ST. CROIX RECREATION
PLANNING
GUIDE
800-525-5914
YOUR MINNESOTA RESOURCE FOR PLAYGROUND & PARK SUPPLIES
What’s INSIDE? • How-to’s for All Your Outdoor Projects • Articles on Intergenerational Play & Surfacing • Site Amenities, Shelters & Fountains • Meet the St. Croix Recreation Team
St. Croix Recreation • FunPlaygrounds.com • 800-525-5914 1
Real people. Real relationships. Meet our Team!
St. Croix Recreation is a family-owned business that has been selling playground and park supplies in the state of Minnesota for more than 40 years. We’re consultants who provide friendly, honest customer service and advice for building parks and playgrounds across the state. We’re proud to represent many local companies – in fact, much of our playground and park equipment is manufactured here in the Midwest. St. Croix Recreation is a responsible company that communicates with customers on a personal level. Respect and professionalism are at the center of everything we do. At the end of the day, we want you to feel included and proud of your new playground or park vision, and most of all, we want you to enjoy the process of creating it. Give us a call or shoot us an email at any time. We’re always happy to answer your questions!
Front (l to r): Christopher Johnsen, Johnnie Johnsen, Mike Basich Back (l to r): Keegan Hartwick, Hannah Johnsen
CELEBRATING THE BIG 4-0!
1981-2021
St. Croix Recreation has served Minnesota’s park and recreation communities for more than 40 years as we celebrate our anniversary in 2021. Johnnie Johnsen, a familiar face in the industry, founded the company from his home in Stillwater in 1981. Now semi-retired, the business is owned and operated by his son, Christopher Johnsen, who alongside his wife, Hannah, keep the company truly a family enterprise.
Johnnie Johnsen on a call in the downtown Stillwater office, 1988
Mike Basich helps a volunteer install a playground, 1997
Johnnie, Hannah, and Chris at the 2016 NRPA Conference
St. Croix Recreation 1826 Tower Drive West Stillwater, MN 55082 Phone: 1-800-525-5914 E-mail: hannah@stcroixrec.com Web: www.stcroixrec.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/funplaygrounds
2 St. Croix Recreation • www.stcroixrec.com • 800-525-5914
STAY CONNECTED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SALES! We offer a couple of sales each year that you can take advantage of. Check us out online, like us on Facebook, or contact us to be added to our email list and get updates on sales. We’re happy to keep you informed when sales become available.
REQUEST CATALOGS BY MAIL OR EMAIL!
BRAVA SWING
UNIVERSAL
Are your playgrounds intergenerational? Accessible, ADA, Multigenerational, and now Intergenerational; what does it all mean? What’re the differences and what’s best for your playground? Intergenerational is more than just providing play pieces and spaces for those of varying ages and abilities, it’s about providing pieces and spaces that encourage interaction between those of all ages and abilities.
contact with their adult counterparts. Older generations find being active, both mentally and physically, is wonderful for their overall health, stress levels, and happiness. These goals can be met by interacting with children.
Now more than ever, it’s important that we learn, socially engage, To reap the benefits of and have FUN with others. It’s Intergenerational play, vital for families and communities St. Croix Recreation works with our to connect their customers to ensure we’re creating multi-generational the best environments possible members. We see the to foster this type of play and give g Ko n n e c t i o n S wi n positive outcomes for the everyone the opportunity to join in the young and the rejuvenation fun. This can be achieved through ADA pieces it brings to the elderly, not to like the Kids Bounce by Berliner, or the Brava mention the vital connections Universal Swing by BCI Burke (shown above), needed by parents and and by incorporating the right surfacing, transfer their children. Children are stations, and ramps to ensure easy access for all. found to display higher Not sure how to entertain everyone at once? social and communication Ask your project manager about the BIBA app skills, language growth, and (shown at left), exclusively provided by St. Croix problem solving capabilities Recreation & BCI Burke. when having a lot of < The Biba® app brings more engagement, more fun, and more people to play.
