Parks & Recreation 2021 Playground Guide by Creative By Design

PLAYGROUND GUIDE 2021 N R PA .O RG

2021 PLAYGROUND GUIDE The Importance of Play Understanding Playground Safety

Introducing the We-Go-Swing, We-Go-Swing ™ , the first no-transfer inclusive swing that can be integrated into the playground setting, inviting kids of all abilities to get in on the fun together. We’ve always designed for inclusive play. Now we’re bringing a whole new way to play for all. Learn more about this revolutionary swing forward at playlsi.com/we-go-swing

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50 Years at Play Many people remember the days of the freestanding slides, swings and monkey bars. But in 1967, that idea of playground design advanced to interconnected play components. The revolutionary idea of combining playground activities is known as the continuous play concept, which was created by Steve King, cofounder and chairman of Delano, Minnesota-based Landscape Structures Inc. As his final thesis project at Iowa State University, Steve developed a system that linked play activities together to provide a continuous challenge for children. His premise was that if kids are together on one structure, then they’ll learn things that they will use throughout life, like social and conflict-resolution skills. While his thesis only scored him a C+ grade, Steve took his continuous play concept to his first job as a landscape architect specializing in park planning. In 1969, he was assigned a playground design project for the city of Minneapolis, where he was able to put his approach into action. His first playground was a success, which led to more interest. In early 1971, Steve and his wife Barb King obtained a $1,000 loan and incorporated Landscape Structures (tinyurl.com/2umz3bse) to design and build commercial playstructures. The company began to see steady growth in the late 1970s and 1980s, which led to building expansions, acquisitions and sales growth at home and overseas. By the mid-1990s, Landscape Structures had expanded immensely, which led Steve and Barb to implement the kaizen approach to lean manufacturing (tinyurl.com/r5ahca5e). Kaizen created efficiencies in the manufacturing and business processes, and even the engineering and product development process. In an effort to provide great

play experiences for kids, Landscape Structures always has been committed to innovation. Hedra® (tinyurl.com/ ndvb4jj6), the company’s latest invention, allows kids to safely navigate via their own intuition and curiosity, and invent routes, games and imaginary environments. Landscape Structures has a longstanding commitment to inclusive play and are breaking barriers with the WeGo-Swing™ (tinyurl.com/snwsy874), the first no-transfer inclusive swing that can be integrated directly into the playground setting. In addition, the use of innovative materials and the development of colors that are truly inspired by nature are changing the world of playgrounds. As Landscape Structures moves into its 50th year of business, the company is taking time to reflect on the power of play. With the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, the value of play and recreation is being recognized for its role in health, well-being and fun. That’s why the team at Landscape Structures — nearly 500 employees and a network of more than 200 playground consultants worldwide — are proud to provide unique play opportunities for all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Because no matter what’s happening in the world, we come back to play (tinyurl.com/fexxf6v8).

www.playlsi.com 888.438.6574

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Contents Features

Company Profiles

8 12 14

1 Landscape Structures Inc. 3 Surface America 4 Little Tikes Commercial 6 Miracle Recreation 13 Public Restroom Company 17 Discount Playground Supply 20 Playworld

Encouraging Play Through Playground Design Spotting Safety Hazards The Mental Benefits of Play

Departments 18 Become a Certified Playground Safety Inspector 19 Advertiser Index

SEPTEMBER 21-23, 2021 Nashville, Tennessee & Online

Registration NOW OPEN 2

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PlayBound TurfTop System Provides Natural Look and No Maintenance Surface America features the most complete line of playground surfacing systems, including poured, turf and tile options. The PlayBound™ TurfTop™ system is an especially perfect complement to a park setting or green environment due to its natural look. It also excels in safety and durability. The system requires zero maintenance and resists wear and tear from heavy foot traffic, so it perpetually looks like perfectly-groomed grass. And, because it allows for the free flow of water, TurfTop surfacing enables playgrounds to be used immediately following heavy rain, thus maximizing the amount of playtime. The primary function of any play-

ground surfacing, however, is to protect children when they fall during play. TurfTop is an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant grasslike surface with no dish-out areas around playground equipment. Unlike loose particles — such as rubber, mulch, sand and synthetic wood chips — which will disperse in critical areas of playgrounds, TurfTop playground surfacing is always “where you need it, when you need it.” Wheelchairs and walking aids can navigate the playground surface without difficulty, making playgrounds more accessible and inclusive for all levels of mobility. TurfTop surfacing has a very long-

