturers now offer ADA compliant picnic tables that provide easy wheelchair access at both ends, as well as rounded corners for added safety. When possible, they try to exceed the ADA guidelines to provide increased accessibility and opportunities. Today’s leading playground manufacturers strive to give all children a fulfilling, educational, fun, and overall safe environment in which to play.

Written By: Austin Stanfel

Childhood Obesity And How Commercial Playgrounds Can Help

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the United States. According to the CDC, since the 70s, the prevalence of obesity in children ages 6-11 has increased from 6.5% to 18.8%. However, a recent RAND Corporation study says that school playgrounds and athletic facilities can be important tools in the fight against childhood obesity. Given these facts, it is more important than ever for children to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating right and getting regular exercise every day. I believe that we can get children active in a fun and creative way. Our play systems offer entertainment and activity for children of all ages. The combination of ground, elevated, and stand alone systems encourage children to climb, slide and swing. Children can enjoy their play and at the same time, receive valuable health benefits.

According to Dr. Amy Bohn, it is important that physical activities are fun. “Exercise shouldn’t be a chore, especially for children, ” she says. “With warm weather outside, kids can do a variety of activities that involve both fun and fitness.” This is why I believe quality playground equipment is so important for the physical and mental health of your child.

Commercial playground equipment not only encourages physical activity, but mental and social interaction as well. Manufacturers now offer a variety of play components, everything from slides to climbers to seesaws and rockers. Commercial playgrounds are not only safe and durable but also bright, colorful, and appealing to children of all ages. Commercial playground equipment is designed according to specific age groups so that children can have their own unique and age-appropriate equipment. Younger children can explore their creativity at our activity tables and play on our smaller scale play systems. Children of elementary school age will enjoy more physically challenging equipment. One of our main goals should be to get children outside, playing in the fresh air. On our play systems they can stay health and learn valuable lessons in their social interaction with other children their own age. Creating a more active environment for children supports the physical health of your child, as well as his/her psychological and social health.

Written By: Brittany Hidahl

Playgrounds improve academic success:

For years, playgrounds have been praised as an excellent way for your children to get the healthy and fun exercise their developing bodies so desperately need. And with an ever-increasing popularity of playing video games and watching TV shows, it is becoming more important than ever that children get up off the couch and engage in physical activity. To this effect, playgrounds and parks are often recognized as helping to fight the battle against childhood obesity and other health problems. However, research shows that playgrounds can also help to improve your child’s grades in school.

Dr. McCabe, an expert in physical education and children’s health, points to more than 80 brain research studies that show that the development of motor skills can help to facilitate academic learning. “The research suggests children can raise their achievement level, increase their motivation, heighten their understanding, accelerate their learning timeline, and expand their creativity through motor skills, music, and proper nutrition, ” states McCabe. A properly designed and constructed playground can help to enhance your child’s learning environment.

Playgrounds not only provide your child with an opportunity for physical development, they also offer a unique environment in which your child can develop his/her creativity. Children can expand their skills, try out new ideas, and seek new challenges. They can be free to invent new games and interact with peers their own age.

Because children develop their minds through the help of movement and exploration, it is important that playgrounds offer a variety of challenges. The playground should be able to accommodate children as their skill levels change and grow. The equipment should have a variety of physical challenges for balance, climbing and other essential skills. According to brain development experts, climbing opportunities help to develop motor patterns, which in turn aid a child in reading, writing, and solving math problems. The more variety of equipment offered the more chance a child has to develop his/her skills. However, it is important that concern for safety is always emphasized first and foremost.

Playgrounds are essential to the healthy development of your child’s motor skills. Not only will children reap the physical health benefits of active play, skills essential to everyday activities and lifelong development can be strengthened on playgrounds. This, in turn, can help to better prepare your child for the academic world.

Written By: Brittany Hidahl

Importance of Park Furnishings:

Children and parents alike enjoy playgrounds. Children love to run, jump, swing, slide and climb all over the equipment. They love to meet their friends on the weekends and play games outside in the fresh air and sun. Parents love the health benefits that come from their children getting regular exercise. However, there is more to a playground than simply the play equipment. In fact, the enjoyment of playgrounds and parks can be increased with the proper use of site furnishings.

Site furnishings often help to increase safety on playgrounds, something that all parents can appreciate. Fences are often essential to keep playgrounds safe, especially near busy streets and parking lots. Fences help to keep children in the play area and out of potential danger. Surrounding environmental hazards can include creeks, drop offs, and undeveloped areas that animals might inhabit. Fences help to eliminate these risks, especially when you can’t supervise all children at all times.

