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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. …

Surfacing Child Safe Products 645 Broadway Amityville, NY 11701 Phone: 631-841-0363 Fax: 631-841-0562 Child Safe poured-in-place safety surface is an advanced shock absorbing playground system. It is a soft, resilient surface that is tough enough to …

Have you ever been approached about being a parent-group leader or even just being involved in a volunteer organization working with your child’s school? Some people really might wonder why in the world you would do such a thing. Some might just wonder …

Skatepark Components Sk8parks International 660 Van Dyne Rd. P.O. Box 549 Fond du Lac, WI 54936-0549 Phone: 877-891-1283 Web: www.sk8parks.com E-mail: [email protected] As one of the original and most respected skate park brands on the market, Sk8parks …

Related Products BP International, Inc. 510 W. Arizona Ave. Deland, FL 32720 Phone: 800-767-2255 Fax: 386-943-4060 Web: www.bpinternational.com E-mail: [email protected] BP International, Inc. is a Florida-based company with additional …

Aquatics Empex Watertoys 591 Albright Rd. Uxbridge, ON L9P 1R4 Canada Phone: 866-833-8580 Phone: 905-649-5047 Fax: 905-649-1757 Web: www.watertoys.com E-mail: [email protected] Since 1986, Empex Watertoys of Toronto, Canada, has manufactured creative …

Many children who are at risk come into recreation and education programs with environmental conditioning that has them believing they are “damaged goods.” These children may be routinely hit and told they are worthless. Other children in your care, while …