At Landscape Structures, we believe a playground is more than slides and swings—it’s a place where every child feels seen, valued and included. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our newest video: Inclusion Makes the Playground.
This powerful, heartwarming story captures our deepest purpose: to transform the landscape of play so that every playground is a space of belonging and connection.
More than a destination—a place to belong
We don’t see playgrounds as just structures or destinations. We see them as community cornerstones, places where kids of all abilities come together to explore, imagine and grow.
“Is it a playground if someone like me, my body, my unique self wasn’t included in the design from the start?” asks the child’s voice in the video. And that’s the heart of our message.
In Inclusion Makes the Playground, we invite viewers to rethink what a playground really is. A playground is not just a structure or destination, but a place that reflects everyone. The video shows what happens when designers create playgrounds with and for every child, starting with who they serve rather than what they include. In the end, it reminds us that a playground isn’t just a place to play—it’s a symbol of belonging.
Whether you’re a parent, planner, educator or advocate, this video is an invitation to reimagine what a playground can be. And who a playground can be for.
Every child, ability and playground.
We believe that every child deserves to play, laugh, take risks and find their place in the world—starting on the playground. Because when you lead with inclusion, you create more than a fun space. You create a place of unity, discovery and limitless potential.
Watch the video. Share the message. Champion inclusion.
Ready to be inspired? Watch Inclusion Makes the Playground below. Then see how together, we can build places that reflect the best of what play—and community—can be.
Some playgrounds invite kids to climb. Others spark exploration. The Volo Aire™ playground tower does it all—at an awe-inspiring 26 feet in the air!
This three-story marvel isn’t just about height—it’s about movement, discovery, and play for all. Kids take on thrilling climbs, enjoy panoramic views and race down exhilarating slides. With its bold architectural presence, Volo Aire is a show-stopping centerpiece that redefines what a playground can be.
But what inspired this groundbreaking structure? According to Tory Roff, principal designer, the goal was to balance adventure with accessibility, design with community integration, and thrills with safety. Let’s take a closer look at the creative vision behind the Volo Aire playground tower.
“We Wanted a Playground Tower Emphasizing Height and Big Thrills.”
Towering 26 feet into the sky, Volo Aire delivers excitement that keeps kids coming back. But height alone isn’t enough—it needs to feel safe, too.
“Volo Aire’s open-weave LSI Flexx™ steel-reinforced net creates a sense of exposure, making kids assess their own comfort levels before proceeding further up,” explained Tory. “We’ve watched many attempt the climb. Sometimes they opted for a lower exit before finally conquering their fear and getting rewarded with a 20-foot vertical slide. This tower is perfect for children to push their limits and build courage—something few playgrounds are doing these days.”
With perforated panels and vertical slats, the structure is open enough to offer the perception of risk, giving kids heart-pounding views. At the same time, it’s carefully designed so parents and caregivers can maintain visual contact, ensuring both thrill and peace of mind.
“It’s More Than a Playground—It’s a Landmark.”
A playstructure this bold doesn’t just belong in a park—it helps define it. Volo Aire is more than a playground, it’s a sculptural beacon of fun that seamlessly blends into its surroundings.
“When we build at a larger scale like the Volo Aire, it is critical to develop a design language that harmonizes with both the landscape and the built environment,” Tory said. “Often playgrounds seem to get a visual pass with loud colors and lots of plastic, but we aimed to create a destination that communities can take pride in—one that becomes part of their identity.”
Its airy perforated panels, warm wood slats and an openness that invites light and movement, Volo Aire is sure to become a gathering place that enhances the community.
“Every Kid Deserves to Feel on Top of the World.”
Why should adventure be limited to a few? Volo Aire ensures that every child—of every ability—can experience the joy of climbing to the very top.
“Designing for height often unintentionally excludes those who can’t climb vertically. With Volo Aire, we challenged ourselves to make access to all portions of the playground a primary design criteria,” says Tory. “That’s why we designed an accessible, winding path made of our revolutionary LSI Flexx steel-reinforced net, allowing kids with a wide range of abilities to find a play experience that suites their needs.”
Volo Aire provides multiple routes to climb, explore and engage, ensuring that no child is left behind when it comes to play.