GET THE LOOK OF NATURAL GRASS With No Maintenance & World-Class Toughness

life expectancy due to its extreme durability and world-class toughness. The system is constructed from the best quality materials — all made and manufactured in the United States — and is built with terrific craftsmanship by certified, proven coast-to-coast installation crews.

www.SurfaceAmerica.com 800.999.0555

PlayBound™ TurfTop™ is the perfect complement to any environment. • Looks like perfectlygroomed grass • Eliminates wear and tear from heavy foot traffic • Shock absorption, comfort-giving basemat • Wheelchairs/walking aids easily negotiate the surface • Extremely durable, longest life

The NATIONAL LEADER in playground surfacing systems.

SurfaceAmerica.com | 800-999-0555

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Rediscover Little Tikes Commercial

As a child, play sparked your imagination and helped you discover the world. When you had kids of your own, play helped them discover the world. Now, you’ve been given the great responsibility of bringing play to your park and the entire community, and you’ve found Little Tikes Commercial — a familiar name with products that will excite you. Our playgrounds — manufactured specifically for parks — have the highest safety and quality standards available and feature cutting-edge innovation and important developmental play value. Most importantly, they’re packed with all the play value you’ve come to expect from us. Little Tikes Commercial brings a spirit of fun into every new product we develop. GSX is the latest offering from our NU-Edge® line, which is designed around the striking

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dichotomy of both nature and city life. With towering rooftops, nature-inspired play events and non-linear climbing paths, NU-Edge lets kids jump into a world of discovery, imagination and adventure — no matter where they live. The natural play structures of NU-Edge play systems allow children to imagine their own adventures by mimicking characteristics of real outdoor environments. Whether conquering seaside cliffs with pirates or leading brave knights into battle, kids have unlimited possibilities to create an imaginative world of fun and exploration. NU-Edge GSX is packed with exciting features that challenge and spark the imagination. Rope components provide a unique balancing challenge, while a twisting steel and rope climber create varied climbing paths. Wood-like planks offer a unique spot for social interaction. The structure’s wood look and feel make it the perfect addition to your park! In its representation of the natural world, NU-Edge playground equipment does not neglect urban environments. GSX combines both with crisscrossing rope elements and the excitement of height for endless climbing opportunities. Kids can imagine themselves climbing Mount Everest or sliding down a waterfall on this innovative structure. We don’t just build playgrounds, we craft thoughtful play experiences. At Little Tikes Commercial, we’re passionate about creating unexpected adventures through play spaces that are packed with all the fun you’ve come to expect from us and backed by the comfort of our trusted name. www.LittleTikesCommercial.com 800.325.8828

GIVE YOUR PLAY SPACE AN EDGE WITH NU-EDGE GSX ®

With a small footprint and modern design, NU-Edge® GSX packs big fun in small spaces. GSX uses crisscrossing rope elements and the exhilaration of height for challenging climbs. Complete with a slide, ladders, and interior net, kids can find their own way to reach the top. NU-Edge® GSX can connect to a new or existing play structure for even more play value. To learn more visit, LittleTikesCommercial.com/GSX

NU-Edge® GSX connects seamlessly with preexisting and new structures

www.LittleTikesCommercial.com/GSX

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Experience the Miracle of Play™ self-awareness. Sensory play is the phrase used to describe sensory learning that is incorporated into play.

Not all playgrounds are created equal.