INTERGENERATIONAL
by BCI Burke
St. Croix Recreation • www.stcroixrec.com • 800-525-5914 3
BE INSPIRED Customer: City of Bayport, Minn. | Project: Lakeside Park Products Used: • Pentagode L Rope Climber by Berliner • Sculptura by Berliner • Nucleus Evolution Tower with 10 ft. Cobra Slide by BCI Burke Goals: We wanted the city to have a unique play space for a large area with good sightlines from all angles.
4 St. Croix Recreation • www.stcroixrec.com • 800-525-5914
Planning a playground?
How to Get Started
CONCEPT TO COMPLETION
STEP 1: Schedule a free consultation. We can help erase all the guesswork and walk you step-by-step through the process of dreaming up, designing, and building your project. We’ll provide catalogs and examples, schedule meetings (virtual or in-person), and measure your space. We’ll need your help too. We’ll want your input on: 4 Your end goals 4 Budget n n 4 4 Design aesthetic n Color preferences n 4 4 Timeline n Users’ age range(s) n 4 4 Other key details n Usage information n
STEP 2: Put pen to paper. (Or mouse to mouse pad.) This is where you’ll see your vision become reality. We work with the talented design teams of our manufacturers to create your unique, customized playground space. These preliminary designs will give you a realistic visual based on your preferences and budget, an outline of what your space allows, and show you which pieces will best suit your space. Renderings can be modified at any point and are a great tool for presenting to committees for fundraising purposes. Need to learn how to effectively raise funds? Contact us or visit our website for ideas and success stories.
STEP 3: Build! Build! Build! Once your design is finalized and your pieces are shipped, our project managers will assist you in coordinating the installation of your new playground. Our team of certified installation crews will help make your design come to life. We’ll also make sure that everything arrives in a timely manner and is erected smoothly and safely. Need safety surfacing? We can help with that, too. How about borders, amenities or other site work to prep or complete your project? We have you covered!
BRIGHT IDEA: Secure volunteers from a civic or community group to help with installation.
St. Croix Recreation • FunPlaygrounds.com • 800-525-5914 5
New to the Minnesota State Contract? St. Croix Recreation is proud to be a vendor on the state of Minnesota’s Office of State Procurement contract which allows municipal entities to purchase our equipment and use our services at a discounted rate, without needing to go out to bid! Most of our vendors and products are available for purchase through this program. For more information, please contact your Purchasing Department, view your portal, or contact the Office of State Procurement at mmd.admin.state.mn.us Please note: not all purchases are eligible through this contract. Please work with your St. Croix Recreation project manager and/or the State of Minnesota to ensure that the contract is being used properly and to its full extent. Use tax may come into play if both installation and equipment are desired to be on the same contract with a single vendor. Please consult your tax expert or your project manager for more information.
FUNDING YOUR NEXT PLAYGROUND Playgrounds offer years of fun, but due to their reliability and size, they can often be expensive and complicated to get started. Discover the options to fund your playground by using the grant & fundraising resourses listed on our website.
Fundraising Support The planning is done and it’s now time to raise some money. How do you begin fundraising? Look no further! Talk to us about resources to help you raise funds for playground equipment. We can offer suggestions on methods to inform your community and raise the necessary dollars to make your playground a reality.
Living Our Mission The world needs more. More Connection. More Movement. More Community. Play brings people together and helps communities thrive. It is our passion and our mission to bring Play That Moves You to the communities we serve. We’ve been doing it for 100 years and we’re just getting started.
It’s time to Join Our Movement.
bciburke.com Trademark(s) are the property of BCI Burke Company. © BCI Burke Company 2021. All Rights Reserved. 800-356-2070
6 St. Croix Recreation • FunPlaygrounds.com • 800-525-5914
BE INSPIRED Customer: City of Saint Paul | Project: Western Sculpture Park Products Used: • IKO L Rope Climber by Berliner • Volito Swing by BCI Burke (also shown on page 14 as a freestanding piece) • Pod Step Link to Verto Climbers by BCI Burke Goals: The city wanted an aesthetically pleasing and urban-style playground that both blended in and stood out.
St. Croix Recreation • FunPlaygrounds.com • 800-525-5914 7
Our Best-Sellers What’s Hot Now!
Curious what your peers are buying? Take a look at some of our best-sellers!
