Elevating education: Celebrating assistant principals and enriching playgrounds

Elm Grove Elementary School, Texas

Celebrating the pillars of our educational community, particularly assistant principals, is more than a gesture—it’s a commitment to acknowledging the foundational role they play in our schools. We’re proud of our 15-year partnership with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) through which we partner with these educational professionals to promote healthy children, successful futures and encourage a place where children of all abilities can play, learn and grow together. We’re also excited to continue our sponsorship of its National Outstanding Assistant Principals® (NOAP) Program. This initiative shines a light on the extraordinary efforts of assistant principals across the nation, recognizing their dedication and the positive impacts they have within their school communities. See the Class of 2024 National Outstanding Assistant Principals.

Celebrating the 2024 National Outstanding Assistant Principals

Our commitment to enhancing the educational environment extends beyond accolades. Understanding the critical importance of play in child development, we also focus on the role of school playgrounds. These spaces are not just areas for recess, they are vital for encouraging physical activity, fostering social skills and enhancing cognitive development. Research underscores the significance of outdoor physical activity, not only for children’s health but also for their academic and social progress. Creating age-appropriate and developmentally suitable playgrounds is pivotal in ensuring that children receive the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity daily, as suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To support this vision, we work with schools to bring these playground projects to fruition so children can thrive both inside and outside the classroom. For more detailed insights on planning and implementing school playgrounds, go here. Then contact your local Landscape Structures playground consultant to get started on designs for your upcoming playground projects today.

The advantages of including playground spinners in your play space design

Playground spinners are a remarkable enhancement to any outdoor recreational area. They offer a multitude of benefits for children across all age groups. The key benefits of integrating playground spinners into your play space include the following:

  • Boosts balance and coordination skills: Playground spinners present an exceptional opportunity for children to enhance their balance and coordination skills. The act of spinning requires children to maintain their center of gravity and modify their body movements, developing their motor skills and body control.
  • Encourages social interaction and teamwork: Many spinners on the playground are designed to accommodate multiple children simultaneously to promote social interaction and teamwork. This encourages essential social skills such as collaboration, sharing and turn-taking.
  • Offers sensory stimulation and vestibular development: Spinners provide a thrilling sensory experience. The spinning motion stimulates kids’ vestibular systems, which aids in balance, spatial orientation and sensory processing. This sensory stimulation contributes to a child’s overall sensory integration.

Browse our selection today and offer children the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of playground spinners.

Choosing the ideal playground spinner

Selecting the right spinners for your play environment demands thoughtful consideration of the needs of your children and their safety. Here are some factors to keep in mind when making your decision:

  • Age Appropriateness and Safety Guidelines: First, factor in the age range of the children who will be using the spinner. Playground spinners are typically designed with specific age groups in mind, so it’s crucial to choose one that suits your user’s ages. Furthermore, adhere to the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer to ensure safe usage of the spinner.
  • Space Requirements and Installation Options: Before choosing a playground spinner, work with your playground designer to assess the available space in your playground. They will help ensure there is enough room for children to use the spinners safely. Additionally, consider the installation options. Some spinners require concrete footings, while others can be surface-mounted, which may offer flexibility in placement.
  • Explore Various Spinner Designs and Features: Playground spinners come in a variety of designs and offer different features to enhance the play experience. Spend time exploring the options available to find one that suits your community’s needs. Consider features like transfer points, high-backed seats and speed limiters to ensure an inclusive play experience for individuals of all abilities.

We offer a broad range of playground spinners that prioritize safety, inclusivity and fun. Our spinners are engineered to meet the highest safety standards and deliver endless entertainment for children of all abilities.

Establishing safe spinning environments

Safety should always be paramount when it comes to playground design. Creating a safe play environment involves several key steps to ensure children can enjoy hours of fun on playground spinners and all the other play components.

First and foremost, it is essential to ensure proper surfacing and impact attenuation around all play equipment. For spinners in particular, the area surrounding the component should have a suitable surface to absorb impact and minimize injuries in case of falls. Regularly inspect the surfacing to ensure it remains in good condition and promptly address any issues.