“Every Step Inside Should Feel Like a Discovery.”
The magic of Volo Aire doesn’t just come from its height or aesthetics—it’s in the way it feels when you step inside. This isn’t just a tall structure with a slide. It’s a multi-level play experience packed with movement, surprises and endless ways to explore.
“We wanted kids to have that ‘whoa’ moment when they step inside,” Tory shared. “Everywhere they turn, there’s something to engage with. Every square foot has been carefully programmed to offer movement, challenge and fun.”
From vertical climbs and lookout spots to interactive features and thrilling slides, Volo Aire ensures that every adventure feels new and exciting.
The Future of Play is Here
Volo Aire isn’t just a playground—it’s an experience. It’s about climbing higher, playing smarter and making every moment unforgettable.
See Volo Aire in action below, then explore this all-new playstructure at playlsi.com/volo-aire and experience play like never before.
At Landscape Structures, we believe play is life-changing. It sparks imagination, fosters connection and shapes who we are. That’s why we’re thrilled to unveil our 2025 Catalogs, designed to inspire communities, ignite creativity and transform the landscape of play into an unforgettable experience.
The 2025 Playground Equipment Catalog: A world of play awaits!
Discover the potential of play! Our latest catalog is packed with bold designs, innovative playstructures and freestanding favorites that bring joy to every child and community. Whether you’re designing an inclusive wonderland, a dynamic adventure play space or a cozy neighborhood playground, you’ll find endless possibilities to make your vision a reality.
The 2025 SkyWays® Shade Catalog: Designed for comfort & style
Play doesn’t stop when the sun is shining—it thrives! With our latest SkyWays® Shade Catalog, you’ll find stunning, functional shade solutions that transform playgrounds, splash pads and community spaces into cool, inviting retreats.
The 2025 Aquatix® Splash Play Catalog: Where water meets wonder
Water play is more than just fun—it’s an adventure waiting to happen! The 2025 Aquatix® Splash Play Catalog is filled with exciting splash pad designs that encourage imaginative, interactive and inclusive play. Whether you’re planning a breathtaking aqua playground or a refreshing community splash pad, we have the solutions to make a lasting splash!
From thrilling playgrounds to stylish shade structures and dynamic splash pads, our 2025 Catalogs are your gateway to captivating play experiences. Whether you’re an architect, planner or community leader, we’re here to help bring your vision to life! Browse our digital catalogs now or request a printed copy to spark creativity, fuel innovation and reimagine outdoor play together!
Are you involved in the design or decision-making process of playgrounds? Or perhaps a parent of a child aged 2 to 12? Then you’ve landed in the right place! At Landscape Structures, we take pride in crafting top-tier commercial playground swing sets that are a notch above the rest. Below, you’ll learn about our commercial swing sets, the benefits of playground swings and how to select the perfect swing set for your needs.
Setting our commercial swing sets apart
With a focus on quality and safety, our commercial playground swingsets endure years of play. With high-quality, weather-resistant materials, we ensure our playground swings—posts, chains, seats, etc.—retain their structural integrity over time. The safety of children is our highest concern. We’ve incorporated numerous safety features into our swings, adhering to the strictest safety standards and certifications.
Understanding that every play space is unique, we will collaborate with you to bring your unique vision to life. Whether you’re interested in a particular color scheme to align with your school’s colors or want to include custom features, our experienced design team will create a tailored playground swing solution for you.
The advantages of investing in playground swings
Commercial swing sets are a fantastic addition to any play environment, offering numerous benefits for children’s overall development. They not only provide hours of fun but also foster physical activity, promoting coordination, balance, and strength.
Even more, playgrounds with swings enhance social and cognitive development, teaching children essential skills such as sharing and cooperation. They also encourage imaginative play, fostering friendships and strengthening social connections.
Our playground swings also facilitate inclusive play. We offer a variety of swing seats that allow children of all abilities to transfer and swing. Additionally, we designed the We-Go-Swing®, the first no-transfer inclusive swing that can be integrated into the playground setting. By investing in playground swings from Landscape Structures, you’re creating an inclusive environment where every child feels welcome and can fully participate.
