6 minute read
Get Out & Play on the Ultimate Playground” ABcreative
Playgrounds are incredibly stimulating–with visual, tactful, and auditory aspects. Structures made of plastic, aluminum, metal and galvanized steel wrapped in nylon are the materials used to make these creative slides, climbing structures, swings and spinning formations. Shown are an array of projects created by ABcreative throughout the midwest. Locally, the group was selected by the USD 232 Board of Education through a competitive process as part of the 2018 Bond Issue. All seven USD 232 district elementary school playgrounds were replaced and updated in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). The projects were completed in two phases, from 2019-2020. Shown at right are Starside and Praire Ridge Elementary Schools. ABcreative is currently beginning work on the newlyconstructed District Early Childhood Center at Mize Road and 83rd Street. In Western Shawnee, Wilder Bluff Park is currently being constructed and will feature a pond, walking paths and amphitheater. Located at 55th and Belmont Drive, it is expected to open this summer.
Get out & play Safely! ON the UltImate playground!
photography provided by ABcreative and USD 232/shown below
Locally in De Soto, some of the most creative and innovative playgrounds are created! Area residents, the McNamara’s represent exceptional playground manufacturers, that are the “building blocks” for ABcreative creations. ABcreative works with public and commercial entities–city municipalities, schools, and county parks–to create and develop playground projects and park structures. “It is a big responsibility to deliver the very best product you can,” shared Tim McNamara, ABcreative Inc. “Because so much happens on the playground,it is so important to design a playground facility correctly.” The business represents some of the finest manufacturers in the United States and Germany. Last year, over 300 projects were completed. Sales representatives are located in St. Louis, Missouri; Des Moines, Iowa; and locally in De Soto, Kansas. The “family” business began in 1993 by Karen Herren with two manufacturing lines. Karen developed the company in their Olathe basement, while husband Tim was a graphic designer with his Creative Network Agency. They moved to De Soto in 1998. Tim’s business sold in 2007, and he began working with Karen in 2008. His 2-dimension creative design skills transferred well into 3-dimensional playgrounds. Son, Tanner McNamara (DHS graduate, Marine serviceman) joined the staff in 2019 and is transitioning into being the Chief Financial Officer. Karen, as the CEO/President, is transitioning into retirement. “She has built up a wealth of knowledge, lots of relationships in the industry, and a lot of credibility with the manufacturers we represent,” complimented Tim, on his wife’s skills and achievements. Today there are eleven on staff, with a newly-hired playground designer and office manager. ABcreative has been creating play areas for over 25 years!
Consult Create
ON the UltImate playground!
Construct
ABcreative, Inc. 33160 W. 83rd Street De Soto, KS 66018 (913) 583-3332 https://abcreative.net
“Children learn through play, making playground activities an extremely important part of their day,” Tim McNamara, ABCreative Inc. explains. There are seven elements of play that help children not only develop physically, but also in the areas of cognitive, adaptive, social and emotional developmentment. • Swinging develops both large and small motor skills. Swinging back and forth relaxes and soothes. It also impacts the part of the brain processing sensory information. Swinging is a great activity to help develop a child’s vestibular system, building a sense of balance, equilibrium and body coordination. “You can see their [pre-schoolers] excitement as they start to realize how a swing works–this is what happens when I move my legs back and forth, going higher and higher!” –Jami Murdock, Early Childhood Educator • Slides promote leg-hip flexibility and spatial awareness. They encourage cooperation and following directions, and develop critical thinking skills. • Climbing also enhances spacial awareness and helps develop the vestibular system. Muscle tone and strength are built up, increasing endurance. • Overhead Climbing strengthens the upper body muscular strength and endurance, as well as hand-eye coordination. Critical thinking develops as a child figures out how to move from point a to b. “People don’t realize that when you look at play, brains are developing,” • Spinning builds kinesthetic awareness and cognitive development. It is a great way for children to understand speed, force and direction–and feel motion.informed Tim McNamara, ABcreative, Inc. “Repetition in swinging develops into • Balancing activities help children understand concepts skill and stamina, that brings confidence and socialization. such as gravity, equilibrium and counterbalances–skills essential for many sports. Walking on a balance beam children figure out how to move forward, holding their So much happens on arms out, moving one foot in front of the other. It also on the playground! promotes social interaction and pretend play as Play they “walk the plank” as pirates. is often talked about • Sensory Systems Tactile (touch) is the as if it were a relief from largest sensory system in the body, and helps children determine if something is serious learning. cold, wet, or sharp. It helps the brain organize information for developing But for children, visual and auditory systems. play is serious learning. Play activites help children develop gross and fine motor skills, necessary for both Play is really the work on the playground and in the classroom. of childhood. In addition, play helps children learn how to work in groups and develop social skills; –Mr. (Fred) Rogers how to take care of themselves; gain a sense of pride and achievement; increase their selfconfidence; and learn how to problem-solve on their own, increasing their own decision-making skills.
The ABcreative office is located locally in Downtown De Soto, in between Cause Coffee and the NWCFD Fire Staton 1. The house was remodeled in 2019 to include both ABcreative and Forever Lawn Company. Both companies are owned by the McNamaras, but are separate entities. Take a look at the low-maintenance artificial grass on the front lawn the next time you are visitng Downtown De Soto. No mowing needed!
–Excerpts from “Does Your Playground Include the 7 Elements of Play?” Tim McNamara, CPSI ABcreative, Inc. Jami Murdock, Early Childhood Educator Published in the Spring 2016 issue of Missouri School Plant Manager.” https://abcreative.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/7Elements-of-Play_MSPMA-Spring-2016.pdf
“How Important are Playground Activities to a Child’s Success in the Classroom” Presentations are available online and onsite.
Contact ABcreative via email at: info@ABcreative.net 7 117
