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Contents
Play and Playground Magazine | Volume 18 No. 4 | Winter 2018
8
Features 8
Epic Waters
Community Collaboration Delivers Dream Park in Grand Prairie, Texas
10 Twin Silo Park by Sara O'Neill
14 Challenging a New Generation by Michele Breakfield
10
18 Protecting Your Children
The Importance of Playground Safety by Elena Smith
20 Certified Playground Safety Inspectors Helping to Keep Playgrounds Safe by Terrence Johnson
22 How Safe are the Toys Your Kids Are Playing With? by Geneuviève Thibault
20
24 The Importance of Small World Play for Toddlers! by Padriac Cuddy
28 NPCAI Up-Close 30 The Gift of Play by Pat Rumbaugh
DEPARTMENTS 19 CPSI Course Calendar 29 Happening Today in Play 4 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE WINTER 2018
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Magazine Publisher | Webmaster Jake Amen
Message From the Editor
Sara Bowersox
Editor Sara Bowersox Sara O'Neill Design Jake Amen Accounting Brad Smith
Contributing Authors Michele Breakfield Padriac Cuddy Terrence Johnson Sara O'Neill Pat Rumbaugh Elena Smith Geneuviève Thibault
Copyright, 2018 published by Playground Professionals, LLC, 4 issues per year, sub rates, back copies, foreign, reproduction prohibitions, all rights reserved, not responsible for content of ads and submitted materials, mail permits.
CORPORATE OFFICE Playground Professionals LLC P.O. Box 595 Ashton, Idaho 83420
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WINTER has announced its presence in Idaho - I woke up to -17° F this morning. Brrrr. Is it time for my winter vacation yet? Unfortunately, no. But if it were, this magazine issue has made me want to visit quite a few new parks and playgrounds! I need to talk to my publisher about making sure we experience these places firsthand. I know he will tell me to sell more ads. We do appreciate our advertisers because they are the ones who allow us to bring all of this great industry information to you. As we wrap up 2018 with this issue we highlight some of the best things about our mission. A couple of our articles bring you some big playground and park projects put together by communities and recreation companies. You will read how they designed and implemented visions that provide exciting inclusive adventures for their communities. We love bringing these public/private ventures to you and hope that you find encouragement to tackle your own project after reading this issue.
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6 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE WINTER 2018
We have great tips on safety for both play areas and toys. Speaking of toys, did you grow up playing with Small Worlds? Read how they help with children’s development. Our friends at Cunningham Recreation are sharing a new product with us called Yalp which will engage the technical generation in outdoor play. We take a look at some organizations and roles that are important in the park and playground industries. The National Playground Contractors Association, Inc. is a wonderful resource for the industry. If you are building a new playground or managing an existing park area, you may need the expertise of a Certified Playground Safety Inspector. Early in 2019, the US Play Coalition will hold their annual conference on the Value of Play. This year is special because they are celebrating their 10th anniversary. This conference focus is “Play for Life� and it will include how play is part of our entire lives, not just childhood. I am looking forward to attending this conference again this year. If you are enwww.playgroundprofessionals.com/magazine
30 Years of Technical Excellence! GOLADRD
STAND
PROVLETNS RESU
gaged in the industry of play in any form, you should consider attending this event. We are excited for 2019 and the different opportunities it will bring for Play & Playground Magazine and our website www.playgroundprofessionals.com. If you are not already listed in our Professional Spotlight Directory, you should be. This is a great resource for people starting playground projects. They can search for the type of professional they need or for the state or country in which they live. We want to help bring together professionals and park or playground administrators with the people and groups that need their expertise. You just never know where these connections can lead. I had a request recently from a high school teacher looking for some help with a robotics project. I knew just where to point her! Enjoy reading this issue as you begin your Christmas celebrations. We wish all the best for you and yours, and we’re looking forward to continuing this journey together in the new year. www.playgroundprofessionals.com/magazine
WINTER 2018 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE 7
Epic Waters Community Collaboration Delivers Dream Park in Grand Prairie, Texas AT 80,000 SQUARE-FEET, Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark is not your typical “parks and rec” project. Partly funded by the people of Grand Prairie, Texas, the facility truly lives up to its name by featuring an impressive retractable roof with an 83-feet high cupola to house the tallest indoor AquaLoop in the United States. In fact, Epic Waters is home to many firsts, including the first indoor Boomerango-Constrictor fusion slide and the first two-person inner tube AquaSphere in North America. Part of the larger EpicCentral destination that also features an incredible multipurpose center and an inclusive
playground, Epic Waters is Dallas-Fort Worth’s newest water park. Since it’s opening earlier this year, the park has received many accolades including, most recently, a World Waterpark Associations’ Leading Edge Award, which is awarded to parks for creativity in the development of new themes, programs, services, or products in the water attractions industry. WhiteWater was honored to be a part of this EPIC and ground-breaking project for the city of Grand Prairie. The chance to contribute to the success of this partnership between the public and private sectors has been a rewarding
8 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE WINTER 2018
experience for the entire WhiteWater team. “We cannot say enough about the line-up of vendors behind this development, it has been a true collaboration between all of us and the city to create a dream park we hope Grand Prairie can be proud of for decades to come,” said Steve Brinkel, WhiteWater’s President of Parks and Recreation Division. WhiteWater’s contribution to Epic Waters was a carefully chosen assortment of water slides and attractions, designed to not just excite and entertain, but to appeal to a wide group of guests. The range of products provide opportunities for families to really connect by www.playgroundprofessionals.com/magazine
having fun together, across generations, engaging and delighting toddlers, teenagers, and parents alike. “When we design a park, we look at what would make a comprehensive ride mix based on how people play. It’s more than just products, it’s about creating an overall solution that is right for the community and how they will use it,” continued Brinkel. Part of that solution is ensuring that citizens enjoy a happy and safe day out at the park, which is why WhiteWater is always committed to safety. All of WhiteWater’s slides go through computer-generated ride simulations as well as on-site testing before commissioning to ensure the safest rides possible. We also work with our customers to ensure that they understand safety parameters and have the information they need to properly train staff and educate guests, so they ride properly. After safety, comes the fun. We know that there is more than one way to play which is something that WhiteWater’s team of experts keep in mind when developing new products. It was important to have something for all of the ways in which people play, which is why Epic Waters ticks all of the boxes. From
the competitive atmosphere on the E Racers mat racers to the challenge of surfing on the FlowRider Double, Epic Waters’ water slides and attractions have something for everyone. This is a visionary project of a scale not seen in decades in the U.S. for a community aquatic facility development. "Grand Prairie is generating a lot of interest in our industry, a lot of other cities and recreation departments are looking at this project with admiration. This development will set a new standard of what a community development can be, with the right plan, team, and, most of all, vision for the community," commented Brinkel. The final result for Epic Waters is a ‘parks and rec’ facility on par with any private water park in the United States. “We make these rides for the biggest brands in the world, the fact that Grand Prairie has them in their community is pretty exciting. We knew that when Epic Waters opened, it would, based on our experience, prove to be a big draw for the city, and a big benefit as well, and we are so pleased to see that it has exceeded everyone’s expectations,” concluded Brinkel.