Cosmo.20 by Berliner ADA Grill by Pilot Rock
Dog Waste Station by Dogipot
Players Bench by Wabash Valley
Legend Basketball System by First Team
Bottle Filler 10145SM with Pet Fountain by Most Dependable Fountains
Drinking Fountain Model 493SM by Most Dependable Fountains
8 St. Croix Recreation • FunPlaygrounds.com • 800-525-5914
Our Best-Sellers What’s Hot Now!
Buddy Bench
Strap Swing Seats
Signature Series SP150P Table by Wabash Valley
Park Avenue Bench by RJ Thomas
Urbanscape ‘J’ Series Receptacle
Heavy Duty Picnic Table by Pilot Rock
Wabash Valley offers a large selection of tables, chairs, receptacles, umbrellas and more, all available in numerous styles, colors and finishes to fit whatever your need. Under one roof, you’ll find an amazing variety of styles and colors in our diverse product lines.
Learn More! wabashvalley.com 800-253-8619
St. Croix Recreation • FunPlaygrounds.com • 800-525-5914 9
BE INSPIRED Customer: Douglas County | Project: Lake Brophy Wayside Park Product(s): • Orb Rocker, Custom Sign, and Nature Play Roofs by BCI Burke • Modified Neptune by Berliner • Zipline by BCI Burke Goals: The county wanted to create a ‘wow’ playground destination that incorporates a non-descript look from the lake and a larger presence from land.
10 St. Croix Recreation • www.stcroixrec.com • 800-525-5914
Our Best-Sellers What’s Hot Now! Cavatina by Percussion Play
National Recreation Tip n’Roll Bleacher
YEP…WE CAN GET IT! Need a piece in a specific color, shape, or style? Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll go to work finding you the perfect solution! ADA Freedom Seat by BCI Burke
St. Croix Recreation • FunPlaygrounds.com • 800-525-5914 11
Shelters
We Have You Covered! 5 CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHOOSING A SHELTER 1. Size of space and location: Sites should have firm ground and good soil. 2. Style, shape, and size of desired shelter
Anwatin Middle School, Minneapolis Oscar Kristofferson Park, Baxter
3. Regulations: Verify local mandates with city or county authorities regarding permits, footings, and applicable reports. 4. Requirements: Check to see if engineered drawings are required or desired. 5. Price: Contact St. Croix Recreation or your project manager to view options and obtain prices.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS… “As in many projects with St. Croix Recreation, the planning, design and final construction met all our expectations.” Parks & Recreation Director
12 St. Croix Recreation • www.stcroixrec.com • 800-525-5914
McMorrow Field, South St. Paul
Meet Our Shelter Manufacturers COVERWORX
SHADE SYSTEMS
Located in Michigan, Coverworx has been creating custom hardtop shelters and structures since 1987. Coupled with the extensive experience of their employees, Coverworx delivers unmatched design capabilities and unlimited options, allowing us to meet the challenges presented by even the most complex concepts.
Based out of Florida, Shade Systems manufactures fabric-based shade structures.
• Longer Lifespan
• UV protectant
• Permanent, low-maintenance structure
• Easier to integrate into playground areas, patios, etc.
• Protects visitors from sun, rain, and snow • Can be purchased through the Minnesota State Contract
• May not need a concrete pad (depending on application and purchase)
• More technical process including expensive installation
• Can be purchased through the Minnesota State Contract
• More expensive product given materials
• Has to be taken down in winter (not snow bearing)
• Longer lead-times
• Protects from sun & light showers
• Cost-effective • Easier and less expensive installation • Can be removed
NOTE: Neither manufacturer will authorize their shelters to be installed attached to a building.
St. Croix Recreation • FunPlaygrounds.com • 800-525-5914 13
So you want to update
Y our Playground?
Need to refresh your playground without redoing the entire thing? Have a piece that was well-loved but now needs replacement? Check out some of our favorite free-standing pieces that can being some new life into an older play area.