Selecting the ideal commercial playground swingset for your playground
Choosing commercial playground swings involves careful consideration of several factors. From the age range, capacity of the playground swingset, variety of swing seats to the available space and installation requirements, each aspect is crucial in ensuring you select the perfect park swings for your needs.
Consider the warranty and maintenance options provided by the manufacturer. A solid warranty provides peace of mind, while maintenance options ensure your park swings remain in top condition. Go here to learn more about commercial playground maintenance in our infographic.
We understand the importance of choosing the right commercial swing set. We’re confident you’ll find the perfect fit from our diverse selection—tailored to meet all ages and abilities. Backed by a comprehensive warranty, our playground swings are guaranteed to deliver lasting enjoyment.
Well-designed play brings everyone together. It’s why landscape architects and playground designers are constantly creating wildly original and wondrous kid-centric worlds. Like incorporating moments of landscape play that provide multiple options for a child’s next move, a key strategy for adding play value. Or featuring innovative playground designs that help play spaces blend into—or stand out from—their surroundings.
To us, innovative playground designs can only function in service to play. It’s a perspective that continues to influence our entire industry. And it’s why we are recognized for building the best playgrounds in the world. And why we appreciate partnering with landscape architects and communities to keep stretching design, and play. Contact your local Landscape Structures playground consultant to get started on your next playground design, and view all of the unique designs of the 2024 PLAY Book in the video below.
We’re excited to announce the 2022 Rep Organization of the Year is PlayCreation, our consultant covering Washington and Northern Idaho. Landscape Structures presented the award to the PlayCreation team at the company’s annual sales meeting earlier this year
“PlayCreation earned the title of 2022 Rep Organization of the Year because of their outstanding culture, the creativity their team brings to every aspect of the business, and their commitment to delivering the best-in-class service to their customers,” said Pat Faust, president of Landscape Structures. “PlayCreation has been a great partner of Landscape Structures as well as the playground design industry as a whole. We’re proud their team represents our commercial playground equipment, shade sails and splash pad solutions in Washington and Northern Idaho.”
The company is renowned for developing long-term relationships and collaborating with customers to bring their design ideas to life. Additionally, PlayCreation is known for delivering high-quality service throughout the life of the playground, splash pad and commercial shade structure. The team goes the extra mile for their customers and has fun while doing it.
“We couldn’t have done it without our customers,” said John Mullan, president of PlayCreation. “We’re fortunate to be living in these times. Our job continues to get cooler because we’re helping communities throughout the area create fantastic playgrounds.”
Imagine integrated ramps, belting and berms connecting kids of all abilities to all levels—from the ground all the way to the tower tops. Or winding walking paths that unite multiple play areas with a fitness course to multigenerational family fun. It’s an inclusive playground design dream.
Well-designed play brings everyone together. It’s why landscape architects and playground designers are constantly creating wildly original and wondrous kid-centric worlds. Bring your community together, by design, and play! View the virtual publication and request a copy of the 2023 PLAY Book.
We build unique play value into each inclusive playground design by incorporating moments of landscape play that provides multiple options for a child’s next move. Or featuring creative designs that help playgrounds blend into—or stand out from—their surroundings. View all of the unique designs of the 2023 PLAY Book in the video below.
Playgrounds and outdoor play do so much more than expend a child’s excess energy. Playing on a playground teaches children self-regulation, how to handle stressful situations, and increase self-confidence and self-esteem. Including adventure-filled playground designs that test and challenge children of all ages and abilities increases these benefits.
We are aware of the importance of designing challenge into our playground products as well as overall playground environments. Our team of playground designers, conceptors, sculptors and artists work with clients to create playgrounds that offer exciting and challenging play activities to not only entice children to participate and be active but help them to fully develop a wide array of skills.
Creating adventure-filled play experiences
The best way to create adventure-filled play experiences for kids of all ages and abilities is to look for playground designs that encourage the progression of the play experience. Playground towers like the Alpha® Tower and Alpha Link® Towers, Super Netplex®, PlayOdyssey® Tower or custom options like the Hedra® Towers all offer a variety of ground-level play components, plus deliver multiple climbing opportunities that take kids as high as they’d like as well as slide options along the way. Each of these playground towers help kids gain confidence through repeated and slow exposure to new challenges.
