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There are only two pieces of play equipment, which I am aware of, that are branded so dangerous they are actually outlawed. One is animal swings. You know, the rocking horses that move when you push your feet forward on the foot peddles. They were fun and …

Maryland has an abundance of state and county-owned parks that are just perfect for picnics and playgrounds. Greenspaces and regional parks are scattered strategically throughout the state and range in size from only an acre or two to those having a …

One could truly say that MaryLou Iverson is following in her father's footsteps. her father was a Park and Rec director in Battle Creek, Mich. She spent a lot of time as a child with her father, who was active on the ASTM Committees for Playground and …

We all know that fundraising can be one of the hardest parts of bringing your play space into being. Here are a few companies that can likely help out. When it comes to fundraising, don't rule anyone out. Begin at home with businesses and …

Each one of us has something within that compels us to enter the delightful world of play. Walk by a playground, pause for a moment, and awaken your senses to see and hear the squeals of delight, the darting from one piece of equipment to another, the …

Have you seen the series of Holiday Inn Express commercials that show people doing things they shouldn’t be doing, including performing medical operations? My favorite is the one where the man appears to be an instructor for skydivers. He instructs …

It's getting to be a bigger challenge all the time it seems. We just aren't regarded as a fit society. While it might seem a little utopian, wouldn't it be nice if we were all healthy and fit? That's not likely to happen, but we can at least try to curb …

Editor's Note: You may find this hard to believe, but there are people out there who actually will set a playground on fire. Whether it is for whatever kind of thrill they seem to derive from this or whatever reason, it doesn't make any sense that it …

Did you know that adults can play a significant role in children’s play situations? It can be more in depth than just catching a child at the bottom of the slide. You can help a child realize how valuable play is when you get involved. Here are some …

There are so many great play structures out there for you and your children, but what about for you and your pets? Until now, you may not have seen many structures geared toward our canine friends, but Contract Connection Inc. has brought this concept to …

We hear about illegal fundraising activity in the political system, and it seems there are quite a few rules they have to play by in that arena. But what about raising funds for the playground? What are the rules? Can you raise too much money? Can you …

Have you ever thought that while you are supervising on the playground, you could be watching for more than just how the children are playing on the structure for safety issues? Maintenance issues are part of playground safety, and while you don’t …

One of the most frustrating things about getting a playground in the works is probably getting that project to the top of the school or community budget list. How do you find your place and move your plan to the top of the list, if necessary? It may not …

Every Thursday morning, three-year-old Tyrone and his mother attend play mornings. This interactive time between mothers and their preschool children is designed to be fun and enriching. Planned playground activities teach mothers positive ways to …

What if you could predict the future of playground design? Let your imagination run wild. Would it be something like George Jetson’s children would use? Would children ride an escalator to the top of the slide instead of using a ladder, or would they …

Two children fell from climbers today, somewhere in America, and you probably never heard about it.  Tanya landed on a recently installed high-tech impact-attenuating surfacing (the proper term for a resilient safety surface), while Tim landed on …

After 20-plus years of playground guidelines and regulation development, many states have recognized the need to develop their own state regulations for playground equipment. Most states have had childcare playground regulations and a few have adopted …

I always wonder what the next wonderful new concept will be for playgrounds. Since the early 80s, I have looked forward to the new products playground manufacturers have developed. It’s almost like Christmas each year at the NRPA Exhibition Hall. I love …

When considering playground surfaces, start with the basics. Know the relevant codes and be able to outline the fall zones for some standard playground equipment. It’s important that children be safe, and the industry has come a long way since the days of …

Working with children can be exhilarating and exhausting. While you may like each child individually, you may get tired of the noise and messes they collectively create and the constant demands they make on your time. Paperwork, equipment maintenance, …

I say, shut it off and turn on your imagination! What are we missing out on when we spend time in front of the television? The list is endless, but most importantly, a four-letter word that really doesn't fit the stigma given that description...PLAY. …