Site furnishings also help to keep playgrounds enjoyable for all. Trash receptacles and ash urns play key roles in keeping play areas clean. And clean playgrounds mean safer playgrounds. Shade systems can help to prevent sunburns and dehydration of your children by giving them a cool area to rest and relax in the midst of heavy play. Shade structures can also help prevent the possible risk of burns because of overheated play equipment, such as older metal slides. Picnic tables and benches can also provide a nice play for children to rest or enjoy a snack. These furnishings also offer parents and supervisors a convenient area from which to watch their children and also be comfortable.

Not only can park furnishings improve the safety, cleanliness, and overall enjoyment of a playground, they also make the area more aesthetically pleasing. Because most furnishings offer complete product lines, it is easy to coordinate your play area in both color and design. So remember, site furnishings are an important part of making your playground and surrounding area fully enjoyable for everyone.

Written By: Brittany Hidahl

Playground safety and helmets:

Most families know the basics of playground safety. Teach your children to always sit down before they slide, to stop a swing completely before getting off, and not to push or shove other children. Parents are warned to remove all hanging strings on children’s clothing that could potentially trap or strangle their child. However, there is a hidden hazard which many people overlook about playground safety: bicycle helmets.

Imagine this. Your child is playing with friends over the weekend. The kids decide to go for a bike ride around the neighborhood. After a while, they decide to head over to the local park and play on the bars and slides. But when they arrive, they ditch their bikes and run to the play structure, not taking the time to remove the helmet that their parents specifically instructed them to wear when riding their bikes. What you might not expect is that playing on a play structure while wearing a bike helmet can be a potential strangulation hazard. Because bike helmets are designed to stay on your child’s head during a crash, the buckle does not have a releasing mechanism. And because of this, it is possible for a strap to get caught, causing a possible choking or strangulation hazard for your children.

In 1999, a Pennsylvania child asphyxiated because he was wearing a bicycle helmet while playing on playground equipment. And although there have not been many reports of death because of this hazard in the United States because of our high playground safety standards, it is still important to be aware of the danger associated with bike helmets and playgrounds. So please, remind your children to remove their bike helmets before playing on playground equipment so you can eliminate this potential threat to your children.

Written By: Brittany Hidahl

The Hottest Shade Structures To Keep You Cool In The Summer And Dry In The Winter!

Shade structures for schools, churches, daycares and public areas are increasingly become one of the hottest products on the market to stay cool. It’s only been in the past ten years that we’ve seen advances in the durability of fabric, the flexibility of designs and the affordability for these shade structures that many cannot do without. Now is the time to invest in a quality product that some manufacturers are guaranteeing for at least ten years. If you are looking to have a shade structure installed for commercial use, there are two main categories of shade structures to choose from: the traditional steel roof and the newly designed fabric canopy shelters.

Steel roof: This is the kind of structure that is ideal for something as small as community parks or as large as an equestrian center. Steel roof shade structures are built to last and that’s just what they do. Given the right environment there is really no telling when or if these structures will be destructible – that is the real benefit. With this structure you will have a larger expense, and it may provide a place for pigeons and other undesirable birds to nest which may be cute for a little while but not so great if you are around them every day. This is really the only disadvantage next to the higher cost of repairs (if needed) but other than that, steel roof shade shelters are a solid piece of equipment that can provide a community with generations of shade and protection.

Fabric canopy: These shade structures are becoming more prevalent since they have become more affordable and better designed. There are three primary designs to choose from when in the market for a good commercial shade structure:
The first is the stretched-fabric canopy, which has been around the longest but has not held up well to the elements of weather and sun damage. The estimated lifespan for one of these fabric shades structures is roughly 2-3 years; at the end of that time, it will most likely need to be replaced because it simply will not be safe and will no longer serve its original purpose. This design has been rendered obsolete and is rarely used in the construction of new projects.
The second type of fabric canopy shade structure is the nylon-tension-cable design. In these shade structures a stronger nylon fabric—the new standard in this industry—is stretched over a powder-coated steel skeleton, then anchored into place with a system of cables and bolts. At this point, the designers have created two major problems: the cable system will eventually wear away at both the nylon fabric and the powder-coated steel, which makes durability low and lifespan brief. The second problem with this shade structure is that it has been made very stationery and cumbersome to dismantle, if necessary in the event of extreme winds or heavy weather.

The third type of fabric canopy is similar to the one above, but it is the next generation of shade structures. This new design has eliminated the defects of the previous structure, allowing for a durable product that is user-friendly. The secret is the patent-pending glide elbow which hooks onto a specially designed corner piece that the fabric has been woven around. The fabric protects again 99% of UV rays and has an 80% rate of water repellency, along with a warranty for 10 YEARS! This is the best investment for commercial shade structures available that will keep your community cool at an affordable expense.

Written By: Austin Stanfel