Comet by BCI Burke
SPINNERS The Comet challenges children to utilize their strength, balance and coordination. It can be used by a single child or by a group of children for maximum play ability. Use Zone: 16 ft. diameter. Est price: $1,871 The universal Volta is a spinning social space designed for users of all shapes, sizes and abilities. Use Zone: 20 ft. diameter; Est. price: $6,232
SWINGS Kids love to swing, and with the Volito, the whole group can swing together. The large disclike seat is perfect for children of all abilities to interact and develop improved balance and posture. The Volito is highlighted on page 7 as part of the Western Sculpture Park. Use Zone: 30 ft. x 27 ft. Est price: $6,273 VIP Swing: This unique Berliner swing accommodates two users at the same time having them work together for a twist on the traditional swing experience. Use Zone: 50 ft. x 29 ft.; Est. price: $9,823
Volta by BC I Burke
RENEW. REFRESH. BRIGHT IDEA: Have you ever heard of a Penny War? If not, look it up!
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VI P Swing by Berliner
IN THEIR OWN WORDS… “Your communication regarding all steps of the process from planning and ordering to installation to the final audit corrections was appreciated.” Director of Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources
PLAYHOUSES Available in a variety of colors and themes, the Playhouse by BCI Burke adds a cognitive, imaginative space that is perfect for children to pretend, engage, or find a quiet space when needed. Use Zone: n/a; Est. price: $6,495* In addition to those listed above, we offer a variety of ADA products, swings, slides and classics including balance beams, seesaws and sand play, as well as unique options such as musical instruments offered by Percussion Play. *Estimated prices are for sample purposes (2021) only and do not include freight, installation, or sales tax if applicable. Costs subject to change. Playhouse by BCI Burke
Offering the finest equipment with an uncompromising dedication to using the best materials! BASKETBALL • SOCCER • VOLLEYBALL • FOOTBALL • LACROSSE • TENNIS • PICKLEBALL • OTHER SPORTS
A leader in American-Made sports equipment for all levels of play! (800) 525-5914 • 1826 Tower Drive W, Stillwater, MN 55082 • www.stcroixrec.com
St. Croix Recreation • www.stcroixrec.com • 800-525-5914 15
So you want to build a
Campground?
Want to build a new campground space for your community park or private campground? We can assist you with everything that you’ll need (lake not included). Depending on the size of the campground, how many campers you foresee housing at a time, and other features offered, the quantity of pieces listed below and your individual needs may vary.
le with Heavy Duty Picnic Tab Seats s& Recycled Plastic Top
CAMPGROUND CHECKLIST 4 Charcoal Grills n 4 Hot Coal Bin n 4 Fire Pit n Accessible Campfire Ring
4 Benches n 4 Picnic Tables n 4 Bike Racks n 4 Dog Stations n 4 Trash & Recycling Receptacles n 4 Playground n 4 Shelters n 4 Drinking Fountains/Pet Fountains n 4 Jug Fillers and Hand Washing Stations n 4 Showers n The majority of the items above come in various sizes, heights and come with ADA options. For pricing, lead times and additional information, never hesitate to call!
Triple Recycling Arr
Picnic Shelter, Trapp ay Set
16 St. Croix Recreation • www.stcroixrec.com • 800-525-5914
Farms , Eagan
Enjoy...with thePilotOutdoors Rock Site Products Across our different product lines we offer hundreds of choices in style, size, features, materials and colors. Commercial quality products able to withstand years of use and exposure. Made in the USA since 1959.
St. Croix reCreation Co. 1826 Tower Dr W • Stillwater, MN 651-430-1247 • www.stcroixrec.com
RJ Thomas Mfg. Co., Inc. • Cherokee, Iowa • 800-762-5002 • customerservice@rjthomas.com • pilotrock.com
Benches • Picnic Tables • Trash Receptacles • Bear Resistant • Bike Racks • Custom Signs • Site Amenities • Charcoal Grills • Campfire Rings
C120 S130 S100
H140
The one stop shop for everything swing.
1-800-525-2914
St. Croix Recreation • www.stcroixrec.com • 800-525-5914 17
So you want to build a
Destination Playground? We get frequent requests for destination playgrounds and many people have no idea what this means, what to expect, or where to start. We sat down with St. Croix Recreation owner, Christopher Johnsen, to learn more about creating a destination playground.