Additionally, the Super Netplex provides an inclusive play experience with an easy way to transfer and an accessible route to the top of the highest tower via its center spiral belting. Kids of all abilities can enjoy the view, hang out with friends and take whooshy rides down one of the playground slides.
The research shows that if children are not provided with challenging play opportunities they may be more prone to problems such as mental health concerns, a lack of independence, and a decrease in learning, perception and judgment skills. Learn more about how to create adventure-filled playground designs using our various playground towers at playlsi.com. And learn more about balancing safety and challenge in playground design by requesting our whitepaper.
Our inclusive playground design philosophy at Landscape Structures is heavily influenced by the tenets of Universal Design. It is a theory of design that strives to make environments more usable, safer and healthier for all. This philosophy has been part of our commitment to inclusion since co-founder, Steve King, was appointed to the Federal Access Board’s Recreation Access Advisory Committee in 1993.
Universal Design sets us up for equity, which is a step above equality. Equality gives everyone the same treatment whereas equity ensures success and opportunity to all. So Universal Design goes beyond providing everyone the access to an even playing field… it delivers a chance to thrive in it.
Universal design simply means that it’s for everyone. Young, old, all levels of ability status, parents with a stroller, individuals that refuse to make two trips carrying the groceries inside… everyone. In theory, it should just be called design.
Equitable Use. The design is useful to people with diverse abilities
This is about as many people as possible being able to use a product in a really similar way. This is stuff like poured-in-place surfacing or turf with seamless transitions. People using mobility devices could roll on it as smoothly as non-users could walk on it. The We-Go-Round®, We-Go-Swing® and Sway Fun® glider are examples of playground components that fit this category.
Flexibility in Use. The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities giving users a choice in how they engage each activity
Flexibility in use offers choice to users, and a great example of this is the We-Go-Round. Individuals in wheelchairs can roll on and stay in their chairs or choose to transfer to the seat. They have and choice and can participate in whatever way they feel most comfortable. Other examples include the elevated sand table at different heights and multiple types of playground swings with unitary surfacing paths. It also includes having seating, sinks, hand dryers and adult-sized changing tables throughout the space, catering to various body heights and types for flexible comfort.
Simple and Intuitive Use: Use of the design is easy to understand regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills or current concentration level
If an individual sees a drum, they know what to do with it. If they see the OmniSpin® Spinner, they know where to push it to make it go. It doesn’t cause stress or complications trying to figure it out. There is a desire to provide challenge to kids within a play space, but if the intent of the component is to spin, they should be able to figure that out quickly.
Perceptible Information: The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities
Symbol communication signs are a great tool to help all users communicate effectively while visiting parks and playgrounds. If there’s information people need to know or be able to communicate, it falls under this category. Lots of words are often used to communicate “no eating,” and can easily be understood with a little circle crossing out food. It’s a more universal method of communication that more people can understand. Additionally, using color contrast and textures provide cues on changes in elevation, alert individuals to busier areas and much more.
Tolerance for Error. The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions
With this design principal, planners discuss boundary fencing as a way to keep kids safe and contained on the playground. Another example is incorporating barriers on a commercial playground structure to reduce the chances of a child falling off it. Additionally, mixed safety surfacing like engineered wood fiber (EWF) combined with rubber should be well-maintained to prevent hazardous drop-offs. When accommodating wheelchairs under play equipment, ensure that the surfacing extends beneath the front wheels to prevent tipping forward.
Low Physical Effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably
Anything that keeps user more comfortable for longer, is considered low physical effort. Commercial shade structures, and gradual, low grade are two big topics to consider. Additionally, consider swing seat choices as well as those for the ZipKrooz®. With the Molded Bucket Seat the kids that fatigue more quickly can still get that zooming sensation, but in a less-demanding reclined position.
