This is a way cool video of a transforming playground design layout.
Is this the playground equipment of the future?
Monday, November 24, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Last Child in the Woods
I have had several daycare people bring this book to my attention. I am there to design a playground and they want to make sure the kids get outside and are stimulated by more than just video games, central air and fruit snacks, doritos or the like.
I remember catchting frogs by geygers pond and wading through creeks to find crawfish. What fun. Even as we got older just exploring the changes in the woods was fascinating. Now with all the media about all the creeps that exist in the world, it is no wonder we worry to send our kids into the great wide open. Some how we must trust them to check it out on their own and not under some forced learning environement.
Anyway, I found a good synopsis on the book. I still think we need safe playgrounds near the woods :-)
Last Child in the Woods
In this influential work about the staggering divide between children and the outdoors, child advocacy expert Richard Louv directly links the lack of nature in the lives of today’s wired generation - he calls it nature-deficit - to some of the most disturbing childhood trends, such as the rises in obesity, attention disorders, and depression. LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS is the first book to bring together a new and growing body of research indicating that direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development and for the physical and emotional health of children and adults. More than just raising an alarm, Louv offers practical solutions and simple ways to heal the broken bond - and they are right in our own backyard.
I remember catchting frogs by geygers pond and wading through creeks to find crawfish. What fun. Even as we got older just exploring the changes in the woods was fascinating. Now with all the media about all the creeps that exist in the world, it is no wonder we worry to send our kids into the great wide open. Some how we must trust them to check it out on their own and not under some forced learning environement.
Anyway, I found a good synopsis on the book. I still think we need safe playgrounds near the woods :-)
Last Child in the Woods
In this influential work about the staggering divide between children and the outdoors, child advocacy expert Richard Louv directly links the lack of nature in the lives of today’s wired generation - he calls it nature-deficit - to some of the most disturbing childhood trends, such as the rises in obesity, attention disorders, and depression. LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS is the first book to bring together a new and growing body of research indicating that direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development and for the physical and emotional health of children and adults. More than just raising an alarm, Louv offers practical solutions and simple ways to heal the broken bond - and they are right in our own backyard.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Consumer Product Saftey Improvement Act of 2008
Hey, I just got this notice via IPEMA regarding some changes to playground rules for safety. I will keep you posted if I see more.
Consumer Product Saftey Improvement Act of 2008
Dear IPEMA Member:
As a service to our membership, IPEMA wants to make you aware of important recent legislation that may have a significant impact on your business. On August 14, 2008, President bush signed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA),
This act will have a major impact on the playground industry. The first several sections of the Act are directed at children’s product safety. As matter of conjecture, we have been advised that non-conformance to this law may result in serious legal ramifications and penalties.
Because of the significance of this law to playground industry, IPEMA is planning on immediately hiring a consultant to present a summary of the law and help IPEMA members understand the requirements of the CPSIA.
Shortly your company will receive a meeting invitation through IPEMA’s administrator. Should you have any questions with regards to this upcoming meeting, please contact Mr. Martin Speece at IPEMA’s headquarters via email:
Thank You,
International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association
Consumer Product Saftey Improvement Act of 2008
Dear IPEMA Member:
As a service to our membership, IPEMA wants to make you aware of important recent legislation that may have a significant impact on your business. On August 14, 2008, President bush signed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA),
This act will have a major impact on the playground industry. The first several sections of the Act are directed at children’s product safety. As matter of conjecture, we have been advised that non-conformance to this law may result in serious legal ramifications and penalties.
Because of the significance of this law to playground industry, IPEMA is planning on immediately hiring a consultant to present a summary of the law and help IPEMA members understand the requirements of the CPSIA.