80,000 squarefeet, of splishsplashing fun
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WINTER 2018 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE 9
Fort Collins, Colorado
10 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE WINTER 2018
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by Sara O'Neill ABOUT AN HOUR north of Denver and tucked beside Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest is Fort Collins, Colorado. This city of 158,600 (2015) boasts of many great amenities and tourist spots; and, as of 2017, Fort Collins is home to a beautiful new park. 54 acres which used to house a sheep farm has become an expansive and exciting park. With a river running quite literally through it, Twin Silo Park is an engaging site. As the name would suggest, the glowing main attraction of the park are the two towering silos that dominate the landscape. Within these metal shells
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are slides, stairs, and a multitude of interactive play that make Twin Silo Park stand apart from the rest. Alongside the exciting silos is a smaller, conventional playground for the kids and parkgoers. More than a place to play, Twin Silo Park houses an elegant community garden and extensive footpaths. On the eastern side of the park is a large, expansive dog park with a section dedicated to small and shy dogs. In the northern part of the park is a track for Twin Silo BMX (bicycle motocross). The large park is equal parts picturesque with stirring views of the mountains as well as fun for every part of the family. Built with the blessing and encour-
agement of the Fort Collins community, Twin Silo Park is part of a city-wide park system plan from the Fort Collins Department of Parks & Recreation. The hope is to include 9 community parks and over 60 neighborhood parks throughout the city. Twin Silo Park, ultimately, was a community effort. Their input was integral in the planning. Because of that, the community has been enthusiastically involved in the cultivation and opening of the park. It isn’t only the work of the community or the many parts of this park that makes it stand out. The two silos are the focal point of the park. Cre8play, a play and experiences design-build company from Minneapolis, renovated those two old silos. They also designed and built the accessible barn and shelter. 51-feet tall, the silos offered lots of space to fill with creativity and fun. Which is exactly what Cre8play did. Fitted with a spiral staircase, slide entrance,
WINTER 2018 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE 11
and more, the silo became home to a unique style of play. Twin Silo is where a child (or adult) makes his own choices about how he wants to play. More than stairs to the top, there is a double-helix climber that offers a bit of a challenge for those looking for one. At the top of the slide are lights to alert when it is best to slide. Within the tallest slide in Fort Collins are even more fun gadgets. Funny and entertaining sound effects play as the child moves down the slide. They range from a sonic blast to a toilet flushing! The slide begins in one silo and after two full spirals, brings the rider into the second silo. In this silo are zip lines that lead out to separate parts of the park. All this alone would already make an exciting park, but of course, Cre8play went above and beyond. A suspended bridge between one of the silos and the rafters of the barn allows for another area of fun. Kids have a balance beam to tackle with full protection from falling on both sides of the narrow bridge and a net of rope below to play in. The barn is made accessible by wheelchair and others with disabilities as well as the bathrooms. The words TWIN SILO are cut out of the tops of the silos and are fitted with LED lights that change color. Creative, interactive fun is prevalent in Twin Silo Park, making it a must visit for the family! 12 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE WINTER 2018
On November 9th, 2017, the park opened to an excited community. After a year of construction, and enthusiastic participation from the people of Fort Collins, the grand opening was packed with kids and adults alike to marvel at the newest addition to their town. The innovative park generated happy buzz with the first crowd of visitors but that same energy is still felt by people now. With nearly 500 reviews on Google, Twin Silo Park has an enviably high rating of 4.8 stars. Of course with reviews such as these, how can they not? “I'm obsessed with this part[sic]. It's so communityfriendly with their beautiful grounds, cute little playground, amazing dog park, and great walking trails. It's one of my favorite places to take my pup and my family,” from November 2018 and this one from August 2018, “This is one of the coolest parks I've ever been too. Very modern playground with games, sounds, unique equipment, slides, ropes, zip line, swings, and more...My son loves it and so do I. Highly recommend.” Cre8play took their work from Twin Silo Park and used it in miniature at the 2018 National Recreation and Park Association Conference. A smaller silo and spiraling slide was used to represent the work Cre8play had done in the past. Their presentation contained the interwww.playgroundprofessionals.com/magazine
active aspects of sound, similar to Twin Silo Park. Their effort earned them first place with Best in Show. Cre8play has designed and built hundreds of experiences for parks, malls, museums, schools, hospitals and offices around the country. Follow this link to see a video of Twin Silo Park and other examples of their work: http://www.cre8play.com/custom_play/ twin-silo-park-fort-collins-co/. Twin Silo Park is a perfect example of how the community can work together to create something truly amazing and appreciated by everyone! From the fun and interactive silos to the budding community garden, Twin Silo Park shows how important and impactful parks and community spaces are. References & Citations • Twin Silo Park Reviews - https://www.google.com/maps/place/ Twin+Silo+Park/@40.5100728,105.0189835,17z/data=!4m7!3m6!1s0x0:0 xf493fc0e53202720!8m2!3d40.5100728!4d105.0167948!9m1!1b1 • Twin Silo Ribbon Cutting, Flickr - https://www.flickr.com/photos/fortcollinsgov/38471477301/in/album72157662709674098/ • Cre8Play - http://www.cre8play.com/ • Fort Collins’ Website - https://www.fcgov.com/visitor/fcfacts.php www.playgroundprofessionals.com/magazine
Maintaining your parks and playgrounds just got a lot easier.
