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A unique and innovative design is being introduced to the industry and soon other manufacturers might be following along. BCI Burke’s Circuit Play in an exclusive new concept that combines the fun of the playground with the challenge of an obstacle …

We all want to promote healthy, inspired, well-rounded children, and it only makes sense that to accomplish this goal, a quality play environment must offer a well-rounded selection of play opportunities. To accomplish this, first seek out an innovative, …

We don’t have the privilege of actually meeting Lt. Robert Brice face to face, but his heart and efforts live on at Brice Park in the Township of Wall, N.J. The park was dedicated originally on May 28, 1973, after the loss of Lt. Brice to a bout of cancer …

Ok. So, you are the new parent group leader for your school and you have been given the charge to raise some funds for a new play structure. Now, what do you do? Well, keep your eye on this column every issue for tips and tricks regarding all aspects of …

It's back to school time. Is there a better time to assess how your children are eating and make any needed changes in physical activity level as well? Nutrition and play…a good combination for good health. Think about it. There are some direct …

A medical resident in Oakland, Calif., recently did an unusual study and it was published in a major health care journal. She did a tally of records from the emergency room that sees most of the seriously injured children in that area. She found that a …

Certainly, one attribute of an effective playground structure is that it captivates a child’s interest, but any discussion about the value of play quickly discards this as an over-generalization. Playgrounds do and should serve that purpose, but they can …

Truly understanding children and playgrounds is not as easy as one may think. The way adults perceive playgrounds can be vastly different than a child’s perception of a playground.  For example, recently I helped a school district in a large urban area …

Without the conductor, the orchestra might never find the tune; without the teacher, the students might never read more than cereal boxes; and without a director, the actors might change their lines to whatever, whenever they like.   Those who coordinate …

This all depends on your perspective of this multi-faceted place. What’s your point of view? I want to be a child today and have what they have. I don’t know how many times I have said “We didn’t have that when I was a kid.” We played Planet of the Apes …

“Do you double-dog dare me to slide down this hill?” “Yes.” “Ok, then you go first.” “Who dares walk up our hill? We are giants!” Out of the mouths of children at play come the most entertaining conversations. These children were enjoying a day at a …

Think about it...what doesn’t go with water? Even a certain percentage of the human body is water, it helps to quench our thirst as well. But have you thought about how it quenches our thirst for play? How do you know what kind of components you want to …

The giant is patient, lying still, while sneakers trample and kick him, hands pull his beard and fingers, and endless photos are snapped of him. Three-year-olds climb into the giant’s mouth and curl up on his tongue. Older kids climb the giant’s foot, …

United States politicians have repeatedly proven that schools are not their top concern when it comes to providing ample funding. So, when a parent group leader sets their mind on the idea that the local elementary school needs a new play structure, you …

Monty Christiansen obtained BSLA and MLA degrees in landscape architecture from Iowa State University. He was a landscape architect for the National Park Service, the St. Louis County Mo. Park and Recreation Department, and Phillip Flores Associates of …

On December 26, 2004, an earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale generated a series of destructive waves that hit coastal Sri Lanka with devastating impact. The tsunami waves caused the loss of over 30,000 lives, the displacement of over 800,000 …

At one of the play areas we saw, there was a swing made of coconut rope hanging from a rain tree with a seat belt fashioned out of a rag tied to the rope. Many of the playgrounds were constructed with ropes and wood. The metal equipment was made of poor …

I know, it’s pretty rare for someone to want to be taken to the principal, although my youngest son wanted to when he was in first grade. He had broken one of the playground rules—the one where you “Do not ever climb up the slide, itself. Use the ladder.” …

Playgrounds can bring a community together. Just ask the residents of Charleston Place in Boise, Idaho. They joined together to design and build the playground that now serves not only as a place for the kids to play, but also as a meeting place for the …

Skateboard. The word alone may send chills up your spine if you have been impacted by this trend. The increased popularity of skateboarding has created new challenges and issues for our society to address.   One issue is the need to restrict skateboarding …