Think playgrounds, think safety

Click above to see a time-elapse movie of Kiwanians working together to build a playground in New Orleans, LA.

How safe is your playground? Every five years, the National Program for Playground Safety surveys 3,000 playgrounds across the United States. Supervision, age-appropriate design, fall surfacing, and equipment maintenance are evaluated areas. Where does your state fall?

Honor Kiwanians Nominate a Kiwanian for the 2007 Playground Safety Advocate of the Year here.

One of the many ways Kiwanians serve the children of the world is by funding, building, renovating, improving, and maintaining playgrounds in their communities. Kiwanis International has partnered with the (United States) National Program for Playground Safety to provide Kiwanians with community-service information related to playgrounds and playground safety. Look for more information in the April issue of KIWANIS magazine.

Meanwhile, check out the following sites for relevant information:

Resources

Gametime: Recognized as having the most original playground products in the industry, unparalleled child-development research, and direct bolt connections for strong, low-maintenance play equipment, it's easy to understand why GameTime is celebrating its 75th anniversary as the leader in play! Visit the Gametime Web site and see for yourself. We call it the GameTime difference, we want you to call it the best choice you ever made.

Burke
The oldest manufacturer of playground and park equipment, our focus is child development and safety, exceptional quality at an affordable price, and ongoing customer service. We offer the longest and strongest warranty in the industry, free NPPS Safety Kits with every order and sponsor Slyde™,  The Playground Hound. For more information, call  800-266-1250.

International Play Company designs, manufactures, and installs a quality line of outdoor and indoor play structures.  With installations in 48 countries on five continents, IPC enjoys excellent representation in the US and overseas, while continuing to build quality relationships in Canadian markets. From start to finish, design to installation, IPC’s professional and knowledgeable team will work hand in hand with your team to develop a proposal that meets the needs and budget of each individual project. IPC understands the significance of designing play spaces that address the various stages of a child’s development. Age-appropriate equipment is essential to ensure that every opportunity for play results in a safe and positive experience.  We adhere to ASTM, CPRA, IPEMA, CSA, ROSPA, ADA safety guidelines, and we ship worldwide. Call today for a complimentary design and consultation.  We will provide you with the best play system possible. Visit our Web site.

The evolution of play began in 1971, when Landscape Structures Inc. opened its doors and introduced the concept of continuous play. We have created some really amazing innovations over the years, including Skatewave™ modular skateparks, Mobius™ Climbers, Spacenet™ Climbers, and more. We're proud to add Evos™, the inventive new playsystem that changes the shape of play, to that list. Find out more about our unique products today at playlsi.com or by calling 888.4FUNLSI.

For more than 50 years, Playworld Systems® has been the recreation company to trust for providing innovative, quality playgrounds to kids of all ages and abilities. And when budgets are an issue, our expert playground consultants are ready to help turn an ordinary installation into a community-build playground event. From site evaluation, to fundraising, design, installation, and maintenance support, Playworld Systems is ready to provide you with a playground your kids will enjoy for years to come. Telephone 800-233-8404 in North America.

Recreation Creations: Recreation Creations designs and builds a full line of age-appropriate commercial park and playground equipment. Many patented designs feature earth-friendly recycled materials. Themed structures expand creative play and offer challenges to stimulate physical activity.
Telephone: 800-766-9458.

SofSurfaces
With more than 7 million square feet of installations on more than 4,000 playgrounds across North America, SofSURFACES has long been recognized as a leader in the design and manufacture of unique, interlocking safety surfacing systems. SofTILE KrosLOCK is the result of more than 14 years of formulation and design modification, which has culminated in a product that exceeds the customers' expectations in fall protection, durability, long-term value, and the necessity to have a system that can be effectively and easily secured on site to eliminate the potential for vandalism. Sales and Information: 800-263-2363 or e-mail.

Pilot Rock: The Pilot Rock product line includes: picnic tables, park benches, charcoal grills, campfire rings, trash and recycling receptacles, flag
poles, bike racks and more. Manufactured in the United States by R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. since 1959. Telephone: 800-762-5002.

Play Mart Inc, the Leader In Recycled Plastic Play Systems, manufactures playgrounds from Recycled Structural Plastic (RSP)--plastic lumber composed of 100 percent reclaimed HDPE, recycled milk jugs. RSP is virtually maintenance free--no splinters, splitting, staining, painting, or sanding. We offer age group specific play systems, fitness equipment for older children and adults, swings, park amenities, and ADA components. Visit our Web site to view our online catalogs and contact your local sales representative or call us at 800-43-PLAYS!

Surface America has the most complete line of sports and recreational surfacing systems. From athletic fields marketed under the A-Turf name to playgrounds, gymnasiums, and fitness centers, we transform traditional play areas into state-of-the-art recreational surfaces. Each surface is designed for long-term performance and durability. With coast-to-coast installation, no job is too far. Call us at 800-999-0555, or click the link above to visit our Web site.

The Fancy Street Clock Co. produces quality street clocks and lamp posts constructed of industry standard commercial grade heavy cast aluminum. The beautiful pedestal clocks and lamp posts are customized for its customer's specific climate to withstand the most extreme temperature and weather conditions.

The Fancy Street Clock Co. incorporates the latest and most advanced technology in its clock movements and components, as well as the lighting fixtures. The proprietary paint finish incorporates a UV and salt protectant to ensure the product maintains its beauty and longevity. A factory direct sales approach allows Fancy Street Clock Co. to sell directly to customers bypassing outside sales representatives and distributors. FSCC is able to produce and deliver the highest quality products at a significant savings compared to other pedestal clock or lighting manufacturers. The street clocks and lamp posts are shipped directly to customers pre-wired and assembled, ready for installation!

Sun Country Systems is a leading provider of commercial playground equipment
and related services in Southern California, Arizona, and Nevada. Bringing customers real solutions to the ever-increasing demand for equipment that is safety-minded yet cost-conscience. Today, Sun Country Systems has amassed an alliance of products that are the most comprehensive in the world of play. Call 877-268-1550.

Set yourself apart from the rest with our soft-sculpted play areas. BoMar Soft Playgrounds International specializes in custom products that are a step above in quality, appearance, and function. Our unique children’s play elements are high gloss, durable, attractive and fun. BoMar can work with you to develop any art or design

Play With A Purpose – Development & Learning Products for Young Children  You’re looking for more than equipment, you’re looking for a one-stop-shop. With Play With A Purpose you’ll get:

 Visit www.pwaponline.com or call 1-888-330-1826 today!