877.984.0418 www.playgroundguardian.com info@playgroundguardian.com
WINTER 2018 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE 13
Challenging a New Generation by Michele Breakfield YALP IS “PLAY” spelled backward. You ask, “Who is Yalp?” Yalp is the latest greatest in outdoor play. Located in the Netherlands, Yalp is a global distributor of interactive play and sports equipment founded in 2006 by Ben Admiral. Admiral asked himself some fundamental questions about traditional play, and ultimately its users--children. Children were no longer satisfied with simply playing outdoors as we did years ago. Why are children so engrossed in TV, mobile phones, video games, and tablets? He soon discovered it was NOT only children but everyone. The world was changing. It is a new generation with new entertainment expectations. Yalp soon went to work to develop the Sona Arch. The Sona dance arch was their first truly inclusive, truly interactive play concept. Now over a decade later, they have produced five high-tech interactive play concepts that meet the demands of today’s world. (“Smart Park” interactive play and sports products if you will.) Research shows that 74 percent of kids
between the ages of 5 and 12 get less than one hour of outdoor play time per day. Experts say that ample outdoor activity is crucial to the health, well-being, and development of children. Yalp’s solution is to get children to go outdoors and remain outdoors for extended periods of time with their “smart park” interactive play and sports equipment. What is interactive play? Interactive play is where the digital and physical worlds around us meet. In short, it is "real-life gaming.” The electronic video game portion brings a challenge, problem-solving, and a continued renewal of game options to play. The physical portion brings benefits such as exercise, social interaction, teamwork, and experiencing the outdoors in a healthy manner. The Yalp Sona is an interactive dance and play arch. It is an audio-guided play space, specially designed for outdoor use. Games are played by motion and encourage physical activity, learning, and socialization. It provides an awesome workout - 40% more intensive than competitive basketball. The Sona is truly the most versatile
14 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE WINTER 2018
and inclusive Yalp “smart park” product. Games can be changed and updated regularly to keep continued interest and challenge for the user. This is a great interactive multigenerational play experience for parks, schools, early childhood centers, and even senior programs. The Yalp Memo is an exciting and fun play activity that gives kids plenty of physical exercise with an educational component. Memo is short for 'memory’ and 'movement'. The balanced mix between being fun and physically challenging is achieved through fun and sporty games. The Memo also has math and memory games which train the brain and reinforce classroom learning. It's been rigorously field tested and perfected with special focus on fun, gameplay, and teamwork. It's as entertaining as any video game, but it’s healthy, socially cohesive, and educational. Memo is a great addition to any school play space or recreation center. The Yalp Sutu is an interactive soccer wall containing impact-sensitive panels which measure and react to ball impact. Vivid LED lights and audio speakers give www.playgroundprofessionals.com/magazine
players feedback and encouragement on their performance. The durable robust construction and vandalism-resistant equipment make the Sutu wall perfect for outdoor or indoor installations. The Sutu can be used in a variety of games which can be updated regularly and the Yalp mobile app encourages friendly competition among students, classes, and schools. It’s fun for all ages and ability levels, not just avid sports fans. The Sutu works well in schools, parks, sports training facilities, recreation centers, and family fun zones. The Yalp Toro is an interactive multipurpose sports field. It's designed specifically for outdoors and consists of roughly 42' x 42' field with four interactive goals. The Toro is suitable for both primary and secondary schools and provides a multipurpose sports field where children can have fun. The boarding prevents the ball from going outside the playing field interrupting the game. The Toro is specifically designed for playing in groups and is suitable for multiple sports such as soccer and hockey. There are many games to keep it challenging throughout the school year and Yalp continues to develop more each year. In 2014, Yalp received the Red Dot Design Award for the Fono DJ Booth. The Yalp Fono is the only outdoor DJ Booth in the world. Yalp Fono has a durable robust design that is vandalism-resistant with pre-installed sounds and is smartphone compatible. There are two designs of the Fono, with one being more urban looking. The Fono serves as a positive meeting place for young people to socialize and express themselves through music; a great hang out place for older teens. It also provides recreational experiences beyond sporting activities and promotes musical talent and dance. Yalp Fono DJ Booth fits in well at skate parks, malls, college campuses, and rec-plex facilities. Yalp “smart park” interactive play and sports equipment is suitable for outdoor and indoor environments. Just like traditional play, interactive play can be performed anywhere. Yalp designs its equipment to be durable, accessible and inclusive for people of all ages and abilities. Communities can easily incorporate one or two of these products into their existing parks and/or recreational facilities to encourage families to be more active, get outdoors and live healthier lifestyles. www.playgroundprofessionals.com/magazine
WINTER 2018 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE 15
This annual conference brings together leading play researchers, park and recreation professionals, educators, health scientists, landscape architects, designers, planners, business and community leaders, psychologists, physicians and parents from across the country. The three-day event includes keynote and featured speakers, PLAYtalks, PLAY institutes, research symposium, educational sessions, roundtables, grant opportunities, networking, and opportunities for play.
“PLAY FOR LIFE� will explore play across the lifespan and address universal issues of health, education, access, equity, inclusion, design and more.
March 31- April 3, 2019
• International/Global Play • Multi/Intergenerational & Adults at Play • Accessible & Inclusive Play • Health, Recreation & Play • Nature Based & Outdoor Play • Education & Play • Designing for Play • Emerging Trends in Play • Nuts & Bolts
@usplaycoalition
Early Bird Registration is Now Open usplaycoalition.org/the-play-conference-2019 Learn More and Register for the Play Conference online at usplaycoalition.org Contact us at usplaycoalition@clemson.edu or 864.656.2525
PROTECTING YOUR CHILDREN
THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAYGROUND SAFETY by Elena Smith PHYSICAL PLAY for kids is as important to their development as education is. Going for a walk to the recreation center is an excellent way for parents and kids to get a thrilling open-air adventure and some light exercise. It is important to keep in mind the significance of remaining safe. Safety protocols and proper conduct are necessary for a school setting for children and are equally needed for playground play. The following are some reminders when children are at playgrounds.
