Be Amazing.

Posted on January 18, 2018 by PlayLSI

Kids play. It’s a simple thing to do. A way to pass the time, let off some steam. To us, play is so much more. It’s a trial run of adulthood. A way for kids to discover and practice all the skills they’ll need in the future. Leadership, persistence, empathy, courage. Play is amazing because it shapes kids for tomorrow. So for a better tomorrow, we play today.

You’ll find everything you need to complete your play environment. From new products to featured designs, individual components and fitness equipment, we’ll ensure your playground is everything you imagine and more. Browse our virtual 2018 Playground Equipment Catalog, then request a copy.

Give kids and families much-needed heat and sun protection while visiting any play, rest or activity area. However much shade you’re looking for, SkyWays® shade products have you covered. Browse our virtual publication, then request a copy of the 2018 SkyWays Shade Products Catalog.

Invite individuals of all ages and abilities to immerse themselves in the brilliance of an Aquatix water experience. See how Aquatix moves graceful aqua play experiences well beyond a fun way to cool off. Browse the 2018 Aquatix Catalog, then request a copy.

The best of 2017

Posted on January 4, 2018 by PlayLSI

You came. You read. And now we’re sharing our five most read blog posts of 2017.

Decline in children’s play time shown in new study
According to our recent poll, more than half of parents think that children today have fewer opportunities for play than children 20 years ago.
Five considerations for your toddler and preschool playgrounds
To help you create a dream playground for your daycare or preschool that focuses on toddlers’ developmental needs in mind, we created a fun infographic.
Exciting, new products for your 2017 playground designs
We introduced exciting new commercial playground products—GeoPlex™, Nook, Loft and more—to help create playground designs that shape kids’ lives.
A fresh look for your playground
Add a cool aesthetic (and an extra layer of protection) to your playground that will look great in any environment—urban, sculptural, modern, industrial—with the new HDG Series!
Exploring nature on the playground
There are myriad benefits to kids playing outdoors. That’s why we design nature-inspired playground equipment that helps connect kids to the natural world.

Thank you for tuning in to Together We Play in 2017. We’re looking forward to an exciting year of play; tell us below what you’d like to see more of in 2018 and we’ll do our best to share it here.

Happy Holidays

Posted on December 21, 2017 by PlayLSI

At this special time of year, we’d like to thank you for collaborating with us. Together we’re creating more than just playgrounds. We’re creating opportunities for imagination. Opportunities for children and families to celebrate each other… similarities and differences. Together, we’re helping build the leaders of tomorrow.

Thank you for all you do to create the next generation of great citizens.

For a better tomorrow, we play today.

Invigorated because of play

Posted on December 14, 2017 by PlayLSI

We were proud to offer the Nebraska Recreation & Parks Association (NeRPA) a Speaker Scholarship for the 2017 State Conference to support its members’ professional development. Today, we’re happy to have Amanda English, recreation supervisor for City of Omaha Parks & Recreation, as our guest blogger sharing how she’s #shapedbyplay.

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Let your imagination soar

Posted on December 7, 2017 by PlayLSI

Is your head in the clouds when it comes to unique design?

Perfect. We can help you shape sky-high visions into just-right solutions.

From playful post toppers to concrete-sculpted climbers and colorful palettes to DigiFuse® panels, we can help you turn sky-high ideas into amazing realities. Let’s collaborate.

Request your copy of the 2018 PLAY Book, or browse the virtual PLAY Book. And to see these amazing playground designs in action, watch our video below.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XlEBFdMA-c]

Helping create memories

Posted on November 16, 2017 by PlayLSI

We were proud to offer the New Hampshire Recreation & Park Association (NHRPA) a Speaker Scholarship for the 2017 State Conference to support its members’ professional development. Today, we’re happy to have Greg Bisson, assistant director for Exeter Parks and Recreation, as our guest blogger discussing how NHRPA and its members are enhancing children’s lives through play.

New Hampshire Recreation and Park Association is made up of municipal park and recreation professionals whose purpose is to promote and advocate the development and administration of recreation and park services through educational sessions, meetings, seminars, and conferences to improve recreation and park activities and facilities in New Hampshire. These support and training opportunities help members develop the skills necessary to enhance children’s lives through play.

Our members continued pursuit of improving the quality of life for children is a staple of our organization. Three pillars—programs, facilities and community—help shape the lives of children. Without programs and facilities, the children in New Hampshire would be hard-pressed to find a safe environment in which to participate. The rural landscape with a few urban centers makes our state difficult to navigate children’s recreation. However, our determined professionals find ways to connect children and families and create community. Our members practice what they preach; they work hard and play harder, and enjoy all of what New Hampshire has to offer. While our state is unique geographically—the ocean, mountains and large cities are just a short drive away—our members continue to find new ways to enjoy our region and promote all it has to offer.

