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The aim of Standards is not to open a door to endless wisdom, but to put a limit to endless errors** Where would owners, designers, regulators, manufacturers, installers and anyone providing products or services anywhere in the world be without standards? …

Remember getting sunburned and vowing to apply a layer of sunscreen before you go out in the sun the next time?  Sunscreens help protect you from the sun’s harmful UV rays while it moisturizes and conditions the skin. In a way, poured in place surfacing …

Playgrounds must provide a safe environment where each child can grow in confidence, self-esteem, and abilities.  History tells us that children have always played from time immemorial in ancient Greek, Renaissance, and Biblical cultures. These are well …

Playground projects fail when the products within the playground fail, costing owners thousands of dollars they do not have.  They are then faced with the hard choices of finding the money for replacement or running the risk of having an injury and …

Most people think that art is something that sits on a pedestal or hangs on a wall and, up until recent history, that was largely true. Art before the 18th century was generally devoted to commemorating significant people, battles or ideals. Personal …

Movement is fascinating for children. It is always exciting and engaging to bounce, jump, spin, swing, or see-saw.  This is the reason children, and even adults, have so much fun on rope-based play equipment . Rope is not dead material. Instead, it is …

Have you ever needed a fastener that offers a serious level security and been told you need to use a permanent, non-removable fastener? In some cases, it is important that these fasteners can be removed by authorized persons when required but a “standard” …

Now open at the CMOM, weather permitting! This unique and challenging exhibit teaches Children about shapes, angles, math, geometry, trigonometry and cooperative play.  Bankshot is a new game of skill and challenge that is often described as a "mini golf, …

With summer winding down and back to school right around the corner, it’s time to begin the age old routine of signing our children up for sports and activities that keep them busy and physically active. For the parents of previous generations this task …

When most kids think of a playground, they picture a place where they can let loose, make new friends, exercise, and have fun. It is a place where, no matter the equipment provided, most children can be relatively sure that they are going to thoroughly …

Nearly three years ago my friend Mike Lanza, of Playborhood fame, and I joined forces to find a way to use technology to encourage kids to play outdoors. After considerable research we determined that the best platform was to use the then emerging …

There are two very opposite views of injury prevention in playgrounds. We have those who have long recognized the devastating effects of head injuries in playgrounds (Sutcliffe Play; The story of the swing, 2015) , (Tinsworth, 2001) , (Leitch, 2007) , …

Do you remember running through the sprinkler in the yard as a kid? There is this intrinsic joy derived from splashing in the sunshine and water play is a key childhood experience. Municipal and waterpark designers know this; which is why ‘water play’ …

Think back to your childhood. Did you play around fire hydrants, hose pipes, swimming pools? Did the children of the neighborhood gather around those oases on hot summer days? People, especially kids, love to play with water. It’s fascinating. Water is …

James Harold aka DJ James Z at  Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Wave Pool - Surf Park Central A future full of surf parks and man-made waves is nearly upon us. With several new venues having opened over the past two years and many more coming online in the near …

Changing up the fan experience does not need to be difficult and it may or may not be a matter of a big financial investment. However, it does take some planning. First, identify what part of the experience needs to change. I would caution you not to …

Did you love to play in water when you were a kid? I know I did. We used to set up a sprinkler and run through it - oh that sure was a good way to cool off and have some fun. Actually, I recall some adults joining in on the fun also. My non-profit …

CHEVY CHASE, MD- Modeled after sandcastles and geared toward toddlers, some newly constructed real estate along a busy road in southern Montgomery County are sure to elicit a few double takes from passersby this month. At least 8 playhouses of various …

Despite the ADA and IDEA, communities continue to invest rather large sums and space allocations into exclusionary recreation facilities with little or no concern for the differently-able. Individuals with autism, or using wheelchairs, others with …

Have you ever dreamed about creating an amazing playground in your community? This is a tough nut to crack in today’s down-trending economic environment. For many of us, getting the necessary funding to achieve our playground dreams may seem impossible. …