For nearly a century, we’ve created a legacy of “leaving it better than we found it.” This philosophy has inspired us to create our newest innovation, the Miracle® Museum™ — a children’s museum experience that gives kids the chance to engage in fantastical sensory events. Children are diverse in their interests and their physical and intellectual abilities. Since children have different interests and abilities, play products must be universally designed, meaning the play equipment is accessible to and usable by all people to the greatest extent possible, so that everyone can have a similar play experience. Children benefit from play, especially sensory play. Increased self-esteem, improved collaboration skills, enhanced critical thinking skills and a strengthened immune system are just some of the high-level benefits children gain by playing. While all unstructured play is valuable for children, sensory play significantly impacts the way a child develops — specifically cognitive development, fine motor skills, language development, relaxation and

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While any playground can provide children with certain sensory experiences, a genuinely sensory-friendly playground, such as the Miracle Museum, offers a variety of equipment designed to stimulate each of the five senses, in addition to the sense of balance and the ability to judge positioning in space. Children’s museums are recognized for their sensory experiences and for being places to explore with a family member or friend. The experience encourages expressive and social play — make music, push, pull, spin and feel. Do it all with a friend or explore on your own. Miracle Museum takes the benefits of the children’s museum experience and enables you to incorporate it into a park, giving you the additional sensory benefit of being outdoors. It also allows you to provide a sensory-rich, universally designed play and learning experience for your community.

Miracle Museum Collection Because most Miracle Museum products do not require safety surfacing, they can convert under-utilized spaces into sensory-rich play areas, such as old basketball or tennis courts. They can even be installed indoors in your community room or fitness center. Since 1927, Miracle Recreation has brought innovation to parks and communities around the globe. Let us help you bring the Miracle of Play™ to your park today!

www.Miracle-Recreation.com 888.458.2752

Sensory meets science.

Miracle Museum ®

™

Explore the Museum today! Scan the QR code to watch the Miracle Museum video, then visit our website for more details, including specifications. Miracle-Recreation.com/Museum

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LANDSCAPE STRUCTURES INC.

Play allows children to use their imaginations and develop a range of important skills.

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Encouraging Play Through Playground Design By Lynn Pinoniemi

here is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. One thing we are sure of is that kids, teens and adults need outdoor activity to keep themselves healthy — both physically and mentally. Making time for free, unstructured play is tricky in our 24/7 world, but research tells us that carving out time and space for outdoor play and activity is worth it. For children, playtime allows them to be in control and use their imaginations, all while developing a range of important skills. There are benefits for teens and adults as well. Not only does exercising outdoors lead to better physical health, but also it may contribute to increased energy and reduced anger, tension and depression.

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As summer of 2021 kicks off and people spend more time outside of their homes, it’s important to provide play and recreation solutions that help individuals of all ages stay active and healthy.

Destinations for Communities Creating thoughtfully designed play spaces helps bring children, families and entire communities together. Today’s playgrounds offer modern design aesthetics and can be complemented with vibrant color palettes to make truly unique destinations. Incorporating geometric designs and playful pods that form an interconnected matrix of fun and challenge can encourage kids to invent and reinvent routes, games and imaginary environments. Additionally, preconfigured playground designs are available to give park and recreation departments innovative and iconic choices at afford-

able price points. Many of these designs incorporate subtle themes that encourage imaginative play while building physical and mental strength as children navigate through bridges, climbers, tunnels, slides and more. If more traditional playground designs are a better fit for your environment, there are a plethora of options, such as time-honored post-and-deck structures, towers, climbers, overhead events, slides and play panels. By incorporating a modern color palette, traditional designs can feel fresh and unique. Including freestanding play components in a playground design is a great way to expand existing play spaces and freshen up the play experience. Placing a selection of outdoor musical instruments together can create a fun music zone for smaller groups of visitors. A playground design that includes nature-inspired climbers or balance beams can encourage sen-

sory nature play. In addition, playgrounds may offer a thrill zone filled with individual spinners, playground ziplines or a variety of swings. Customized playground components can help to craft a one-of-a-kind play experience for kids. For instance, Lowcountry Celebration Park in Hilton Head, South Carolina, features a 1,400-square-foot ship-themed playground structure that mimics The Adventure, the ship of Captain William Hilton for whom Hilton Head is named. Playground climbers inside and outside of the ship deliver challenges and fun for users. This completely custom playground design celebrates the heritage of the local community, but this concept also can be accomplished on a smaller scale by incorporating logos, native flora and fauna, or by personalizing various playground components.

