Category Archives: playgrounds

Elevating education: Celebrating assistant principals and enriching playgrounds

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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.

Soar into fun with Volo™: Elevating play with imagination and adventure

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Volo™

We’re excited to introduce Volo™, the latest in the Smart Play® collection. Volo marks a new era of play that melds adventure, imagination and inclusivity for children aged 5 to 12. These innovative playgrounds are designed to encourage limitless adventure and imaginative exploration in a welcoming, inclusive environment.

Volo reimagines the playground experience. There’s an option for integrated shade. Plus, the design of the play-packed structure invites children of all abilities to discover and tailor their unique play styles. These innovative playgrounds balance high-energy fun with calm exploration, making it a perfect fit for parks, schools and neighborhood play areas.

At the core of Volo’s design is the patent-pending LSI Flexx™. Our revolutionary steel-reinforced cable netting serves as a central hub creating a new model for playground access and inclusion. This innovation connects the inner ring of Volo, offering children a spectrum of play sensations. Kids can find tranquility in lounging or exhilaration in bouncing and climbing. Best of all, Volo promotes a seamless transition across activities for endless engagement and discovery.

With 20 interconnected activities, Volo maximizes play value without compromising space. Elements like slack lines, bridges and hangout spots activate every corner of the play area. We offer a wide variety of carefully selected color palettes for Volo, allowing customers to select one so their playground complements the surrounding environment. Or customers can choose colors that reflect their unique vision.

Experience Volo, and see how this playground design elevates imagination, inclusivity and adventure at playlsi.com/volo. Then contact your local Landscape Structures playground consultant to get started on your Volo playground project today.

Exploring the future of play: Our exciting 2024 catalogs

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At Landscape Structures, our commitment to play is not just a profession… it’s a passion. We understand that play is more than just fun—it’s an essential part of growth, learning and community. As we step into 2024, we’re thrilled to unveil our latest offerings that embody this spirit. Check out our 2024 playground equipment catalogs, where innovation meets imagination, and every design is a doorway to adventure.

Our 2024 Playground Equipment Catalog: A world of play awaits

2024 Playground Equipment Catalog | Landscape Structures

Imagine a playground that not only captivates children’s imaginations but also nurtures their growth. That’s the vision behind our 2024 Playground Equipment Catalog. Packed with groundbreaking innovations like Volo™ and eye-catching designs, our catalog is a treasure trove for anyone looking to create or enhance a play environment.

From freestanding play components that challenge and delight, to outdoor fitness equipment that brings communities together, we’ve thought of everything. See our digital catalog for a burst of inspiration for your next playground project, and don’t forget to request a physical copy to keep the ideas flowing!

SkyWays® Shade Products: Your oasis of comfort

2024 SkyWays® Commercial Shade Products

Sunshine and play go hand in hand, but comfort is key. That’s where our SkyWays® Shade Products come in. Our 2024 catalog showcases a wide range of stylish, effective shade systems that are perfect for transforming any playstructure, splash pad or activity area into a cool, welcoming oasis.

Whether you’re envisioning a modest canopy or an expansive shelter, our catalog presents a variety of options to suit your needs. Browse our virtual catalog to explore the possibilities, and request a copy to start planning your shade projects with confidence.

Aquatix®: Splash into imagination

2024 Aquatix® Splash Play Catalog

Water play is an exhilarating way for children to explore, create and learn. Our Aquatix® splash play line does just that by blending water and imagination to create unforgettable experiences. The 2024 Aquatix catalog is a splash of inspiration featuring products that promise thrilling water adventures and imaginative play.

Explore our digital catalog to discover the endless possibilities for your water play destination. Whether you’re planning a new splash pad or revitalizing an existing space, our catalog is your first step towards a splashtastic project. Request your copy today and let the waves of creativity take you on an unforgettable journey.

Building better play for all

We don’t just create play environments, we craft spaces where memories are made, skills are developed and communities come together. Our 2024 catalogs are more than just collections of products—they are invitations to join us in a world where play is a path to a brighter, happier future.

Let’s build this world together—one playground, one splash pad and one shade structure at a time. Welcome to our world of play, where every day is an opportunity to make a difference.

Ready to start your journey? Contact your local consultant and let the adventure begin!

Playground Swings: The perfect addition to your play space

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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!

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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!

Celebrating Excellence: General Recreation, Inc. is our 2023 Rep Organization of the Year

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In a world where outdoor play and community spaces take on ever-increasing significance, recognizing those who make these spaces possible is not just necessary, it’s inspiring. That’s why we’re thrilled to spotlight a remarkable achievement in the world of playground and recreational space development. We have named General Recreation, Inc. of Newtown Square, Pa., as the 2023 Rep Organization of the Year.

