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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
We’re excited to have Jill Moore, inclusive play specialist at Landscape Structures, as our guest blogger today. She’s here to help wrap up Disability Pride Month by discussing the varying language preferences across the disability community.
The language of disability is changing, and the impact of this is so much deeper than it appears. In six years in inclusive play, I’ve carved out a niche in disability advocacy and true inclusion. I’ve grown up with my disability. It’s always been a part of my identity. It defined me and my pursuits, but discussions about it weren’t always positive. I grew up when the Medical Model of disability was mostly used, and people referred to me as someone that needed to be “fixed.” At that time, it was the individual with the disability that was the problem, not the environment or the society we live in. Recently, the disability community has shifted away from this mindset, actively reframing our language to show disability pride.
Avoiding disability to comfort others
I remember the first time I told someone I was disabled, or rather, when someone first told me it wasn’t okay. Around kindergarten age, another student asked me why I was using crutches. I cheerfully explained that I was disabled and used crutches to move around and play with my friends. His mother quickly became flustered and told me, “You shouldn’t call yourself that! You’re not disabled, you’re handi-capable!” My kid-brain didn’t know what to make of this proclamation, but afterwards, I stopped calling myself disabled. I was told being disabled was bad and I needed to be more able. That impacted how I viewed myself into my late 20s. I avoided ‘disabled’ to comfort others, not for myself.
I had never viewed my disability as a bad thing. It is a part of who I am, so why should that be something to shy away from? I remember when I got my first wheelchair. It was so exciting! Finally, I had a tool that would allow me to go faster, keep pace with my friends and not tire so quickly. But so many people in my life—adults and friends—would say things like, “Your wheelchair isn’t permanent is it?” or “You’re still going to try to walk, aren’t you?” As if I needed to find a way to explain away my wheelchair and the needs that came with my disability.
I’d hear the words “adapt and overcome” all the time, and that was how I learned to feel about my disability. I should adapt to the world around me instead of making the world inclusive. Society taught me to hide my disability, comfort others about it, and overcome rather than celebrate it.
This view had even seeped into the media. We didn’t isolate the Medical Model of disability to a few conversations; it was all around us. In ‘Avatar’, the wheelchair-using protagonist sought to erase his disability, influencing our views.
Learning acceptance through inclusive play
Entering the world of inclusive play introduced me to the Social Model of disability. In this space, someone first told me that my abilities weren’t the problem, but the designed environment should accommodate me. Exploring the social model of disability, I realized my abilities and needs weren’t the problem. I began to find myself frustrated with person-first language (i.e. person with a disability). Wasn’t this essentially saying that the disability facet of our identity had to come second? If I had to use language to separate myself from my disability trait, then that trait suggests a negative. It was within the learning space of inclusion that I discovered identity-first language (i.e. disabled person).
I’m proud to say we are pushing to take our words back, and be confident in our disability pride. Within the disability community, you might hear us using identity-first language. We prioritize our identity label as it’s a key part of who we are. You may hear the word “disabled person,” and that’s okay. Some may identify as Blind or Deaf, and neither is negative. You may see media campaigns surrounding the changing language. You may even still hear disabled individuals using person-first language. All of that is okay, too.
The point is that it’s our choice. Able-bodied individuals no longer own the conversation space about what we should be called. It’s nothing about us, without us. The social model means that we don’t have to be fixed or changed. We don’t need to change to fit a preset mold of disability; we aren’t the problem. Differing abilities are all of us. And we get to be proud of that.
Playgrounds offer learning and growth opportunities, not just fun and physical activity. Incorporate educational elements into your playground designs to foster cognitive, social and physical development. Explore some effective ways to infuse educational playground designs into your school, childcare or community playgrounds below.
Themed Playground Structures
Consider incorporating educational playground design themes into the design of your playground environment. Whether it’s a nature-inspired structure or a space-themed play area, themed elements can spark children’s imagination and encourage imaginative play. Themed playground components like climbing walls resembling mountains and entire structures offer endless learning possibilities.
Alphabet and Number Panels
Integrate alphabet and number panels into your playground. These play panels, installed on walls or integrated into climbing structures, help children learn letters and numbers as they play. Encourage interactive learning by incorporating sensory elements, such as different textures and braille.
Musical Play Equipment
Including musical elements like our Rhapsody® Outdoor Musical Instruments in your playground can enhance auditory skills and creativity. Install a selection of chimes, metallophones and drums to engage children in musical exploration. These features encourage collaboration, rhythm recognition and the development of fine motor skills.
Science and Nature Zones
Create dedicated spaces where children can explore scientific concepts and nature. Incorporate planters for gardening, sensory paths for tactile experiences and weather stations to teach about climate. By encouraging hands-on learning, you can foster curiosity and a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Sensory Play Stations
Incorporate sensory play elements into your playground design. Sand play like fossil digs, water play areas, and interactive sensory walls stimulate children’s senses and promote cognitive development. Sensory play encourages problem-solving, fine motor skills and social interaction.
Storytelling and Reading Nooks
Designate areas for storytelling and reading within the playground. Install benches, small libraries or even mini amphitheaters where children can gather for storytime. We also love incorporating Talking is Teaching panels from Too Small to Fail into the playground design. Story trails along a walking path also encourage children and caregivers to talk, read and sing with each other. Encouraging literacy in a playful environment fosters a love for reading and language development.