In addition to surfacing, regular inspection and maintenance of spinning play equipment is critical. This includes checking for any signs of wear, loose bolts or broken components. Regular maintenance helps identify potential hazards and ensures playground spinners remain in optimal working condition.

Finally, educating children on safe play practices is crucial. Teach them to use spinners responsibly like sitting or kneeling instead of standing when appropriate, and not overcrowding the equipment. Encourage children to take turns and be aware of their surroundings. By instilling these safe play practices, you can help all users at the playground prevent accidents.

Learn more about the benefits of playground spinners, and contact your local Landscape Structures playground consultant to get started on a play space design that incorporates our high-quality, safe and inclusive spinners.

Playground Swings: The perfect addition to your play space

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.

Wrapping up 2023: Our top 5 blog posts of the year!

As we bid adieu to 2023, it’s time to look back and celebrate our journey together. From innovative playsystems to empowering movements, each moment was a story worth telling. A huge shout-out to our fantastic customers, incredible playground consultants and dedicated employees… you’re the real MVPs! Let’s dive into our top playground blogs of 2023 that captured your hearts and imaginations this year:

The contemporary new anywhere playsystem

We kicked off the year with a bang, introducing the Forma playsystem. Perfect for any space, Forma redefines versatility with its a modern twist on play that’s been a hit among communities.

Play Connects Us

The magic of play

Who said magic was just for fairytales? Our new video for 2023 shared how play sparks imagination and creativity in kids, making every playground visit a magical adventure.

Sand + Water Play

Educational playground designs: Enhancing play and learning by incorporating educational elements in playground equipment

This spring, we explored how playgrounds can be more than fun – they’re learning hubs! With clever designs, playtime can be turned into an educational experience.

Playground Maintenance Tips

Five tips to keep your playgrounds in top shape

It’s important to us to that your playground stay safe and fun for everyone. That’s why we shared our top maintenance tips to show that a little care goes a long way to ensure years of safe play.

Disability Pride

Empowering Disability Pride: Taking back the language that defines us

July is Disability Pride Month, and we embraced the power of language and inclusion with a blog post from our inclusive play specialist, Jill Moore. Not only are we committed to celebrating disability pride, but advocating for more inclusive play spaces.

Each of these posts represents a piece of our shared journey in 2023. We’re grateful for your engagement, feedback and stories that continue to inspire us. Here’s to more playful adventures in 2024!

Five tips to keep your playgrounds in top shape

Commercial playground equipment is an investment that brings joy and play opportunities to children. To ensure its longevity and safety, regular maintenance is crucial. Explore five playground maintenance tips below to help you keep your playgrounds in top shape.

Inspect and Clean Regularly: Perform routine inspections to identify any signs of wear, loose bolts or damage. Clean the equipment regularly to remove dirt, debris and potential hazards. This not only enhances the appearance but also prevents corrosion and extends the lifespan of the equipment.

Address Repairs Promptly: Don’t delay repairs when issues are identified. Attend to loose parts, broken components or damaged surfacing immediately. Timely repairs prevent further damage and minimize potential safety risks. Keep a record of repairs and create a schedule for regular maintenance tasks. Learn how to do this by scheduling a Learning Academy session about Maintaining Safe Play Environments.

Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for playground maintenance tips or instructions specific to your playground equipment. Adhering to these guidelines ensures that you’re using the appropriate cleaning agents, tools and techniques for your equipment. It also helps preserve any warranties that may be in place.

Educate Users and Supervise: Educate playground users including children and caregivers on the proper use and care of the equipment. Encourage safe play practices and discourage behaviors that could lead to damage or injury. Additionally, having vigilant supervision can help identify any misuse or potential hazards quickly.

These tips for maintaining your playgrounds will help ensure its longevity, safety and continued enjoyment for children. A well-maintained playground not only provides a safe environment for play but also reflects your commitment to the well-being and enjoyment of the children who use it. Learn more about maintaining your Landscape Structures playground and contact your local playground consultant today.

    Delivering adventure with playground towers

    Playground Park play towers

    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.