Grown-up Supervision
Before you visit a play area, check that play zones are structured to enable an adult to observe kids while they're playing on all the hardware. Grown-up supervision can help prevent injury by ensuring kids utilize play area equipment appropriately. Monitor your kids while they are playing to screen any hazardous or risky conduct. Young children (and now and again older ones) aren't equipped for predicting unsafe circumstances without anyone else's input. More seasoned children jump at the chance to test their limits on the play area, so it's imperative for a grown-up to be there to temper those urges. • Remind your youngsters that the play area is an open space and that they need to cooperate with other kids. • Teach your tyke to treat others how he would like to be treated. • Show your youngster to be patient while waiting for her turn. • Be sure to read the safety signage around the park with the child. • Advise your youngster to avoid moving swings and swinging handlebars. • Remind children to clutch any railings. • Show your kid to slide down feet first and keep his hands close to his
body. • Teach your child not to play with any waste starting from the earliest age. She should tell whichever grown-up is with her if perchance she finds any broken glass or syringes. You should also be sure your child is properly outfitted for the adventure. Take off any drawstrings, scarves or different items that could catch on or get in play area gear. Ensure your kid's apparel and footwear is secure to limit the danger of injury. Guarantee your tyke is on the best possible structure for his age group. When all is said and done, if a child can't tackle a bit of hardware, he ought not to play on it. As the grown-up, you should also follow safety procedures. For example, abstain from running down beside the slide with your child. It is more secure for a youngster to slide down alone. Be comfortable with emergency treatment in case someone gets injured.
Play area Design Safety
During your examination of the play space, investigate play area hardware for any sharp objects and corroded surfaces that might be hazardous. Ensure that raised structures, for example, slides and climbing gear, have guardrails to prevent a child from falling. An appropriate play area surface is an essential factor in lessening the seriousness of injuries if a kid tumbles from the hardware. A play area ought to have landing surfaces that are properly shock-absorbing to lessen the effect of a tyke's fall. Great covers utilize materials like wood chips, mulch, sand, pea rock, or recycled rubber. Grass and soil are not protective because changes in weather can make the surfaces harder.
Security around splash pads and swimming pools
If water is included in your play area - regardless of whether it is a splash pad or swimming pool - there are drowning
18 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE WINTER 2018
risks. Continuously remain in sight and within reach of kids, particularly those under the age of five. Kids in this age group could be pulled into the water yet are not mature enough to comprehend the dangers or the limitations of their capacities. Show your tyke to walk, not run around the water. Surfaces could be slippery, making it easier to fall. Have your youngster wear appropriate waterproof shoes. Report or potentially repair any broken or damaged gear as quickly as time permits.
Remaining safe in backyard play areas
Most patio play area frameworks incorporate slides, swings and climbing structures. Even in your own yard, you need to follow the guidelines above. Make sure to have appropriate surfacing under any gear to protect in the case of any falls. Check play area hardware for any sharp or unsafe surfaces. Show youngsters play area safe conduct guidelines. Double-check their attire.
Always wash hands after leaving the play area
Wash your hands and your kid's hands in the wake of visiting a play area, particularly after playing in a sandbox. You could likewise utilize hand sanitizer. Hand washing is imperative because the sandbox could contain animal excrement, especially if the sandbox isn’t covered at night. Your youngster could become ill on the off chance that they devour the dung, for instance by putting her fingers in her mouth or picking up food and eating it. The essential factors in assessing the security of any play area are proper conduct, suitable surfacing, playstructure examination, and upkeep as well as design. As the adult in the crowd, you need to be sure everyone has fun and remains safe. www.playgroundprofessionals.com/magazine
CPSI Course Calendar December 12-14
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February 20-22
Hendersonville, TN
615-790-0041
26-28
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800.626.NRPA
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Winter Haven, FL
850.878.3221
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785-235-6533 PARK • STREET • CAMP SITE PRODUCTS
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503.534.5673
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804-730-9447
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303.231.0943
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T H I N K I N G T O DAY
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WINTER 2018 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE 19
Certified Playground Safety Inspectors Helping to Keep Playgrounds Safe by Terrence Johnson THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC) estimates that each year more than 240,000 children are injured on playgrounds. Playground inspections by a qualified person, such as a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI), are an important factor in reducing injuries among playground users. Playground equipment and surfacing should be inspected when it is installed, followed by regular inspections to monitor and identify potentially hazardous conditions. All too often, playgrounds are installed, never inspected and not examined again until an injury occurs. Over time, equipment as well as surfacing can wear out and break down. Regular in-
spection reports, provided by CPSIs to playground owners and operators, can allow for repairs or corrections to take place before a dangerous situation arises. For example, did you know that a bolt that extends more than two threads beyond the face of the nut can be a protrusion or entanglement hazard? Since most playground injuries are the result of a fall, did you know that inspecting and maintaining proper surfacing is one of the most important factors in reducing the likelihood of playground injuries? What constitutes “maintaining proper surfacing”? If you are interested reducing the risk of injury for your playground users and of any legal action or negative
20 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE WINTER 2018
publicity that could occur as a result, then either you or a member of your staff should become a Certified Playground Safety Inspector. The CPSI program is offered by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), under the authority of the National Certification Board (NCB). The program’s primary focus is to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to not only identify hazards on public playgrounds and rank those hazards by injury potential but also to apply the learned knowledge to remove hazards and establish an inspection system to establish a safe playground experience. Certified Playground Safety Inspectors also develop programs for various agencies and clients, focusing on risk reduction through inspection. Ample preparation is necessary to pass the 100-question CPSI certification exam, so we strongly encourage you to attend the CPSI in-person classroom course. This two-day course is taught by skilled instructors and is filled with information on equipment specifications, surfacing requirements, hazard identification, risk management, and inspection methods. In addition to top-notch instruction, the course provides you with the opportunity to collaborate with fellow classmates, many of whom may have real-life experiences to share. It also includes a visit to a local playground for practical experience identifying hazards, www.playgroundprofessionals.com/magazine