Experiencing Play in Different Ways While children safely resume outdoor play during the COVID-19 pandemic, each child will experience the playground in their own way. It’s important for park and recreation professionals to remember that for kids with special needs, regulating their bodies and emotions through play and socialization may be even more critical. In order to create a play environLowcountry Celebration Park features a 1,400-square-foot ship-themed playground structure that mimics The Adventure, the ship of Captain William Hilton.

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Geometric designs and playful pods that form an interconnected matrix can encourage kids to invent and reinvent routes, games and imaginary environments.

ment that increases access, safety, comfort and social participation for users of all abilities, playgrounds must be designed with inclusion in mind. The right play equipment can make all the difference. Thoughtfully designed playgrounds with components like no-transfer swings and spinners, sensory-friendly play panels, ramped play structures and other inclusive components have evolved into places that foster inclusive experiences for every child. Inclusive playgrounds like the one located at the Miracle League of Monticello (Arkansas) welcomes players and their families to interact with their peers. A ramped play structure, inclusive spinners and playground ziplines, and various sensory-rich play activities make this design an accessible and inclusive play space that welcomes the entire community.

Staying Active in the Great Outdoors Families are always looking for new ways to stay active, and this was made even more clear throughout 2020. Thanks to current television shows like “American Ninja Warrior,” extreme fitness has gained popularity and has piqued the interest of not only kids, but also teens and adults. Communities can deliver exciting fit-

ness challenges in community parks by choosing from predesigned obstacle courses or by creating a customized course. Whichever option, an outdoor fitness course is sure to invite friendly competition and challenge upper- and lower-body strength, coordination and problem-solving skills. In addition to these extreme fitness environments, traditional outdoor fitness equipment also remains popular. When positioned near playgrounds, traditional outdoor fitness equipment provides caregivers with opportunities to build muscle strength, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance balance and flexibility while kids play nearby.

Keeping Communities Protected There are many physical and emo-

tional benefits to getting outdoors. However, being outside also can present some risks. Adding shade structures to playground designs and other outdoor spaces can help to prevent issues like sunburn or heatstroke and can allow for hours of safe and enjoyable activity for visitors of all ages. In addition, incorporating large-capacity hand sanitizer stations throughout playground and recreation spaces can help prevent the spread of germs and put visitors’ sanitation concerns at ease. As more communities create their new normal in 2021, it’s important to remember the value of play and recreation in the health and well-being of all community members. Lynn Pinoniemi is Vice President of Marketing at Landscape Structures Inc. (lynnpinoniemi@playlsi.com).

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PHOTO COURTESY OF JOANN ROBERTSON

Spotting Safety Hazards By Joann Robertson, CPSI, CSP, ARM, CPCU

Playground inspections are critical because hazards are easy to miss in places that are overly familiar to us.

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One day, I attended a school safety committee meeting as the safety professional representing the insurance company for the school district. Other members of the committee included: a parent, a student, a few teachers, the school business official, the principal and the head custodian. The group was split into two. Each group was asked to conduct a tour of the two-story building and record any safety hazards observed. One group was assigned to survey the first floor, and my group visited the second floor. After 30 minutes, all of the safety committee members reassembled in the conference room. The first-floor group only had a few items on their list. They had probably missed some hazards; it was their workplace, and they were used to seeing it, but not evaluating it. Meanwhile, upstairs, I empowered my group by explaining some details about school safety hazards, and quickly my group was pointing out items. Our list included: blocked exits, unlit exit signs, an unlocked chemical storage area and a broken eyewash station. Safety hazards are not simple to identify, especially in places that are overly familiar to us. Has anyone ever informed you that your clock was wrong, but you never noticed? This scenario demonstrates how everyone can miss the obvious. If your agency has a playground, be aware that problems that occur there also can be overlooked. This is why playground inspections are so critical. Staff members who monitor your agency’s playground perform daily walk-throughs and routine tasks,

