LANDSCAPE 2016
Dialogue with landscape architects helps us to create outdoor experiences of exceptional value. With your insights, we’re able to develop play solutions to real–world challenges. Discover synergies with the environment. Design spaces that invite and engage people. And meet real–world specs and budgets. This idea book continues the dialogue. We’d love to hear what you think.
Loy Blake Park, West Point City, Utah Playworld representative: Big T Recreation
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PlayCubes Reintroducing
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with Richard Dattner, FAIA
Archimedes identified them. DaVinci drew them. Kepler truncated them. Buckminster Fuller loved them. For centuries, cuboctahedrons nestled like Easter eggs in sketchbooks, architecture and mathematical musings. Then, in the 1960s, Richard Dattner scaled, opened and offered them up as PlayCubes—a new form for open–ended play. Now they’re making a comeback, in an exclusive partnership between Richard Dattner and Playworld.
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Print, Cut, Fold, Glue, Play. PlayCubes provide infinite design possibilities. Want to experiment? Make some PlayCubes of your own. Download a template at Playworld.com/PlayCubes.
Play test prototype
In the 1960s, Richard Dattner was not a fan of Central Park’s playgrounds. He had lots of ideas about making them better. And fortunately for us, he shared those ideas.
Design for Play (1969)
His 1969 book Design for Play changed the way people think about play. Critical of the “asphalt deserts” of the time, he astutely pointed out that playgrounds were being planned and designed almost exclusively by adults who would never use them. At the time, Dattner’s perspective on play was a revelation. It emphasized child–directed play. And regarded playgrounds as experiences rather than a number of discrete objects planted in pavement. His observations and ideas encouraged designers to imagine play in different shapes, forms and materials.
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We play test new designs at our Lewisburg, PA manufacturing facility by inviting children to come and play on prototypes. Through observing their play experiences and gathering their opinions, we improve our designs.
Dattner proved that point, with his iconic cuboctahedrons. Made from lightweight materials, they could be easily installed, with lighter anchoring. Their geometry resisted literal interpretation, leaving the experience up to the child’s creativity and imagination.
We’re delighted to partner with Richard Dattner to bring these iconic playforms back to life. Currently undergoing play testing and refinement, PlayCubes will be available in a new size, eco-friendly materials, and fresh new colors in the spring of 2016.
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DESIGN CHARETTE POCKET PARKS, SMART GROWTH, & PLAYABILITY
To provide a welcome pause, park this compact play space right downtown between shops and cafés. 45’ x 22’ (13,72m x 6,71m)
A simple pocket park can bring fresh, family–friendly play value to urban basketball courts. 49’ x 28’ (14,94m x 8,53m)
Small-footprint pocket parks—like a pirate ship with simple surfacing design—let you anchor play almost anywhere. 33’ x 33’ (10,06m x 10,06m)
NEOS ® 360 and fitness equipment can bring a high-energy outlet to the workplace, mall or library. 27’ x 27’ (8,23m x 8,23m)
As the sprawling suburban experiment of years past gives way to more thoughtful, integrated visions for public space, play is moving beyond large destination playgrounds into new shapes and sizes. Pocket parks create space–efficient playability in the midst of retail, dining, bus stops and other public spaces. And their smaller scale makes project planning, budgeting and completion more manageable.
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A mini excavation site next to the museum puts play value, seating and shade where it’s needed most. 65’ x 25’ (19,81m x 7,62m)
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Metro Collection is specially designed for extra hard use and lots of play activities to keep energetic kids engaged and active. Durable steel and aluminum components ensure long wear and play with designs to fit every space and budget. Request the 2016 Buyer’s Guide for more Metro Collection at Playworld.com/Catalogs
Mulholland Drive Ages 5–12
Filbert Street
Melrose Place
Hollywood Boulevard
Ages 2–5
Ages 5–12
Ages 5–12
350–1553
500–1556
500–1561
500–1554
Fremont Street Ages 5–12
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500–1559
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PlayForm 7 merges great play with public art, resulting in a sculpted play form that inspires imaginative, open-ended play. Our newest play sculpture gets people thinking, talking, sharing ideas and engaging in outdoor spaces in new, meaningful ways.
Watch PlayForm 7 in action and learn more at Playworld.com/PlayForm7.
Location Name, Singapore Playworld representative: ???? Patent Pending
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Public art feeds the imagination, defines places, and creates destinations. Play can do the same. 12
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86% of children prefer outdoor play with friends to video games. Family Kids and Youth
Yokuts Park, Bakersfield, California Playworld representative: Dave Bang Associates
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Hoopla Swing Ages 5–12
Unity® Collection reinvents classic playground equipment with new dimensions of inclusion, interaction and simultaneous play. Because when kids have the chance to play together, the playground should let them play together.