Shortly your company will receive a meeting invitation through IPEMA’s administrator. Should you have any questions with regards to this upcoming meeting, please contact Mr. Martin Speece at IPEMA’s headquarters via email:
Thank You,
International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association
Playground fundraising with ice cream or dinner
I just got a letter from Hershey’s Ice Cream in N. Royalton, advertising Fundraising opportunities. I think this is a great playground fundraising idea that would be something to consider with other local businesses. I know Tommy’s Pizza has done this for our church recently. The way it works, whatever purchases are made on a certain day, a certain percentage is donated. I think I’ve heard of Applebee’s and Friday’s doing it as well.
I also saw some more listed on the web for playground fundraising ideas
I also saw some more listed on the web for playground fundraising ideas
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
NRPA 2009 Congress & Exposition
NRPA 2009 Congress & Exposition - Salt Lake City 2009
NRPA 2009 Congress & Exposition
NRPA 2009 Congress & Exposition
October 13–16, 2009Salt Lake City, Utah
Check out city park playgrounds at this nationa recreation and Park show.
The companies set up FULL playground designs with the latest features in play!
Check out city park playgrounds at this nationa recreation and Park show.
The companies set up FULL playground designs with the latest features in play!
Snowed in Cleveland, Ohio
It snowed in cleveland ohio today, I wish I was playing at the beach still!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Brady Quinn’s first game
Brady Quinn’s first game from my vantage point. We didn’t win, but he played well in his debut game. I hope he can stir up a win tonight againsts the Buffalo Bills.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Playground equipment and playground surfacing site drainage
Playground safety surfacing and drainage I just had a customer ask about drainage issues on the playground. The basics: If we dig down, you MUST consider drainage, otherwise you will create swimming pool effect and have puddles, increased break down of your playground engineered wood fiber. If you have unitary surfacing like poured in place or safety tiles, then the subusrface may wash away. However, if you have an above grade solution that tapers slightly you should be fine. Playground wood fiber will still break down, but not as fast. Your sub-surface material will remain in place.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
INCLUSIVE PLAY WORKGROUP LAUNCHED
INCLUSIVE PLAY WORKGROUP LAUNCHED
I just signed up for a workshop on playground equipment and inclusive play.
This sounds interested, they are going to have a few conference calls on the topic. Since we(Snider & Associates) install so many playgrounds each year, I thought this would be good for us. If you are a member of the industry you should check it out.
Check the original at this link http://incfit.org/node/154
INCLUSIVE PLAY WORKGROUP LAUNCHED
With Amy Jaffe Barzach, Retired Founder and Director Emeritus of Boundless Playgrounds, appointed by IFC as the chairman of the Inclusive Play Workgroup, a call for members, advisors and/or advocates of inclusive play was announced in August 2008. The workgroup will strive to increase awareness of the issues related to inclusive play environments and will champion programs that demonstrate excellence in these areas. Interested parties were asked to submit the following information to them by August 20, 2008: Name, affiliation, contact info including address, telephone numbers, email; why they were interested in serving; and experience related to accessible and inclusive play environments. In addition, Amy can be contacted
I just signed up for a workshop on playground equipment and inclusive play.
This sounds interested, they are going to have a few conference calls on the topic. Since we(Snider & Associates) install so many playgrounds each year, I thought this would be good for us. If you are a member of the industry you should check it out.
Check the original at this link http://incfit.org/node/154
INCLUSIVE PLAY WORKGROUP LAUNCHED
With Amy Jaffe Barzach, Retired Founder and Director Emeritus of Boundless Playgrounds, appointed by IFC as the chairman of the Inclusive Play Workgroup, a call for members, advisors and/or advocates of inclusive play was announced in August 2008. The workgroup will strive to increase awareness of the issues related to inclusive play environments and will champion programs that demonstrate excellence in these areas. Interested parties were asked to submit the following information to them by August 20, 2008: Name, affiliation, contact info including address, telephone numbers, email; why they were interested in serving; and experience related to accessible and inclusive play environments. In addition, Amy can be contacted
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Inclusive Playground - Commercial playground
1 - Be Fair
The play environment provides social justice by being equitable and usable by children of all abilities so they can enjoy their right to play.