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such as removing broken glass, usually do not complete a comprehensive inspection. Your employees have many other job duties to complete and are not trained playground inspectors. Quick walk-throughs done on a daily basis always should be augmented by an inspection from a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI). Don’t wait for a broken part or a serious accident to signal the need to schedule this type of inspection for your agency. Arrange for an experienced inspector with a “fresh set of eyes” to review your playground to reduce the chance of serious injury to children and extend the lifespan of the equipment. Here are only some examples of what can cause injury on a playground, without even a broken part: • A piece of equipment that is recalled for safety issues and needs to be replaced, unbeknownst to your staff members • An inadequate depth of loose-fill surfacing does not provide proper protection should a fall occur • A gap that formed may entangle a child’s drawstring or other item (scarf, jump rope, etc.) leading to a serious injury Contact a playground company to schedule an inspection. However, be sure the firm selected can provide: • Proper insurance • A number of experienced/certified inspectors • Inspectors equipped with the correct tools/gauges By scheduling regular playground inspections, maintaining proper documentation and completing any needed repairs, your agency will have increased peace of mind and provide the safest play environment for your community’s children.

Joann Robertson, CPSI, CSP, ARM, CPCU, is a Certified Playground Inspector and Certified Safety Professional at Playground Medic of Hawthorne, New York (joannrobertson@hotmail.com).

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Public Restroom Company What does turnkey mean to you? At Public Restroom Company (PRC), we believe it is delivering a complete product that is premier in both components and aesthetics, code compliant, and offers a simplified process to our customer. We have demonstrated our ability to lead the industry for over 45 years in designing, building and installing restrooms and related buildings for parks and public spaces. If you are looking to simplify the project process and install a building that is built with the best components and resilient to vandalism and daily use, you are in good hands with PRC. Our team will assist in all phases of the planning process to find the best solution, size, style and functionality to best fit your project.

We strive to create buildings that are low maintenance and easy to clean with proprietary products like our “odor free” non-porous concrete floors. Health is prioritized in all our buildings through antimicrobial components (door handles and levers) and by maximizing natural ventilation to prevent stagnant air. Safety is addressed through incorporating elements, such as undercut doors, enhanced lighting and single-occupant floor plans. We started as a restroom company, but PRC can build any modular building you desire, including storage buildings, showers, concessions, lifeguard stations and so much more. View the website’s project gallery to see all of PRC’s capabilities.

Our reputation is rooted in our buildings’ durability, quality components and ability to offer any degree of customization you seek. Call us today to receive a quote for your next project.

www.PublicRestroomCompany.com 888.888.2060

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The Mental Benefits of Play During July 2020, Voice of Play and the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) conducted a national survey of 1,000 U.S. parents ages 18 and older to determine the importance of play on the mental impacts of social injustice. According to the survey, 88 percent of parents agree outdoor play helps children cope with the mental impacts of social injustice. Here are some of the detailed findings from the survey. To learn more, read the press release at tinyurl.com/424mdp2n.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: Outdoor play helps children cope with the mental impacts of social injustice in the United States. Agree strongly

49%

Agree somewhat

38%

Disagree somewhat

Disagree strongly

Agree (net)

88%

Disagree (net)

12%

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: My child’s spontaneous play with other kids on the playground shapes their view of equality for all, regardless of race and ability levels. Agree strongly

52%

Agree somewhat

40%

Disagree somewhat

Disagree strongly

Agree (net)

91%

Disagree (net)

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: Playing on the playground helps children to be inclusive of others who may have different abilities and backgrounds than their own.

During July 2020, Voice of Play and the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association conducted a national survey to determine the importance of play on the mental impacts of social injustice.

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Agree strongly

52%

Agree somewhat

40%

Disagree somewhat

Disagree strongly

Agree (net)

92%

Disagree (net)

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Eighty-eight percent of parents agree outdoor play helps children cope with the mental impacts of social injustice.