such as entrapment and protrusions, using an assortment of probes and gauges that are specifically designed for playground inspectors. For those who may be unable to be away from the office for two days, preparation for the CPSI exam can also be done online. This course consists of eight modules and covers the same information provided in the classroom course. It’s more commonly used by those who are recertifying as a means of reviewing, as well as learning about any new information that may have been added since they were last certified. An additional online resource is the CPSI practice exam, which can be purchased separately or as a bundle with the online CPSI course. The CPSI exam can either be taken on the third day following a two-day classroom course or at a local computer testing center near them. Once the certification is earned, it must be renewed every three years to ensure inspectors are up to date on all the current standards and guidelines that are referenced when performing inspections. CPSIs may work independently or be employed by an organization or agency. Having CPSI-certified individuals on staff is highly beneficial to school districts, childcare facilities, park and recreation agencies, homeowner associations and any other organization or agency that owns and/or operates a playground. Each state, county or local area may have different playground policies or regulations that they must follow. A certified professional will be well-versed in the standards and/or guidelines included in
these policies. With that knowledge in place, the CPSI can develop and carry out an effective system of inspections. The frequency of inspections depends on several factors, including the type of equipment and surfacing that’s present, the extent of use and the climate. Part of owning and operating a playground is accepting the liability that goes along with it. Having a comprehensive risk management plan in place is essential and establishes a commitment to maintaining a minimum level of care. The purpose of this plan includes limiting liability, controlling losses, maintaining the playground environment and, most importantly, reducing injuries sustained by playground users. CPSIs are a vital
part of this plan, as they provide documentation of regular inspections. This documentation, along with that of proper maintenance and repair, are invaluable to a playground owner, especially in the event of a lawsuit. While the benefits of having a CPSI on staff are numerous, the certified individual also receives benefits. The CPSI certification is recognized and valued by employers and can lead to career advancement. Achieving the CPSI certification shows a level of commitment and provides evidence of extensive knowledge and dedication to the safety of playgrounds. In addition, all CPSIs have access to a very active and robust online forum on NRPA Connect where they can post questions and network with their peers. NRPA Connect can be accessed at connect.nrpa.org. With more than 7,500 CPSIs currently in the United States and around the world working to keep playgrounds safe, the benefits of this certification can be seen in communities near and far. If you are interested in finding out more about the CPSI certification or any other educational opportunities offered by NRPA, please visit www.nrpa.org.
TERRENCE JOHNSON Terrence Johnson is the Playground Safety Specialist at the National Recreation and Park Association and can be reached at tjohnson@nrpa.org. www.playgroundprofessionals.com/magazine
WINTER 2018 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE 21
How Safe are the Toys Your Kids Are Playing With? IT’S DECEMBER and kids all over the country are making their wish lists and checking them twice, whether or not they were naughty or nice. December is also Toy Safety Month and the single biggest time of year for toy sales. “In the U.S. alone, total retail sales of the toys and games market was estimated to be over 22 billion U.S. dollars in 2015” That’s a lot of toys! That said, in 2016, there were 240,000 toy-related injuries treated at US emergency rooms. (https:// www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Toy_Report_2016.pdf) The next statistic is also interesting: “China accounted for about 80 percent of
all imports of toys, games and sport requisites to the U.S.” It likely doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone who has shopped for toys in the last few years, but it is a fact of which consumers need to be aware. Standards of operation aren’t the same the world over and there are still cheap goods being imported that aren’t necessarily safe for your children to play with.
Look into where the toys are made
As the statistic above reveals, there is no getting away from the fact that a lot of toys that are sold in the US are made in China and other countries. From an economic trade point of view, there’s nothing wrong with that, but their manufacturing practices are only starting to follow higher standards for toxicity and safety. While many toys are tested before they’re allowed into the country, a lot get through the net. In 2007, Mattel recalled 83 toys because they had lead paint on them, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recalled toys for the same reason. (https://www.parentmap. com/article/toxic-toys)
Check what materials make the toys
What you’re looking to avoid is three main toxins: lead, phthalates (a chemical designed to soften and increase the flexibility of vinyl-based plastics) and bisphenol A (BPA). This last one has received a lot of attention in the news in the last few years when BPA was found 22 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE WINTER 2018
in plastic eating implements and cups designed for kids. A lot of paints contain lead, which if you imagine a small child putting that toy in their mouth, should force you to think twice about what you are giving them! Also, plastic PVC toys can leach phthalates in sufficient quantity to be harmful to small children. BPA is a chemical that has been used extensively to make plastic items out of polycarbonate. Water bottles are a prime example of an item that was made with polycarbonate, a chemical of which is BPA. It can leach into the food or water that the container is holding. Ideally, you want to make sure that foodrelated containers, in particular, are BPA, Phthalate, and PVC free.
Consider the companies from whom you are buying
Buying from companies that have staked their reputation on the safety of their products, with warranties, for example, is certainly a better bet, but when your four-year-old begs you for a certain doll or playset, check it out online and look for reviews or recall information that you might not otherwise be aware of. The CPSC (mentioned above) and CDC both list product recalls on their websites.
Use the toiletpaper roll test to make sure toys are the right size
For small children, who are prone to putting things in their mouths, you need to check that a toy isn’t, in fact, a chokwww.playgroundprofessionals.com/magazine
ing hazard. The best way to do that is to use an empty toiletpaper roll. If the toy can fit into the roll, it’s too small to be a small child’s plaything. And if you have older children playing with smaller toys, like LEGO, for example, make sure they are kept out of reach of roaming babies and toddlers! Of particular concern is any toy that includes button batteries. These tiny batteries are easily swallowed or put in a nose or ear and can cause severe internal burns very quickly. If you suspect your child has swallowed a button battery, get to an emergency room!
Stick to age-appropriate toys
As much as you’d like your curious four-year-old to become a budding scientist, the chemistry kit that says 8+ on the box isn’t a good choice! Choosing age-appropriate toys will go a long way to keeping them safe. First off, read the labels. All toys are labeled for age appropriateness. Every child is different however and you need to consider your own child’s ability to play safely with a toy before giving it to them.