Q: How do you describe a destination playground? A: To me, this is a multi-generational, inclusive playground with a lot of equipment that is unique to the area. It’s surrounded by additional amenities (picnic shelters, grills, etc.) or neat features like a lake, river, or bike trail. We see the end goal of a destination playground being not only great for the community, but also a place that brings in visitors from a large geographical area to spend the whole day. Q: What is the difference between a regular park playground and a destination playground?
Walker City Park , Walker
Zachar y Playfield, Ply
mouth
A: We see a destination playground as something that people really want to travel to. It’s usually larger in size and sometimes subtantially higher off the ground than normal. We find more and more that kids want taller towers and experiences. Bigger structures allow for greater capacity within a smaller footprint. It gives communities a ‘wow factor’. Some destination playgrounds even incorporate custom design elements related to their community. Q: Can you give the reader an example of ‘wow’ equipment? A: I’d check out the Triitopia by Berliner (seen on the back cover) or the Nucleus tower by BCI Burke (seen on page 19 in Battle Creek Park). They both demand a lot of attention. Q: Once a community decides they want one of these playgrounds, what happens next? A: A lot of the process is the same as a regular playground, but we want customers to know the budget may be higher – say $100,000$500,000 for just equipment alone. The process can be a bit longer, too, but worth it in the long run!
Q: What factors should a community think about besides budget and timeline? A: I recommend looking at the playground site itself, considering elevation, drainage, etc. Some sites have current equipment and other factors that a community wants to keep like a sidewalk or trees, while some customers are starting with a blank slate. This is where adequate surveying is really important.
PARTNERSHIP TIP: Talk to your local visitors bureau about potential playground funding.
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Q: What sets St. Croix Recreation apart when it comes to creating destination playgrounds?
Q: What if you have a customer on the fence about creating a destination playground? How do you help them decide?
A: One of the main differentiating factors is adaptability – we are able to incorporate three different manufacturers into any given site.
A: There’s a lot to consider. Destination playgrounds are a big expense and undertaking. They may not be right for every ccustomer at every time, but they do add so much to a community! Not only is a great space for local residents, but it also brings people in from all over. This usually also benefits local business and brings really positive PR to a city or county. And, they’re some of our favorite projects to design.
Q: Tell us about St. Croix Recreation’s manufacturers. A: BCI Burke is located here in the Midwest. They offer great equipment with both traditional deck and post structures, as well as innovative pieces like the ADA compliant Zipline. Next, we have Berliner, a manufacturer from Germany that started with rope structures but now offers some amazingly creative pieces that we don’t really find anywhere else in Minnesota. Our third manufacturer is Percussion Play. The musical instrument category is up-and-coming and their pieces are great for year-round play for everyone – of all ages and abilities! Q: Each playground can include pieces from all three manufacturers? A: Yes. We have the ability and the technology to put all three manufacturers’ products into one site. Check out Lake Brophy in Alexandria (seen on page 10) or Lake Side Park in Bayport (seen on page 4) for really great examples.
We really get to know the community – from the park nty board and Battle Creek Park , Ramsey Cou city or county officials, to residents and the local contractors who are also working on the job. Destination playgrounds are some of our most-loved sites and ones we really feel personally attached to.
FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE COMMERCIAL OUTDOOR DRINKING FOUNTAINS AND BOTTLE FILLERS (800) 525-5914 • 1826 Tower Drive W, Stillwater, MN 55082 • www.stcroixrec.com
St. Croix Recreation • www.stcroixrec.com • 800-525-5914 19
BE INSPIRED Customer: City of Eden Prairie, Minn. | Project: Staring Lake Park Products Used: • Custom Performance Stage with Steel Cupola Roof by BCI Burke • Verto Climbers on Hill by BCI Burke • Tri-Rockerby BCI Burke Goals: The city wanted to create a universally accessible play space that fits into a hillside with a variety of levels, surfacing and equipment.
20 St. Croix Recreation • www.stcroixrec.com • 800-525-5914
So you want to build an
Outdoor L earning S pace?