2023 Rep Organization of the Year

A Testament to Commitment and Impact

This distinction is more than just an award; it’s a testament to General Recreation’s unwavering commitment to the core values and mission of Landscape Structures. Their dedication has significantly impacted communities across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, bringing joy and enrichment to countless lives.

Pat Faust, president of Landscape Structures, explained, “General Recreation has been awarded the 2023 Rep Organization of the Year for their unparalleled commitment to our core values and their extraordinary impact on communities.”

Building Relationships and Championing Innovation

What sets General Recreation apart is not just their adherence to values but also their approach to business. Rooted deeply in fostering long-lasting relationships, they have been a beacon of innovation in the industry. Their team, known for its passion for enhancing children’s lives and expert knowledge, has consistently led as visionaries and leaders in the field.

The relationships established within their team and with their customers are the cornerstone of their success. Known for their loyalty and active participation in state parks and recreation organizations, local ASLA chapters, and school organizations, they extend their warmth and commitment to every client and community they serve.

A Culture of Innovation

Innovation drives General Recreation. The team, an incredibly tight-knit and supportive group, skillfully brings new products, designs, and other innovations to their customers. They ensure that the latest and greatest offerings are available, keeping communities engaged with fresh and exciting play options.

“We are honored to be recognized as the 2023 Rep Organization of the Year,” said Andy Cush, president of General Recreation, Inc. “This award highlights our team’s hard work, dedication and passion. We are most grateful to our customers, whose trust and collaboration have been vital to our success.”

A Long-Standing Partnership

General Recreation’s partnership with Landscape Structures spans nearly four decades, representing a legacy of commitment and excellence. In addition to Landscape Structures playground equipment, they offer SkyWays® shade structures and Aquatix® splash play products.

As one of more than 50 independent sales organizations representing Landscape Structures worldwide, General Recreation’s achievement is particularly noteworthy. They’ve set a high bar for excellence, not just in meeting but exceeding the standards cherished by Landscape Structures.

Their recognition as the 2023 Rep Organization of the Year underscores the importance of dedication, innovation, and community engagement in creating spaces that enrich children’s lives and foster community bonds.

Celebrating General Recreation’s accomplishment reminds us of the power of play and the impact it has on our communities. Here’s to many more years of innovation, excellence, and joyous play for children and communities. Congratulations, General Recreation, and thank you for your exceptional contribution to creating better play spaces and stronger communities.

Partnering to develop the most innovative playground designs

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2024 PLAY Book

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.

Park 596 delivers a labyrinth of play
Shore Front Parkway Beach 98th Street Playground offers an linear design
Libery Park creates a flowy play experience for visitors
The inclusive playground design welcomes all abilities to Village Park All-Children's Play Area
Coachman Park provides an imaginative play experience

Thoughtful and imaginative design has always been central to how we work. Creativity is our playground, and getting to explore ideas that boost the wow factor and inspire kids, well that’s how we play. View the virtual publication and request a copy of the 2024 PLAY Book.

Innovative playground Peachtree Center Town Green
Bohol Circle Immigrant Park delivers an innovative playground
Elm Grove Elementary School offers nature and whimsical playground designs
Muwekma Park creates a natural environment for its innovative playground design
The innovative playground designs of Meadowlark Park.

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.

Supporting Parks and Recreation Professionals with the 15th Annual State Speaker Scholarship Program

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We’re excited to share that we’re standing strong in our support of parks and recreation professionals with the launch of the 15th Annual State Speaker Scholarship program. The 2023-2024 scholarship program is about bringing in amazing keynote speakers—experts in topics like play, inclusion, equity, urban parks planning or any professional development—to state parks and recreation associations’ annual or regional conferences.

So, what’s in it for the lucky recipients of the 2023-2024 scholarship? They will receive $3,000 to support the appearance of these remarkable speakers at the conferences. We’ve increased the parks and recreation speaker scholarship amount to ensure that these conferences are filled with insightful discussions and eye-opening presentations.

The application is open! You can apply for a scholarship until May 31, 2024, to support a brilliant speaker at your conference. Head on over to playlsi.com/speaker-scholarship/ to fill out the application today!

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the impact this scholarship program has made over the years. Since 2009, we’ve awarded 350 scholarships totaling over $867,000 for speakers at national conferences.

It’s time to take action. Apply now to bring an inspiring, challenging speaker to your conference. Head over to playlsi.com/speaker-scholarship/ and fill out that application. This is just one more opportunity to get and stay connected through play and recreation.

Five tips to keep your playgrounds in top shape

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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.