Guidelines
a. Provide appropriate surfacing and site design for physical access into and throughout the play environment so children can actively engage in social and physical play activities.
b. Offer equitable opportunities for everyone to participate in a variety of developmentally appropriate forms of play.
c. Promote an atmosphere of mutual respect and acceptance by providing integrated activities throughout the play environment that encourage exploration, problem solving and discovery.
Example
An accessible pathway to and throughout the play environment allows people of all abilities to participate in play.
2 - Be Included
The play environment supports the participation of individuals with diverse abilities in social and physical activities for inclusive, multigenerational play.
Guidelines
a. Organize the play environment to provide various types (physical, social, sensorimotor, constructive, etc.) and forms (autonomous, parallel, cooperative, etc.) of play so there is something fun for everyone.
b. Provide a balanced variety and a continuum of developmentally appropriate physical and social activities, throughout the play environment, which are dynamic and accommodate individuals’ diverse abilities.
c. Provide choices in method of participation or use. d. Provide meaningful opportunities for inclusive, multigenerational play.
Example
Social gathering spaces under decks and along accessible pathways allow children of all abilities to be included.
3 Be Smart
The play environment allows children to effectively explore and participate in play at their own level.
Guidelines
a. Design the play environment with a variety of multi-sensory features that are organized to provide meaningful cues
b. Provide intentional multi-sensory (auditory, visual, tactile) stimuli through a variety of play activities.
c. Offer opportunities for children of all abilities to access and engage in the play environment as independently as possible.
Example
Accessible transfer decks designed strategically with play activities like slides allow children with adaptive equipment to successfully engage in their natural play behaviors.
4 Be Independent
The play environment allows children to effectively explore and participate in play at their own level.
Guidelines
a. Design the play environment with a variety of multi-sensory features that are organized to provide meaningful cues.
b. Provide intentional multi-sensory (auditory, visual, tactile) stimuli through a variety of play activities.
c. Offer opportunities for children of all abilities to access and engage in the play environment as independently as possible.
Example
Equipment, like ramps, and multisensory features in the environment allow children to effectively explore and participate in play more independently.
5 Be Safe
The play environment addresses current safety standards while providing developmental opportunities needed for exploration and challenge.
Guidelines
a. Provide safer play activities and environments, through graduated levels of challenge, that allow children to explore, interact, and experience developmentally appropriate risk.
b. Support children’s emotional feelings of security so they are more likely to engage in play.
c. Accommodate for comfortable supervision and ongoing maintenance.
Example
Benches placed throughout the play environment offer jump-in-points for kids while also promoting adult supervision.
6 Be Active
The play environment supports various degrees of physical and social participation in play while minimizing unnecessary fatigue.
Guidelines
a. Allow individuals to maintain neutral body position so they can actively sustain their engagement in physical and social play.
b. Include play activities that require reasonable operating forces and integrate alternatives to sustained physical effort or repetitive actions.
c. Provide for a range of developmental opportunities for challenge to accommodate children’s diverse physical characteristics.
d. Offer balanced opportunities for social play throughout the play environment, by providing a variety of play activities at the ground level and under decks.
Example
Play equipment like the One-for-All swing provides support for children of all abilities to experience the joy of movement.
7 Be Comfortable
The play environment is usable for individuals with sensory needs, diverse body size, posture, mobility, and motor control.
Guidelines
a. Provide play activities with comfortable approach and reach for a seated or standing child.
b. Accommodate variations in gross and fine motor control for manipulation of play activities.
c. Provide comfortable space for movement throughout the play environment for individuals with assistive devices and/or personal assistance.
d. Provide a range of environmental conditions, like shade, to accommodate children’s diverse comfort characteristics.
Example
Features like this accessible Fire Truck Cab allow children of all abilities to comfortably approach and reach the activity while the open space inside supports comfortable movement.
Inclusive play or Boundless playground.