Outdoor classrooms have been a desired amenity for schools and nature centers for a while and their popularity has greatly increased with the challenges of COVID-19. Schools and communities are looking for creative ways to bring children outside in a safe environment that protects them from the elements. Outdoor learning also brings nature into the experience and has shown to have a positive impact on children’s social, psychological, academic, and physical health. Positive outcomes can be achieved through conducting regular lessons in a new setting or creating spaces where nature can be observed and interacted with. Outdoor classrooms can incorporate a variety of subjects such as math and dramatic play, and everything in-between.
Some of our customers have shared that creating outdoor learning environments is usually a coordinated effort between the school PTA/PTO, teachers, and the school district in order to obtain necessary funding.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS… “When it’s nice out, everyone begs to use it.”
Since these spaces can be used in so many different ways, we’ve learned that it’s best to give yourself plenty of time from the proposal stage to the end result. Designs can vary and the construction process may take extra time as the finishing touches are so vast. Most customers will start with a shelter or fabric shade structure (see examples on page 12). Seating considerations, depending on the use, may include bleachers or tables. And don’t forget nice touches like planters, birdfeeders, sensory tables, and pollinator gardens!
5th grader at Otter Lake Elementary in White Bear Lake commenting on their outdoor classroom
Novo Classroom by BC I Burk e
Double Sand & Water
Center by BC I Burke
Cantilvered Umbrella by Shad
e Structures
St. Croix Recreation • www.stcroixrec.com • 800-525-5914 21
So you want to build a
Fitness Course?
Most people aren’t training to be an American Ninja Warrior, but at least they can have fun pretending to be. Fitness and obstacle courses work the entire body and provide a dose of healthy competition among friends, teammates, or families.
ELEVATE & ACTIVATE Designed for ages 5-12 or 13+, BCI Burke’s ELEVATE & ACTIVATE can be used as part of an overall training plan or as a stand-alone way to spend time outdoors and gain the benefits of increased physical fitness. ELEVATE offers numerous options to personalize and intensify a workout. ELEVATE & ACTIVATE brings together a series of challenging physical obstacles that an individual or team can utilize to build strength, mobility and endurance. With three levels of challenge and multiple options within each level, this system offers a positive exercise experience for beginners, intermediates, and advanced fitness users. Users achieve results while having fun.
KIDS & EXERCISE According to the Mayo Clinic, the guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services say that children need one hour of physical activity per day. They say most of the hour should be either moderate to vigorous aerobic activity. They go on to specify vigorous activity is important to integrate at least three times per week. There’s no better way to get those hours in than to integrate exercise with play!
IN THEIR OWN WORDS… “I have found St. Croix Recreation to be a reputable, honest and reliable company to do business with.” Parks & Recreation Director
CREATING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES 22 St. Croix Recreation • www.stcroixrec.com • 800-525-5914
Commercial Surfacing
Choosing the Right Surface for the Job When building a commercial playground, it is important to have ample and compliant safety surfacing beneath your equipment to comply with ASTM & CPSC guidelines, as well as ADA laws. Below are some of our best sellers. Contact us for more information, pricing, and to discuss your project.
• The most cost-effective and popular option • Can be delivered, delivered and installed, or blown in to prevent damage to lawns • Typically needs to be topped-off every three to five years • Can become dirty or displaced over time • Not as easy to maneuver for those in wheelchairs
ARTIFICIAL TURF • 10-year lifespan with maintenance by the owner – such as power brushing or vacuuming • Clean, permeable, and unitary surface • Texture is sensory stimulating • Those with cochlear implants or other medical devices should avoid this type of surface due to potential for an electric charge
TURF
WOOD
IPEMA CERTIFIED ENGINEERED WOOD FIBER
RUBBER
POUR-IN-PLACE RUBBER SURFACING • Our most requested and highest price point option • 10-year lifespan with the least amount of maintenance • The cleanest, permeable, and unitary surface • Can become overheated in summer months
NOTE: For all options, borders are necessary to contain the surfacing. It is also recommended to account for an ADA access point if needed. These are available for an additional charge.