During our state conference, Keynote Speaker Steve Maguire brought his passion for recreation, especially summer camps. After a long summer, our members needed someone to recharge their batteries. And Steve did exactly that! His passion along with his expertise gave members the lift they needed. He challenged us to be better at our jobs, and encouraged us to strive to be memorable. This is what all parks and recreation professionals need to do. Help children and families create memories.

Taking #shapedbyplay on the road

Posted on October 26, 2017 by PlayLSI

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: We are all shaped by play. We feel so strongly about this message that we took it on the road to the 2017 NRPA Annual Conference in New Orleans and ASLA Annual Meeting in Los Angeles.

Our booth spaces at both shows perfectly illustrated how we are all shaped by play. From showcasing those three words front and center to the photos of kids on our playground equipment, shade structures and aqua play products, the tree featuring artwork from local school kids and fun swag, we encouraged all visitors to consider how they were shaped by play.

Continue to share how you’re shaped by play and how you’re helping to build the leaders of tomorrow through play using #shapedbyplay. For a little inspiration, check out our video below.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3878sEXPuVE]

Elevate the excitement

Posted on October 12, 2017 by PlayLSI

On our many trips to the playground, we observed kids shouting “Higher! Higher!” And well, we’ve delivered.

Kids can now climb up, up, up our five new modern and curvy climbers to reach the top of the playstructure. More than delivering thrilling challenge to 5- to 12-year-olds, the 8-foot climbers encourage kids to invent new ways to go across, through, under and over.

Even better, we have an equally thrilling way for kids to get back down to the ground! Three elevated slides continue the breathtaking excitement.

See all of the new climbers and slides here, and get started on a playground design that encourages kids to reach new heights.

NDRPA and its members are shaping lives through play

Posted on October 5, 2017 by PlayLSI

We were proud to offer the North Dakota Recreation & Park Association (NDRPA) a Speaker Scholarship for the 2017 State Conference to support its members’ professional development. Today, we’re happy to have Kelly Churchill, marketing specialist at the Mandan Park District, as our guest blogger discussing how NDRPA and it’s members are helping build the leaders of tomorrow.

NDRPA members are shaping the lives of kids through play by providing recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities to promote a healthy lifestyle. Park districts across the state offer something for everyone in the community whether it is youth or adult programs, parks and shelters, facilities, aquatics or events! We continue to shape lives by improving the quality of life for all citizens of North Dakota.

Mandan’s Universal Playground is a destination place for its community members as well as those in surrounding communities. The inclusive playground, which was designed considering physical, sensory, social, communication and cognitive abilities, fosters the community and welcomes both children and their families for play. Landscape Structures helps provide these inclusive opportunities throughout the state of North Dakota, and we are pleased to collaborate with them to shape the lives of North Dakota residents through play.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3878sEXPuVE]

Building the leaders of tomorrow

Posted on September 21, 2017 by PlayLSI

Play shapes us. It helps build leaders, encourage collaboration, teach persistence, develop problem-solving skills and much more. That’s why we launched the Shaped by Play Scholarship in June. Our goal was to fund activities that help build the leaders of tomorrow.

We accepted nominations for the scholarship throughout the summer, and are excited to announce the winners! We were able to award 16 individuals a scholarship to participate in activities ranging from figure skating lessons to invention camp.

See the list of scholarship recipients below, and see how they’re planning to use the funds:

Audrey D. from Victoria, B.C., will participate in summer figure skating camps
Chad D. from Lexington, S.C., will get inspired at Camp Invention
Charlize H. from Forest Park, Ga., will take an educational trip to Disney World focused on physics
Connor N. from Mifflinburg, Penn., will attend soccer camp, art lessons or an engineering/creative activity
Dmitri J. from Belvidere, Ill., will continue cello lessons at the Music Academy of Rockford
Emily S. from Victoria, B.C., will participate in a sports camp next summer
Ka’Mauri D. from Washington, D.C., will take charge of her own learning experience at Steve & Kate’s Camp next summer
Kelsey M. from Tallahassee, Fla., will improve her skills through club volleyball camps at the Prostyle Volleyball Academy
Kendal F. from Washington, D.C., will participate in gymnastics classes
Lauren N. from Palatka, Fla., will play in the upcoming soccer season and buy new equipment
Lili L. from Houston, Texas, will compete in the Miracle League All-Star Game
Miranda E. from Bennett, Colo., will take swimming lessons and purchase a membership to the pool
Morgan M. from Pittsburgh, Penn., will put the scholarship dollars towards college tuition, books and housing
Scott B. from Cypress, Texas, will compete in the Miracle League All-Star Game
Terron G. from Katy, Texas, will play in the Miracle League All-Star Game
Xavier D. From Lexington, S.C., will take on challenges at Camp Invention

Stay tuned throughout the next year, as we check in with our Shaped by Play Scholarship recipients to learn about their experiences.