Size and Space for Approach and Use: Appropriate size and space are provided for approach, reach, manipulation and use regardless of user’s body size, posture or mobility
This principal gives people the chance to move around comfortably. A standard 36-inch wide sidewalk leaves no room for movement alongside a 26-inch wide wheelchair. Wider paths benefit not only wheelchair users, but also those with service dogs, canes, or someone deaf or hard of hearing. The same theory goes for double-wide ramps and activity panels on the playground. Is there room for someone to push up to and play with it? Or if a wheelchair user is engaging with something, is there enough room for others to get around the chair?
Through Universal Design, we increase access, safety, comfort and social participation within all our play environments. This process creates a strong foundation for inclusive playground design that ultimately results in a place where all can play, learn and grow together. Learn more about our commitment to inclusive play at playlsi.com, or by contacting your local playground consultant.
In the U.S., we don’t always grasp that most of us will experience aging and varying abilities. The design of our public spaces often reflects that lack of understanding. Not everyone can easily navigate and use these spaces, including the veterans who serve our country and return home with a disability or change in ability.
Ingrid Kanics
However, there are bold minds who do consider the full range of ability in our society—and how we can build environments where everyone thrives. Army veteran Ingrid Kanics is one of these people.
Ingrid uses the World Health Organization’s definition of disability: “the interaction between individuals with a health condition and personal and environmental factors (e.g. negative attitudes, inaccessible transportation and public buildings, and limited social supports).”
In other words, disability is not an individual’s problem—it’s about how they are supported as they engage with the world. Ingrid helps people of all ages and abilities transcend barriers and build healthier lives by creating inclusive indoor and outdoor spaces where everyone can play.
The founder and owner of Kanics Inclusive Design Services, LLC, Ingrid is a powerhouse who combines a wide range of personal experiences and interests: a Master of Occupational Therapy and Master of Interior Architecture; a deep understanding of sensory play; a never-waning sense of wonder and curiosity.
At 29, however, Ingrid was on a different path, joining the Army with plans to train as a physical therapist and help soldiers rehabilitate. Everything changed when she sustained a profound injury to her spinal cord during basic training.
After emergency surgery and 18 months in rehab, Ingrid learned to walk again, but when she shifted her professional focus to occupational therapy, she truly found her stride. She decided to go “bimobile,” using a wheelchair part-time to manage her energy more efficiently. She became more active and started playing sports again.
During this time, Ingrid was working in maintenance at a sensory integration clinic. As she cleaned and organized the clinic, she got to know the children and families in treatment and developed a deep empathy for them. Her conversations and observations helped build a foundation for her future.
Ingrid earned her first master’s and worked with Pittsburgh’s Center for Creative Play before founding her consulting business in 2010. One of her first consultant roles came with Landscape Structures.
We-Go-Swing™
On projects with Landscape Structures, Ingrid collaborates throughout the product development process with everyone from engineers to the sales team. She prioritizes several factors. First, are they meeting an unfilled need? Before the team developed the We-Go Swing™, for example, there were extremely limited swing options that allow children and adults of all abilities to join and actively contribute to the play experience.
She also considers inclusivity and how products support different populations. In her occupational therapy role, Ingrid has worked with kids with a variety of health conditions and sensory needs. She thinks about how each kid would benefit from a new product, along with other kids of varying abilities, with a consistent goal of creating inclusive play spaces where kids of all abilities can interact face-to-face.
At Landscape Structures, Ingrid has been involved from the ground up with what she calls the “We” Collection, which includes the We-Go-Swing as well as an inclusive see-saw (the We-Saw™) that is easier to access and offers space in the middle for kids who want less movement. It also includes the We-Go-Round™, a modern take on a merry-go-round, that has room for kids and adults using mobility devices and allows them to help support motion.
All three elements are about cooperation, socialization and working together to have fun. And, all allow parents, grandparents and other adults with disabilities to play with their children. That’s important to Ingrid, who’s always thinking about Wounded Warriors who come home and want to remain vital members of their communities. Her life and experiences give her a firsthand understanding of the desire to stay involved and the vitality we all have to offer—and her work helps people live more fully, one play experience at a time.
Tap into Ingrid’s experiences and expertise! She’s available to present sessions about inclusion, inclusive play space design, multigenerational design and evidence-based playground design to your community or organization. Browse our education offerings, and schedule one today.