St. Croix Recreation • www.stcroixrec.com • 800-525-5914 23
Customize Your Outdoor Space Memorial Bench Programs
MEMORIAL BENCHES & FOUNTAINS A city or county-wide memorial bench program creates a homogenous look to your park systems and public spaces and can be ordered directly by the city or a family. We offer, and can recommend, a variety of different ways to handle the ordering, payment, and shipping of memorial benches with as much or as little involvement from Parks or Public Works departments. Contact us to learn more about these great programs to offer your community members. Don’t forget, these can be ordered individually for any outdoor setting, and a similar program can be implemented on our Most Dependable Fountains drinking fountain line.
Covington Memorial Bench by Wabash Valley
Note: standard ‘Buddy Benches’ or ‘Susan G Komen’ benches are also available.
CUSTOMIZABLE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT Several of our products such as signs, panels, and the Gaga Ball Pit (shown below) can be customized to your community or school. There are multiple colors and design options, and add-ons like logos and verbiage can make items all yours.
Custom Gaga Ball Pit by BCI Burke
410SM with Pet Fountain by Most Dependable Fountains plus memorial plaque
100% Recycled Plastic Memorial Bench by Pilot Rock
THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER. MEMORIAL TIP: Work with a local engraver or our design team to memorialize your loved one.
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THEMED PLAYGROUNDS Contact us to inquire about the many themed options we offer. From Nature Play to pre-concepted structures that mimic fire engines or trains, we can work with you to choose from existing concepts. We can also work one-on-one with you to create your unique vision from scratch! Top left: Libery Park Playground, Marshall Top middle: Patrick Eagan Park, Eagan Top right: Circle Pines Park, Circle Pines Right: A Maze’n Farmyard, Eden Valley
Design a legacy
Design an adventure
design
a moment
design a
destination
like only THEMEDCONCEPTS can themedconcepts.com
St. Croix Recreation • FunPlaygrounds.com • 800-525-5914 25
Percussion Play
Explore the Musicality of Play! Percussion Play is one of our most versatile product lines. It’s suitable for every age, ability and location! You‘ll find their products in city playgrounds, school settings, senior citizen communities, libraries, and on main street! Percussion Play is based out of Hampshire, England, and for the past 20 years has been providing the world with durable, colorful and aesthetically pleasing outdoor instruments. This industry-leading company IN THEIR wishes to furnish all people with the ability to make music.
OWN WORDS…
ADD SOME POSITIVITY TO YOUR SITE! In today’s world, not every child has access to musical instruments which has been proven to be an asset to childhood development. Percussion Play brings availability to everyone.
“I’d recommend St. Croix Recreation to anyone who is looking at getting a new playground. We are very pleased with our decision to go with them. We really appreciate your hard work!” Teacher at St. Peter Claver School, St. Paul
Music has been known to help people express themselves and release tension in a creative way. These instruments are fun and usable for all ages and encourage interaction and intergenerational play. Percussion Play has found their instruments to be beneficial to those suffering from memory loss. They’ve received great feedback after installing their equipment in memory care units and senior living centers.
MEET THE INSTRUMENTS Percussion Play has a diverse line-up designed to fit every space, budget, and desired look. From nature inspired Harmony Bells designed to blend in with the surroundings, to showstopping Ensembles where users can form a ‘band,’ they have something for everyone. The ADA accessible Grand Floor Piano gets everyone in on the action. The Cavatina Complete, with a color-coded music book, helps teach children how to read notes. Decorate your space with the Tubular Bells (half instrument, half work of art), or the Cajon Drum Circle to entertain passersby.
Akadinda
26 St. Croix Recreation • www.stcroixrec.com • 800-525-5914
Alto Quartet Ensemble
S Grand Floor Piano
Large Babel Drum
Music has been known to help people express themselves and release tension in a creative way.
Calypso Chimes (Diatonic)
Tumbadoras
St. Croix Recreation • www.stcroixrec.com • 800-525-5914 27
GERMAN INNOVATION AT ITS BEST
Berliner
Innovators of Rope Play THE COMPANY
WHY ROPE?
Berliner has been around since the 1860s when it began manufacturing industry-strength ropes for elevators out of Berlin, Germany. In the 1970s, they transitioned these same ropes into use for play and never looked back. Their lines have evolved from just ropes to hill slides, to whimsical Triitopia towers and villages, and unique pieces designed to be placed throughout urban areas. Berliner continuously leads the way with innovative designs incorporating highly respected German manufacturing techniques and abiding by all safety laws and guidelines.