Here are some high-level guidelines, to get you started:
For children under age 3 • Avoid toys with small parts or pieces that could be detached. Stuffed animals should have embroidered eyes, for example, rather than buttons that can be detached and swallowed. Marbles and small blocks are other examples of toys to avoid. • Avoid any toy that is made of PVC plastic or could have lead paint on it. • Also avoid toys with cords or long
www.playgroundprofessionals.com/magazine
strings, which can be strangulation hazards. • All toys designed for infants should be large enough that they can’t get stuck in a baby’s throat. That includes teethers, rattles and the like. • Avoid balloons, inflated or not, as they are a major choking hazard when they’re in small pieces. For children between age 3 and age 8 • Avoid any toys with sharp edges: plastic, glass or metal. Even scissors in a craft kit should be used with supervision until at least age 5. • Avoid toys with sharp points that could create a puncture wound. • Avoid anything electric, as these can heat up and become dangerous. Remote control toys fall under the same category unless they have been specifically designed for a younger child. If you do have these, they should be available to your child only with your direct supervision.
Watch what your kid is doing with the toys
The easiest way to make sure that your kids are playing with toys appropriately, and that the toys are in good repair and safe, is to engage with them. After all, you are likely their very favorite plaything! Join them in a puzzle, a game of dress up or to build an epic LEGO castle. In this way, you can observe their behavior and remind them about the rules on what toys are for and what they’re not for!
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GENEUVIÈVE THIBAULT Geneuviève Thibault, owner and founder of bblüv, is all about safe toys and products. Her simply designed practical baby and toddler gear for feeding, bathing, playing, traveling and more, are made with safe resources, and with clean lines and colors, are popular with parents and kids alike. Geneuviève and Bblüv are committed to providing peace of mind to parents with solution-oriented products that protect and care for babies, monitor their environment and increase their overall wellbeing and comfort. Their goal is to help parents worry less about the ‘what’ and the ‘how’ and focus on what really matters: playing and bonding with their little ones.
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Visit her site at https://bbluvgroup.com WINTER 2018 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE 23
The Importance of
Small World
Play for Toddlers! 24 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE WINTER 2018
With the Christmas season truly here, our thoughts turn to toys for our little ones. If, like most parents of younger children, you want toys which inspire imaginative creative play while facilitating learning and development for growing minds, then you may be interested in the benefits of small world play. So, what is small world play and why is it so important for children? by Padriac Cuddy
www.playgroundprofessionals.com/magazine
Small World Play SMALL WORLD PLAY ALLOWS children to act out scenarios (scenes from real life, stories they have heard and/or from their imagination) in a miniature play scene, created with small figures and objects. A child’s small world play is often based around a certain theme depending on the child’s interests such as farming, construction area, dolls, fairy garden or even a dinosaur world. Everyday items around the house or garden can be transformed to create small world play scenes. An empty box transforms into a garage for farming and construction toys, a carpet turns into a busy highway. The options are as limitless as kids’ imaginations! By adding a few extra materials to the mix it’s possible to extend the learning and fun even further. Small world landscapes such as a realistic toy field, doll house or a knight’s castle add additional sensory layers to the creative play. One of the easiest small worlds to create is a www.playgroundprofessionals.com/magazine
farm scene. What little boy or girl doesn’t enjoy feeding and tending their farm animal figurines, and of course making all those animal noises? By layering play with both everyday items and toys which facilitate learning and development and mimic real-life play landscapes, kids can act out/role play in a more realistic setting and apply every day learning to their scenes. No two small worlds will ever be the same. Every time a child engages in small world play it will be a different experience, one which will become more complex as they grow and develop!
Why is it important to a child’s development?
Small worlds, as well as being fun, are the ideal platform for nurturing children's imagination from a young age. This play provides them with an opportunity to explore new materials, act out scenarios from real life, build language, practice social skills, and gain an understanding of the world. Small world play also benefits parents and caregiv-
ers, allowing them to engage in a fun and meaningful way with the child at the child’s level. It also offers an important glimpse of the world through the eyes of a child. As with any kind of play, small world play supports children in their development in numerous ways. Emma O’Leary, blogger (Life with Tiny Humans), Speech & Language Therapist and mum of three believes... “Small world play is an excellent opportunity for kids to expand their evergrowing language skills. From exploring new vocabulary to organizing ideas, and developing sequencing skills, small world play can support children in becoming effective storytellers as they narrate their miniature adventures”.
Emotional Development
While engaged in small world play, children can explore and experiment with different emotions and act out these scenes in their play. Small world play allows children to control and manage their own environment making all the
WINTER 2018 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE 25
big decisions and re-creating their world as they see it.
Developing Personal and Social Skills
Small world play encourages children to be creative and to use their imaginations like no other play. It boosts their confidence and pride when they show off their creations for the first time. It is also an excellent way to build social skills and conflict resolution among younger children. Through play, children learn how to connect with one another, listen to others, take turns, respect others’ work, and advocate for themselves. These are all important life skills which will support their growth and development.
Reasoning, Problem-Solving, and Numeracy
Small world play inspires problemsolving: “Not all the cows can fit in the trailer!” Children learn how to work out these problems through reasoning and experimenting. Small world play helps to develop numeracy skills by giving lots of opportunities for grouping or sorting items and counting them “How many sheep are in the field?” “How many different types of dinosaur do you have?”
Children learn at their own pace, in a fun way, all while building strong bonds with the parent/caregiver.
Understanding the World
Children also get the chance to explore the world in which they live, and the roles various people play, like what happens on a visit to a doctor or a dentist and why this might differ from preschool. For children who might be anxious about a visit to the dentist, small world play allows parents to dispel any fears by working through scenarios with the child, explaining what happens at the dentist visit using figurines and acting out the visit scenario. Through small world play, children also get to learn about cause and effect while experimenting and manipulating different items. “Letting a car go down a slope will make it go faster”. Small world play offers children a meaningful way to learn and develop while having lots of fun. As they master their world, children develop new competencies that lead to enhanced confidence and the resiliency they will need to face future challenges. So, when thinking of purchasing toys this Christmas, why not look to purchase toys that
26 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE WINTER 2018
offer real-life landscapes to stimulate role play! The Field Toy, an Irish toy new to the American market, is ideal for recreating realistic farm scenes and guaranteed to provide hours of creative imaginative play.