    Highland recreation complex hedra towers

    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.

    Welcoming and supporting all with Universal Design

    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.

    Our team of designers, engineers and inclusive play experts follow the Seven Principles of Universal 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.

    Return to play

    During the global pandemic, children and families have been eagerly waiting to get outside and back to the playground. And as many communities reopen their parks and playgrounds, we’re here to support you in your efforts to Play Healthy™. That’s why we’ve pulled together resources from our partners, which provide guidance to ensure the reopening of play spaces is done safely and swiftly. Additionally, city leaders will find product offerings to support their efforts of keeping the community healthy.

    There’s a lot of information out there about reopening playgrounds, so we’ve curated some of the key resources released by our partners including KABOOM!, NRPA and NAESP. Here you’ll find actionable guidelines for returning to play equitably, a webinar on safely reopening play spaces, as well as tips, best practices and professional resources for park and school professionals. And if you’re at home for distance learning or other reasons, we’ve pulled together innovative ideas for kids and families to stay active and playing.

    In addition to the above resources for reopening playgrounds, we have product offerings to support your community’s health:

    • Return to play safely with the new Play Healthy Hand Sanitizer Station! With this ADA-compliant Sanitizer Station, all park and playground visitors will have access to hand sanitizer before and after play. In addition to holding up to one gallon of sanitizer to require less frequent reorders from your sanitizer supplier, the graphics on the container can be customized with your logo, tagline or your own pictorial instructions.
    • Remind users how to play safely with our Play Healthy Labels. These tamper-proof labels can be affixed directly to your Landscape Structures playground. Contact your local Landscape Structures playground consultant to request the labels, and add them to your playground to keep visitors healthy.

    Shaping play experiences in 2020

    Bring your playground vision to life with new playground products offered exclusively from Landscape Structures. Browse the 2020 new products below, then contact us to help you create engaging and educational play experiences that are sure to exceed your community’s expectations.

    Hedra™ for ages 5 to 12

    Hedra™
    The unique geometric configuration and continuous circuits create a hive for exploration among 5- to 12-year-olds.

    Hedra™ Scout for ages 2 to 5

    Hedra Scout
    Developmentally appropriate activities for toddlers and preschoolers populate this geometric playground design.

    Custom Hedra™ Towers for ages 5 to 12

    Hedra Towers
    These custom towers for kids ages 5 to 12 can be configured to include your favorite components and material options.

    SkyWays® Single Post Hypar

    Single Post Hypar
    Maximize relief from the sun and provide open views to surrounding areas with a new shade shape.

    Super Netplex® for ages 5 to 12

    Super Netplex®
    Deliver the most popular Netplex® activities with added height that everyone aged 5 to 12 can enjoy.

    New color palettes

    New Colors
    Three new curated palettes, inspired by colors found in nature, work well with the new Hedra collection because of the unique materials like bamboo and polycarbonate panels found throughout the designs.

    National Water Safety Month 2019

    May 1st kicks off National Water Safety Month 2019! As temperatures climb in many parts of the world, participation in water play increases exponentially. Splash pads, water parks, and pools are a great option to cool down while developing key skills through play. In order to partake in these activities safely, check out these tips from the American Red Cross:

    • Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards
    • Always swim with a buddy
    • If you go boating, wear a life jacket
    • Install and use barriers around your home pool or hot tub
    • Actively supervise children whenever around the water
    • Always stay within arm’s reach of young children and avoid distractions
    • Keep toys not in use away from the water and out of sight
    • Reach or throw aid to distressed swimmers; don’t go

    MN - Delano Splash Pad - 49

    Additional resources for water safety learning can be found through

    The International Swimming Hall of Fame

    Simple Steps Save Lives

    The National Water Safety Month campaign is a joint effort of the American Red Cross, The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, the National Recreation and Park Association and the World Waterpark Association.

    The annual event, which has been in existence for ten years, is designed to help prevent drowning and water-related illness and injuries.

    MN - Delano Splash Pad - 121

    Commit to safety in water play with the “I’m a Safe Swimmer” pledge.

    Go here for more details about National Water Safety Month.