What top positive impacts do you see from your children playing with other children on public playgrounds? Playing with children of all abilities

42%

Improved physical fitness

42%

Less screen time

38%

Confidence boosting

30%

Increased motivation

25%

Getting along better with siblings and parents

24%

Increased problem-solving skills

23%

More patience

19%

None of these

Any (net)

96%

What steps within your own community do you think would have the greatest impact on increasing opportunities for play for all children? Increased government funding for constructing inclusive playground equipment

26%

Policy changes to keep recess and physical education programs in school

25%

Community action to increase access to playgrounds

22%

Increased government funding for organized athletic programs (such as community soccer)

17%

None of these

10%

Any (net)

90%

Which of the following, if any, do you feel is a benefit of playing as a family? Improves connection with others

67%

Reduces stress

65%

Encourages creativity

55%

Teaches cooperation

51%

Creates a foundation for lifelong fitness

49%

Deepens a sense of belonging

48%

None of the above Any (net)

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3% 97%

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Multiple Manufacturers, One Purchase Order Discount Playground Supply is your one-stop shop for park, playground and sports supplies Discount Playground Supply (DPS) carries an extensive supply of playground, park and athletics products. Our CEO, Tom Siebert, was one of the initial inventors/sellers of rubber mulch, starting in 1999. Over the years, as park and recreation department needs have changed, our business has evolved. DPS offers The Gaga Pit Ball Game is an replacement parts and repair kits, playeasy-to-assemble, mobile solution suited for players of all ages and abilities. ground equipment, site furnishings, sports equipment, dog park products and more. Our product line has expanded to more than 4,000 products from over 25 manufacturers — and keeps growing.

Nuts, Bolts & Everything in-between.

REPlACEMENT PARTS & SWING SEATS

SURFACE REPAIR KITS & CONDITIONERS

Playground borders

BENCHES, TABLES, GRILLS & RECEPTACLES

GAGA PIT BALL GAMES & ADA PRODUCTS

HOOPS, NETS, FENCES & BASEBALL GALORE

Hard to Find, but Not Hard to Get Need replacement playground parts? We carry a wide selection of standard and unusual nuts, bolts and hardware from a variety of suppliers. We also carry a wide selection of replacement swing set seats.

Surface Repair That Won’t Break the Bank DPS’ Fast Patch Rubber Playground Repair Kits offer easy repair of cracks, splits and holes in poured-in-place playground and running track surfaces. Patches come in a variety of colors or can be custom blended. Kits ship free!

Play for All Abilities Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant playgrounds let everyone play. We carry handicap-accessible playground equipment, swings, tables, fountains, wheelchair ramps and surfacing.

Easy Ordering, Nationwide Shipping Convenient online shopping saves you time and lets you purchase from multiple manufacturers under one purchase order number. Shipping and tax rates are calculated in your cart in real time. Need a custom quote or bulk order? Give us a call — we are happy to help.

4,000+ products • 25+ suppliers ADDING MORE EVERY DAY!

www.discountplaygroundsupply.com 888.760.2499

EASY ONLINE ORDERING!

ORDER BY PHONE: 888-760-2499 MULTIPLE SUPPLIERS, one PURCHASE ORDER!

www.discountplaygroundsupply.com

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Become a Certified Playground Safety Inspector specifications, surfacing requirements and risk management methods. If you are interested in becoming a CPSI, register to attend one of the courses listed below taking place during the summer of 2021. To see the full list of 2021 course dates and locations, visit nrpa.org/CPSI.

Become a CPSI Instructor

NRPA’s Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) program provides the most comprehensive training on playground safety.

NRPA’s Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) program is the industry’s leading certification program in playground safety. The CPSI program provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date training on playground safety issues, including hazard identification, equipment

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Take the next step in your career and share your extensive knowledge of playground safety by becoming a CPSI instructor. Not only is it a great addition to your professional growth, but also it is an opportunity to travel and network with other professionals who share your passion for playground safety. Qualifications for becoming a CPSI instructor include five years of full-time experience in playground safety, park operations and management, risk management, safety inspection and management, or related fields; two years of experience teaching adult education, preferably playground safety and management, playground design and engineering, park operations and management, risk management, or comparable areas; and public presentation skills. Applicants must have successfully passed the CPSI exam and maintain a current CPSI certification for a minimum of six years, as well as be a current member of NRPA. To learn more, visit nrpa.org/CPSI or contact Terrence Johnson, NRPA’s playground safety manager, at tjohnson@nrpa.org.