PADRAIC CUDDY Padraic Cuddy of Ireland is the creator of The Field toy that helps inspire real world, screenfree, and imaginative play. Available in two sizes, this must-have field toy is free of batteries and features lush green grass, hedging, traditional wooden farm gates, farm animals, a tractor, and more! Creative play is proven to have intellectual, emotional and social benefits, and The Field toy is the perfect way to help boys and girls ages 3+ get away from the screens and use their own ingenuity to develop a farm world right in front of their eyes. Purchase at amazon.com/thefield www.playgroundprofessionals.com/magazine
You Were Meant to THRIVE! Improve community wellness with THRIVE outdoor fitness systems. THRIVE accommodates multiple users at once, provides adaptive training options and encourages people of all fitness levels to spend more time training outdoors. Learn more at gametime.com/thrive.
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WINTER 2018 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE 27
UP-CLOSE The National Playground Contractors Association THE NATIONAL PLAYGROUND CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION (NPCAI) is a professional association that actively works towards advancing the recreation construction industry by promoting qualified and dedicated contracting professionals who contribute to the design, installation, and maintenance of parks, playgrounds, sports and recreation environments. NPCAI membership is open to any professional in the recreation installation industry who installs, inspects, maintains, manufactures, distributes, re-sells or designs any products for play and recreation environments. NPCAI also welcomes industry affiliate organizations to join. Aside from general member benefits such as a subscription to the enewsletter, access to multiple insurance programs and the right of entry to members-only online content, NPCAI members are provided with exceptional professional development opportunities as a benefit to their membership. NPCAI members have access to topnotch certification programs that not only provide them with continuing education throughout their careers to help them stay up-to-date on industry standards and trends but also provide them with added credibility to stay at the forefront of the industry. NPCAI’s Recreation Installation Specialist Certification (RISC) program is a two-day course held multiple times per year in various locations across the United States. RISC consists of a comprehensive curriculum designed to focus on the necessary knowledge and skills one should possess to be an informed installation leader in the industry. The RISC course covers topics such as:
• • • • • •
playground site design pre-construction procedures job site safety blueprints and specifications pre-manufactured equipment installation manuals and techniques • job tools and materials • safety surfacing • standards and guidelines for the playground industry • and more! RISC participants are given the opportunity to participate in group discussion and classroom activities during the certification course. The RISC program allows participants to present their toughest and most unique industry challenges to a classroom filled with experienced playground professionals. Another program offered to NPCAI members is the Qualified Contractors program. NPCAI’s Qualified Contractors program is designed to pre-qualify contractors to industry standards for their business operation. All participants fulfilling the program’s requirements receive exclusive permission to use the NPCAI Qualified Contractor emblem on printed and digital material, like company invoices, business cards, letterheads, websites, and social media. All Qualified Contractors information is available in a searchable, public database located on NPCAI’s website, making it easier than ever for the public to find qualified professionals that do the job right! The Qualified Contractors program is truly a great way for professionals to market themselves.
To learn about the qualifications one must meet to become an NPCAI Qualified Contractor, please visit www.playground-contractors.org/npcai-qualified-contractors-program 28 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE WINTER 2018
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Happening Today in play
Training Courses - Annual Events - Conferences - More
December
27
Indoor Splash & Play Pool Party The City of Takoma Park and Let’s Play America are partnering to bring this fun, FREE play event. People of all ages, abilities and backgrounds are welcome. Children 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. More Information: http://bit.ly/2Sz2bdE
Piney Branch Elementary School Indoor Pool 7510 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912
National Mentoring Month
January
February
25
March
11-13 March
12-15
National Mentoring Month is a campaign held each January to promote youth mentoring in the United States. It was inaugurated in 2002, and is spearheaded by the Harvard School of Public Health, MENTOR, and the Corporation for National and Community Service. More Information: http://bit.ly/2RJKmIU
Association of Aquatic Professionals Annual Conference The Association of Aquatic Professionals is busy planning the 8th Annual Conference and Exposition. You have a number of choices to register for the conference and trade show. More Information: http://bit.ly/2UvT1Ah
Embassy Suites and Convention Center 7600 John Q Hammons Dr Frisco, TX 75034
Synthetic Turf Council Attracting over 200 industry leaders and feature exceptional networking, Exhibitor Showcase with tabletop displays, and unmatched education with 3-track technical sessions on industry-related topics. More Information: http://bit.ly/2UBxRRx
Hyatt Regency Seattle 808 Howell Street Seattle, WA 98101
CPRS Conference & Expo Thank you all for joining us as we celebrated 70 Years of Inspiring Excellence, March 13-16, 2018. New information will be coming soon. Please mark your calendar. More Information: http://bit.ly/2C52rvp
www.playgroundprofessionals.com/magazine
Long Beach Convention Center 300 East Ocean Blvd Long Beach, CA 90802
WINTER 2018 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE 29
The Gift of Play by Pat Rumbaugh WINTERTIME IS FILLED with holiday parties, family get-togethers, gift giving, New Year’s Eve, and resolutions. Just imagine giving the gift of play. If you are the organizer of your child’s class party, your company’s holiday get-together, or maybe you hold a New Year’s Eve party - why not consider the gift of play? We all could use some extra playtime. For the school class party, why not plan a walk to a neighborhood playground off school grounds? Surprise the students after they run around, play on the equipment, and have a good time outside in the cool winter air with some hot chocolate. For play inside, consider adding some board games or dress-up clothes to the festivities. As for the company’s holiday party, consider renting a bowling alley, an indoor pool, or how about a company hike ending with a bonfire and a weenie roast. Believe me, when you give students, coworkers, guests, and individuals the unexpected surprise of fun play options, you will have people talking about the play party for years. You also demonstrate your understanding that adding play to our lives makes us better, more competent, more well-rounded, happier people.