The play environment provides social justice by being equitable and usable by children of all abilities so they can enjoy their right to play.
Guidelines
a. Provide appropriate surfacing and site design for physical access into and throughout the play environment so children can actively engage in social and physical play activities.
b. Offer equitable opportunities for everyone to participate in a variety of developmentally appropriate forms of play.
c. Promote an atmosphere of mutual respect and acceptance by providing integrated activities throughout the play environment that encourage exploration, problem solving and discovery.
Example
An accessible pathway to and throughout the play environment allows people of all abilities to participate in play.
2 - Be Included
The play environment supports the participation of individuals with diverse abilities in social and physical activities for inclusive, multigenerational play.
Guidelines
a. Organize the play environment to provide various types (physical, social, sensorimotor, constructive, etc.) and forms (autonomous, parallel, cooperative, etc.) of play so there is something fun for everyone.
b. Provide a balanced variety and a continuum of developmentally appropriate physical and social activities, throughout the play environment, which are dynamic and accommodate individuals’ diverse abilities.
c. Provide choices in method of participation or use. d. Provide meaningful opportunities for inclusive, multigenerational play.
Example
Social gathering spaces under decks and along accessible pathways allow children of all abilities to be included.
3 Be Smart
The play environment allows children to effectively explore and participate in play at their own level.
Guidelines
a. Design the play environment with a variety of multi-sensory features that are organized to provide meaningful cues
b. Provide intentional multi-sensory (auditory, visual, tactile) stimuli through a variety of play activities.
c. Offer opportunities for children of all abilities to access and engage in the play environment as independently as possible.
Example
Accessible transfer decks designed strategically with play activities like slides allow children with adaptive equipment to successfully engage in their natural play behaviors.
4 Be Independent
The play environment allows children to effectively explore and participate in play at their own level.
Guidelines
a. Design the play environment with a variety of multi-sensory features that are organized to provide meaningful cues.
b. Provide intentional multi-sensory (auditory, visual, tactile) stimuli through a variety of play activities.
c. Offer opportunities for children of all abilities to access and engage in the play environment as independently as possible.
Example
Equipment, like ramps, and multisensory features in the environment allow children to effectively explore and participate in play more independently.
5 Be Safe
The play environment addresses current safety standards while providing developmental opportunities needed for exploration and challenge.
Guidelines
a. Provide safer play activities and environments, through graduated levels of challenge, that allow children to explore, interact, and experience developmentally appropriate risk.
b. Support children’s emotional feelings of security so they are more likely to engage in play.
c. Accommodate for comfortable supervision and ongoing maintenance.
Example
Benches placed throughout the play environment offer jump-in-points for kids while also promoting adult supervision.
6 Be Active
The play environment supports various degrees of physical and social participation in play while minimizing unnecessary fatigue.
Guidelines
a. Allow individuals to maintain neutral body position so they can actively sustain their engagement in physical and social play.
b. Include play activities that require reasonable operating forces and integrate alternatives to sustained physical effort or repetitive actions.
c. Provide for a range of developmental opportunities for challenge to accommodate children’s diverse physical characteristics.
d. Offer balanced opportunities for social play throughout the play environment, by providing a variety of play activities at the ground level and under decks.
Example
Play equipment like the One-for-All swing provides support for children of all abilities to experience the joy of movement.
7 Be Comfortable
The play environment is usable for individuals with sensory needs, diverse body size, posture, mobility, and motor control.
Guidelines
a. Provide play activities with comfortable approach and reach for a seated or standing child.
b. Accommodate variations in gross and fine motor control for manipulation of play activities.
c. Provide comfortable space for movement throughout the play environment for individuals with assistive devices and/or personal assistance.
d. Provide a range of environmental conditions, like shade, to accommodate children’s diverse comfort characteristics.
Example
Features like this accessible Fire Truck Cab allow children of all abilities to comfortably approach and reach the activity while the open space inside supports comfortable movement.
Inclusive play or Boundless playground.
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