Rope playgrounds are becoming more popular as a unique alternative to more traditional deck and post systems. Rope allows for cutting-edge pieces that come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and combinations. They can easily be used with other climbers or slides. Berliner’s pieces are a great addition to a play space as they provide easy sightlines for parents, a creative and physically challenging experience for children, and an extremely safe piece of equipment.
CombiNation Celle by Berliner
28 St. Croix Recreation • www.stcroixrec.com • 800-525-5914
THE NITTY GRITTY Berliner’s rope systems are unique in that they are manufactured in-house, meaning they’re able to tailor each piece to the desired specifications including a broad range of diameters, wire cross sections, and colors. The external rope strands are covered with Polyester yarn and steel wires are galvanized. For ropes within a hand’s reach, they use four-stranded cables which result in a coarse surface texture ideal to grip. With more than 20 patents available on their materials, including their cloverleaf ring connection system, aluminum spheres and AstemTT tensioning system, Berliner’s products are durable and easy to maintain.
Greenville Towers: Think Big! Discover our high-rising climbing Towers! www.berliner-playequipment.com
DNA Tower 03 Combination at Yinghua Academy, Minneapolis the first ever installed in the USA!
St. Croix Recreation • FunPlaygrounds.com • 800-525-5914 29
Helping Everyone Play HOW ADA STANDARDS APPLY TO PUBLIC PLAY AREAS Outdoor play areas for children ages 2 or older should be given equal opportunity to play. Playground equipment and facilities constructed or altered on or after March 15, 2012, must comply with the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. According to ADA, an accessible playground is one that offers a range of play experiences to children of varying abilities. There must be:
transfer station) or by direct play structure access in their mobility device (such as a ramp). For more information on ADA and accessible play areas, visit ADA’s website at ada.gov. Source: The National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS)
• An accessible path from the building or parking lot to the edge of the play area. • An accessible path from the edge of the play area to the play equipment. • Surfacing that complies with ASTM 1951 (Determination of Accessibility of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment). Once a child is in the play area, they must be able to access the play equipment by either moving out of their mobility device onto the playground structure (such as a
CREATE A PLACE FOR ALL Manufacturer of quality: • Outdoor Fabric Shade Covers • Sun Shade Structures • Canopies • Commercial Umbrellas • Shade Shelters • Tents
Contact: St. Croix Recreation • www.stcroixrec.com • 1-800-525-5914
30 St. Croix Recreation • FunPlaygrounds.com • 800-525-5914
BLEACHERS, BENCHES, PICNIC TABLES
Contact us to learn more! 1826 Tower Dr. W, Stillwater, MN 55082 | 1-800-525-5914 | www.stcroixrec.com
CUSTOMER/POST-PURCHASE SERVICE St Croix Recreation prides itself on its exemplary and personal customer service. We strive to really get to know our customers and become a resource, not just a salesperson. We have an in-office team dedicated to answering your questions and supplying quotes, as well as on-site Project Managers equipped to give site surveys and handle even the most complicated projects.
After purchasing anything from us, regardless of how big or how small, you become important to us for life! Here are examples of what we can do for you: • Coordinate third party safety inspections • Supply materials on safety and maintenance of your playground • Re-visit your site at any point should issues arise or you have questions • Assist in fully using manufacturer warranties • Provide quotes and warranty information for needed replacement parts and/or installation We stand by our work and want to see customers 100% satisfied with their finished projects and amenities. Not sure what you need? Call us today and we can assist you in deciphering your playground manufacturer, what parts you need or what item you currently have as we have records spanning more than 30 years!
800-525-5914
St. Croix Recreation 1826 Tower Drive West Stillwater, MN 55082 Phone: 1-800-525-5914 E-mail: hannah@stcroixrec.com Web: www.stcroixrec.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/funplaygrounds
St. Croix Recreation • www.stcroixrec.com • 800-525-5914 31
St. Croix Recreation 1826 Tower Drive West Stillwater, MN 55082
1-800-525-5914
www.facebook.com/funplaygrounds
REACH NEW HEIGHTS
TRIITOPIA by Berliner