Now, let's take a moment and think of gifts for the loved ones in your life. When we give gifts to one another it is important to think about the receiver – What does she enjoy? What activity does he engage in that makes him lose track of time and puts a big smile on his face? For the young children, think of play options they may enjoy outside. If you live where snow is expected, what about buying a sled for young children? Always consider open-ended play options that require some creativity, wonder, and problem-solving, rather than just pushing a button. Perhaps give a box of dressup clothes, a collection of cars, ramps, and blocks, bubbles, or a building set. And every child loves free control over their own roll of tape! Maybe you have an elementary age boy or girl who loves baseball. Look into buying the kids a batting tee that they can take to a local park or green space to practice hitting and playing with family and friends. Is your child the quieter, less athletic type? Consider board games, science kits that get them exploring outside, jump ropes, or art and crafts materials. Perhaps teach your child or grandchild games you used to play: building igloos in the snow, jump rope songs, jacks, marbles, Red Light Green Light, or card games.
30 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE WINTER 2018
My fourteen-year-old niece loves swimming. I plan on inviting Kaia to Let’s Play America’s fourth Indoor Splash & Play Pool Party. I would like to give Kaia the gift of swimming opportunities during the winter months when she may not have access to a pool. Just because it is play doesn’t mean it can’t be beneficial to a goal. Many school districts in America are now requiring preteens and teens to accumulate community service hours as a graduation requirement. Community service is a wonderful addition to education. It is practical - allowing students to discover the satisfaction of helping their community while exploring their own interests and areas of expertise. Let’s Play America happily accepts preteen, teen and adult volunteers! Kaia and other teens could volunteer at Let’s Play America’s Indoor Splash & Play Pool Party to be held Thursday, December 27, 2018, 2-4pm at Piney Branch Elementary School Indoor Pool. The gift of play is that it can be given and shared throughout the year. For some, play is doing something physical, for some, it’s intellectual (reading, crossword puzzles, strategy games), and for others, it’s being creative. In my family, we enjoy a mix of board games, cards (poker is a regular game we play) and bewww.playgroundprofessionals.com/magazine
ing active outside playing tennis, walking, and working out. My son Alex works out regularly. Alex often asks me to join him and sometimes my schedule doesn’t allow me to fit it in, but I am going to make a New Year’s resolution to play regularly with both of my adult children. I believe if you enjoy an activity and it is something you choose to do, then this is your play. I plan on joining Alex working and playing on his TRX (Total Resistance exercises) inside or at a park. Alex is good at instructing me on the correct form for the TRX activities. Alex will demonstrate the exercise and then we both take turns. I like working out with Alex. He explains what to do, he counts my repetitions, and we have fun. So folks, if you have a family member or friend who enjoys working out at the gym or outside I encourage you to give them the gift of play, join them, pay for a membership for a couple of months and you will all benefit from the activity. Our daughter Sarah has been competing on a United States Tennis Association team. She has been playing singles and is enjoying the physical activity and competition. I am a lifetime USTA member and I competed on a USTA team for over twenty-five years. I love playing my daughter in singles because she is stronger and faster and I am more experienced. Our matches are thrilling because we push each other, but also totally enjoy the workout. Sometimes we play doubles with Alex and my husband Tom. Tennis is a lifetime sport you can play with people of different skill levels and still get a good amount of activity and have fun. Tom is one of the fastest walkers I www.playgroundprofessionals.com/magazine
know. He doesn’t stroll, he moves when he walks. I like to go for walks with him because I know we are going to get a workout and we get a chance to chat while we walk. Ok, you may be saying to yourself, “What kind of play is that, Pat?” Well, I daily strive to go on playful walks. I go for a walk because I choose to get outside, get some physical activity and relax. Walks connect me with nature and keep a playful sense of wonder alive, as there is always something new to notice or explore. A New Year’s resolution I would like to make with my family and friends is that I will play with them what they choose to play. What constitutes a playful activity is different for everyone. Engaging in someone else’s play passion can expand our own ideas and fun. So if Tom wants to bike ride, I will fill my tires up with air and join him for a ride. If friends of mine want to go for a hike, I will put on my hiking shoes and embrace the opportunity for a playful hike. If a young neighbor wants me to act afraid as they pretend to be a dinosaur, I will put on my scared face and yelp. Tuesday nights, I walk up to Victory Tower in Takoma Park and play Intergenerational Games Night. I join in and play with super seniors, teens, and a mix of folks from the neighborhood and those that live in the building. It is so much fun to play board games and cards and be jubilant. As the Executive Director of the nonprofit Let’s Play America (LPA) I strive to assist others in adding play to their lives. To that end, we recently put together a menu of the Play Services offered by LPA. (right) Readers I hope you will consider contacting me about how Let’s Play America can help you give the gift of play whether it be for a family member, friend, a company, school, or organization.
© Selena Malott
Menu of Play Services For All Ages
Planning a play event (private, corporate, community events ): includes facilitation and equipment
$1500
Adding play to an already $250+ scheduled event (including equipment) Equipment rental
$50-$200
Interactive play workshops
Call for pricing
Everyone wins that plays!
Hurray for play! - Pat, The Play Lady
Have a question for the Play Lady? Email your question to Pat at
© Selena Malott
Pat Rumbaugh, The Play Lady theplaylady@gmail.com 301-928-9962 www.letsplayamerica.org
theplaylady@gmail.com
WINTER 2018 PLAY AND PLAYGROUND MAGAZINE 31
PLAYGROUND MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN TRAINING The two-day Playground Maintenance Technician Training focuses on practical playground maintenance activities, inspection principles and best practices in making repairs. This program does not focus on play theory or memorizing standards.
Participant Benefits
• Learn about materials! Learn how to maintain playground equipment made of metal, plastic, wood and concrete • Learn about safety! Understand how to take damaged equipment out of service safely, keep proper records, and identify potential legal issues related to playground maintenance • Learn about surfaces! Learn how best to maintain unitary and loose-fill surfaces as well as fasteners and connectors • Cost effective! Train front-line maintenance staff at an affordable price • Ensure your equipment lasts through its useful life! Improve playground user safety and prolong the useful life of equipment
Upcoming Playground Maintenance Technician Programs • March 5-6, 2019 - Wilmette, IL • Additional classes to be announced
Want to host a PMT program in your area? Contact the Program Coordinator at the Eppley Institute pmt@eppley.org Find out more at
www.playgroundmaintenance.org