Incorporating educational elements into your community, childcare and school playground designs create an enriching play space for children. Themed playstructures, alphabet panels and outdoor musical instruments are a few examples of how to infuse learning opportunities into the playground. Remember to consider age-appropriate designs and create an inclusive play environment that caters to children of all abilities. The combination of play and education will not only ignite children’s creativity and curiosity, but also provide a foundation for their lifelong love of learning.
2022 has been an amazing year… filled with great people, designs and products. See the best of 2022 Landscape Structures in the form of our most-read blog posts.
3. A cost-effective, simple approach to building community splash pads Our AquaSmart™ Packages are self-contained splash pads that are powered by HydroLogix®, which eliminates the need for costly electrical installation and allows you to install one just about anywhere.
4. Delivering adventure with playground towers 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.
5. Welcoming and supporting all with Universal Design Our design philosophy at Landscape Structures is heavily influenced by the tenets of Universal Design, a theory of design that strives to make environments more usable, safer and healthier for all.
Thank you for tuning in to Together We Play in 2022. We’re looking forward to an exciting year of play; tell us below what you’d like to see more of in 2023 and we’ll do our best to share it here.
Modern day merry-go-rounds attract kids of all ages and abilities. But why are kids so fascinated with spinning activities? Because it’s one of the core movements that engages the vestibular system. When a child twists and turns on playground spinners their brain receives signals to help control movement and balance. Even more, playground spinners offer developmental benefits including social and cooperative play.
We understand that kids discover their world and how to be successful in it through sensory play. And the more sensory-rich play experiences kids are presented with, the more they can fully develop a wide array of skills necessary to engage, change and impact the world around them.
Adding multi-user playground spinners to playground designs is a great way to expand play spaces and freshen up the play experience. Best of all, while kids whirl and twirl their day away, they’re receiving developmental benefits like building an array of motor, cognitive and social/emotional skills.
Try placing one spinner or multiple together to create a play zone filled with thrilling experiences that are great for kids of all ages and abilities. The Revi™ products including the ReviRock™ Bouncer, ReviWheel™ Spinner and ReviWhirl™ Spinner are a great option for this. Designed with inclusion in mind, all three Revi products are designed at transfer height, offer multiple ways to hang on, and provide plenty of room for kids of all abilities to lay down, sit, kneel or stand as they experiment with the motion.
When children play together, they develop in ways that they couldn’t alone. That’s why we develop multi-user spinners that combine the sensory input of spinning and social interaction among peers. Even better, many of these products like the We-Go-Round®, OmniSpin® Spinner and WhirlyQ® Spinner are inclusive to individuals of all ages and abilities.
Learn more about how certain types of play may shape children’s development by requesting our whitepaper, Shaped by Play: How Play Types Impact Development. Our observational research with the University of Minnesota examines whether certain types of developmentally significant play are best supported by certain playground components.
Children of all abilities in Minnesota and Florida will soon have all-inclusive playgrounds at parks in their communities to play on thanks to their local Kiwanis clubs. The Albert Lea Noon Kiwanis Club in Albert Lea, Minn., and the Kiwanis Club of South Lake in Clermont, Fla., are co-winners of the ninth annual Legacy of Play contest, sponsored by Kiwanis International and Landscape Structures Inc. Each Kiwanis club will receive US$25,000 in inclusive playground equipment.
The inclusive playground design of the Albert Lea Noon Kiwanis Club
The vision behind Albert Lea Noon Kiwanis Club’s winning project
Albert Lea, Minn., about 90-miles south of the Twin Cities, is home to nearly 20,000 people. And while the city has many great parks and playgrounds, none provided children of all abilities a place to play together. After learning of a parent group working to bring an inclusive playground to their community, the Albert Lea Noon Kiwanis Club committed to helping. The vision for the inclusive playground is for children of all abilities to play side-by-side with their peers, deliver a rich, sensory environment that encourages children to grow and learn at their own pace, and allow everyone to access every point of the space.
Kiwanis Club of South Lake’s inclusive playground design
Helping children feel like champions with an all-inclusive playground project
The City of Clermont, Fla., a community just 22-miles west of Orlando, is known for being home to the United States Triathlon National Training Center. With the city motto being “Choice of Champions,” the Kiwanis Club of South Lake felt they needed to help children of all abilities feel like champions on the playground with an inclusive playground, which had been lacking in the community. Kiwanis and community members envision children of all abilities and their families easily accessing the playground as well as freestanding playground components like the We-Go-Round®, plus there will be activities that enhance sensory, cognitive, motor, social and emotional skills through sensory play panels and Rhapsody® Outdoor Musical Instruments.
Both clubs saw an outpouring of community support for the projects from the beginning, but particularly when it came time for the public vote on Facebook. Additionally, both clubs are working closely with their Cities as well as have other strong partnerships with community organizations to ensure that the all-inclusive playgrounds are installed and ready for children by 2024.
This year marks the ninth year of the contest sponsored by Kiwanis and Landscape Structures. The contest aims to inspire Kiwanians to bring play and playgrounds to their communities, providing a legacy of play for future generations.
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.