ZZXX0199 It’s one thing to swing alongside a friend. It’s another to swing with friends together. Our new basket–style design is inclusive—so people of all abilities can share the swing, and the experience.
RockR Ages 5–12
ZZXX0193 This spring rocker breaks down barriers, encouraging together play. Kids can sit or even lie down while they rock. Because it’s at transfer height, it’s a great addition to bring inclusive play to your playground.
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Slide Climber Ages 5–12
Unity® Collection
ZZXX0346 The traditional slide is a single–file, climb–up, slide–down activity. Unity expands the play flow and capacity with climbers, a tunnel and of course, a great slide.
Overhead Canopy Ages 5–12
ZZXX0187 An array of circles opens up this classic upper body play activity, allowing kids to play in all directions with lots of challenge and a fun space underneath.
Dome Ages 5–12
ZZXX0366 U.S. Patent D729,334S Circles, varied climbing paths and openings invite kids to play in, on and around the Dome, and a central net climber adds extra climbing value. Entry points provide wheelchair access. Optional Sensory Connections offer interactive auditory engagement.
Teeter Tunnel™ Ages 5–12
ZZXX0182 If it’s fun with two, why not ten? This Unity piece reimagines a playground classic, opening up play capacity and options—so everyone can join the fun.
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Watch Unity in action and learn more at Playworld.com/Unity.
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THE BOX CONCEPT TAKE A PAGE FROM OUR SKETCHBOOK If you’ve seen children play with a box, you know it’s rocket fuel for the imagination. It can be anything: a car, a submarine, a baby woolly mammoth. If you’re looking for an original, unexpected theme—a playground no one has ever seen before—contact us about “Boxes.” It’s open to endless interpretation and play value. Is it a rabbit warren? A cavern on Mars? Kid City? Or a climbable Internet? The children will decide. Over and over again.
Find out more about the “Boxes” concept, or discuss a custom theme of your own. Contact: Michael Laris, Chief Product Officer MichaelL@PlayworldSystems.com 1.800.233.8404
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Inspired by nature.
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Designed for play. Introducing Branch Out™
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Inviting access near the ground. Higher levels that challenge and entice. Unpredictable climbing paths. Perch points for resting. And a trunk to gather ‘round.
Jungle Village Ages 5–12
350–1623 It’s a new adventure every time. Space Required: 77’ 8’’ x 68’ 7’’ (23,67m x 20,9m)
Branch Out™ offers the appealing scale and features of nature play in an efficient, open layout that creates endless new possibilities for post and platform playgrounds. So how—and how far—you Branch Out is up to you. 24
Branch Out features 4’ (1,22m), 5’ (1,52m) and 6’ (1,83m) post-and-platform decks that can link to a range of components in our 2016 Buyer’s Guide. Grow your tree your way.
Request the 2016 Buyer’s Guide for more information at Playworld.com/Catalogs
Urban Roots Ages 5–12
350–1620 Rugged steel construction, ready for action. Space Required: 54’ 10’’ x 56’ 2’’ (16,71m x 17,12m)
Neverland Ages 5–12
350–1622 A tight collection of lively components. Space Required: 56’ 2’’ x 59’ 1’’ (17,12m x 18,01m)
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Inclusion is more than access—it’s about being a part of something. It’s about making a difference in the lives of others. We developed the industry’s most comprehensive, manufacturer-neutral inclusive play design guide—packed with 60 inclusive ideas (intents) and multiple strategies to achieve each one. It’s been peer reviewed nationally and internationally, and we’re committed to updating it as inclusive playground theory evolves. Because all children deserve to play. Together.
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Physical, Sensory & Social
Pods, Rooms & Zones
Create a rich play environment by offering a diverse range of activities across all three categories.
Develop specialized areas of play to offer relief and a retreat for a child who becomes overstimulated by noise or activity.
Multiple Levels of Challenge
Unitary Surfacing
Choose equipment that provides graduated levels of challenge to provide engagement for everyone.
Grouping of Activities Invite engagement between children of different abilities by locating similar activities close to one another.
Surfacing can be divided into two groups: loose and unitary. Unitary surfacing allows people in wheelchairs to get to the play activities.
Routes & Maneuverability Routes through the play area should be wide enough for people in wheelchairs to pass one another. Also to enter, turn and exit without difficulty.
Elevated Play Include attractive, engaging play opportunities up high to encourage pulling up and climbing.
Download resources at Playworld.com/Inclusive
The ‘Coolest Thing’ Identify the piece of equipment that you think children will be most excited about. Make sure that this activity is usable by everyone.
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INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONS When budget or space is tight, look for multifunctional design that incorporates multiple challenge levels and inclusive intents. This helps to maximize the inclusive play value of the dollars and space used.