Date

Host Location

Virtual or In Person

June 22

Tennessee

Virtual

July 7-9

Mason, Ohio

In Person

July 13-15

Raleigh, North Carolina

In Person

July 19-21

Hoover, Alabama

In Person

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Protect Your Playground.

BECOME A CPSI.

The Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification program provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date training on playground safety issues including hazard identification, equipment specifications, surfacing requirements and risk management methods.

Advertiser Index

BCI Burke Playgrounds......................................... C4

Miracle Recreation......................................................7

Discount Playground Supply.................................15

Playworld....................................................................C3

Landscape Structures Inc......................................C2

Public Restroom Company.................................... 13

Little Tikes Commercial........................................... 5

Surface America..........................................................3

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The History of PlayCubes® In revisiting the PlayCubes design, Dattner and Playworld made modifications to enhance play value, increasing the size of the cubes and additional openings to the original design. Prototypes of the revised design were play tested with children, and after refinements, the first Playworld PlayCubes were manufactured in 2016, using sturdy, rotomolded plastic. PlayCubes are modular and offer a variety of options for configuration and color — ideal for your site layout and budget. Upon their release, PlayCubes once again became a hit, revolutionizing the playground industry for a second time!

The Future of Play In the late 1960s, architect and designer Richard Dattner was focused on the state of playgrounds, determined to find ways to make them better. His 1969 book, Design for Play, emphasized play value, child-directed play and the idea of playgrounds as experiences rather than a collection of objects planted in pavement. Dattner’s thinking led to his iconic cuboctahedron creation, PlayCubes. Made from lightweight materials, PlayCubes could be easily installed with lighter anchoring. Because they were modular, they could be scaled to form a range of play structures from small to large. Their striking geometry resisted literal interpretation — providing the open-ended form Dattner advocated, leaving interpretation up to the child’s creativity and imagination.

Shortly after reintroducing PlayCubes, Playworld expanded the product line with metal PlayCubes, meticulously engineered for urban or residential playgrounds that get a lot of traffic. Made of steel and aluminum, industrial-strength metal PlayCubes are just as play safe as the originals, with smooth corner castings and concealed bolts. In January 2021, Playworld further solidified the PlayCubes legacy with Extensions. These exciting climbers link PlayCubes structures while challenging children’s imaginations and adding a distinctive Playworld aesthetic, five decades in the making. Extensions are compatible with both original and metal PlayCubes and increase the configurability and play value of PlayCubes structures.

The Enduring Power of Good Design While the available materials and manufacturing technology of the time may have been limited, Dattner’s idea was not. Decades later, when Playworld began discussing the possibility of reviving PlayCubes, they found the design to be as relevant and meaningful as ever. Working closely with Dattner, they began developing the relaunch of PlayCubes.

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www.Playworld.com 800.233.8404

EXTEND THE FUN WITH PLAYCUBES® EXTENSIONS PlayCubes Extensions are exciting elements that add challenge and varied climbing paths to any PlayCubes structure. With new climbers, a sliding pole, and more, PlayCubes Extentions will bring even more fun and individuality to your next PlayCubes design! View more at Playworld.com/PlayCubes

It’s Time for Play! It’s always the right time for imagination, development, movement and fun. For community, connection and engagement. It’s always the right time to play with Burke.

Isn’t it time to Join Our Movement?

Parks & Recreation 2021 Playground Guide

Articles inside

Playworld

Become a Certified Playground Safety Inspector

Encouraging Play Through Playground Design

Spotting Safety Hazards

Discount Playground Supply

Surface America

Public Restroom Company

Little Tikes Commercial

Miracle Recreation

The Mental Benefits of Play