Physical Play
Sensory Play
Social Interaction
Balancing Challenge Level 1 Lying down Challenge Level 2 Sitting up
Social Play Tactile Sensory Experience
Cruise Line Ages 5–12
Challenge Level 3 Standing
ZZXX0355
U.S. Patent D728,721S
Climbing Challenge Level 3
The Cruise Line™ provides all three types of play richness: a physical rocking motion experience that accommodates children of all abilities, social interaction and cooperative
Social Interaction
play, and a tactile encounter with molded features. Challenge level varies by a child’s ability to stand, sit or lay.
Climbing Challenge Level 2 Climbing Challenge Level 1 Climbing Challenge Level 3 Upper Body Challenge Level 1
Climbing Challenge Level 2
Tactile and Auditory Sensory Experience
Tactile and Auditory Sensory Experience
Climbing Challenge Level 1
Tactile Sensory Experience
Unity Dome
Triumph Climber
Ages 5–12
Ages 5–12
ZZXX0366
The Unity® Dome provides physical activity with three levels of climbing, crawling and upper body activities, as well as
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tactile and auditory sensory experiences with the optional Sensory Connections (shown), and social interaction.
ZZXX0413 The Triumph™ Climber provides all three levels of challenge, as well as a tactile experience. Textured handholds enable climbing with upper body strength and strategically located handles aid with transitions, pulling up and turning around. An easy transfer station and cradled deck shape prevent
falls and provide a cozy perch. Also offers easy access for caregivers to assist and play. Download resources at Playworld.com/Inclusive
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PLAY ADVOCACY CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR FUN AND CREDIT Developed by accomplished specialists in landscape architecture, playground design and inclusive play—our CE courses are interactive, relevant, and content–rich. For your convenience, our courses can be presented at your location as a lunch–and–learn.
Each of our hour-long courses is approved for AIA and/or ASLA credits: 1.0 LU or PDH.
Learn more at Playworld.com/Training
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Inclusive Design
The Future of Parks
Sustainability
Play Value
ADA is just the tip of the iceberg. Get hands on and learn how easy it is to create truly inclusive playgrounds with proper site layout and equipment selection.
Parks that effectively respond to societies’ needs are becoming beacons to millennials, strengthening communities, and boosting property values.
Truly sustainable manufacturing processes and playground equipment can make a difference in our environment, our communities and our children’s futures.
Play value isn’t just measured in dollars and cents. More activities, richer challenges and greater capacities mean more kids playing longer, with more meaningful engagement.
Ian Proud
Ginny McDougal
Dan Perreault
Missy Benson
As research manager and inclusive play manager, Ian has led Playworld’s inclusive play initiative since its inception, culminating in the development of the Inclusive Play Design Guide, a manufacturer–neutral, educational and inspirational resource. Specializing in trends, the future and managing change, Ian has led highly-rated workshops at state and national conferences. He holds a BA in 3D design and an MBA.
Ginny has been in the playground industry for over 14 years, working with landscape architects, designers, and park and recreation professionals. With a passion for play, inclusion and sustainability, she incorporates these principles into her work. She has a degree in interior design, is certified in inclusive playground design, and also has her CPSI certification.
Dan is a licensed landscape architect and past president of the ASLA—Michigan Chapter and CPSI. With over 30 years of experience, his focus is primarily on play area design and play as it relates to child development and learning. As part of Playworld’s Save Play Initiative, Dan shares information and research data about various aspects of play and how they benefit children, families and our communities.
Missy is president of the VA Chapter of ASLA, has a landscape architecture degree from Virginia Tech and a horticulture certificate from Norfolk Botanical Gardens. She has worked with landscape architecture firms across the country focusing on play and recreation design, master plans and surveys for municipalities and historical sites. As a play advocate for Playworld, Missy conducts educational presentations about the importance of free, accessible and sensory rich play.
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COLLABORATION REAL–WORLD, REAL–TIME, FACE–TO–FACE
It’s a powerful way to play, and a powerful way to work. Our ideas are fueled by lots of collaboration. With our internal teams, with the kids who play test our equipment, and with landscape architects and other client partners. Working closely makes us smarter, and makes our play designs stronger. We invite you to visit our Playworld campus, to sit down (or climb around) with our innovative play architects. We’ll focus on your needs and preferences, identify opportunities, and create inspiring play experiences. Here. Now. Together. To schedule a visit, contact: Christine Stepp, Special Projects Administrator ChristineS@PlayworldSystems.com 1.570.522.5441
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Your authorized Playworld representative is:
1000 Buffalo Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837–9795 USA Toll-free: 800.233.8404 Phone: +1.570.522.9800 Playworld.com © 2016 Playworld Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
See it all.
Get the 2016 Buyer’s Guide at Playworld.com/Catalogs.