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Two Reasons to Celebrate February

Posted On: February 15, 2018

Yes, the dreary winter season is still upon us here in southeast Texas, but the month of February still gives us plenty to smile about. (And no, we’re not talking about those delicious Valentine’s Day chocolates.) For facility and recreational managers at parks, schools, churches and neighborhoods, February offers your community two reasons to get […]

How to Engage Your Community With a Family Newsletter

Posted On: January 29, 2018

Whether your property is a municipal park, a school, a church, an apartment complex, or a neighborhood, your playground is a place for young families to come together as they enjoy fresh air and physical activity. To keep parents and their children engaged between visits to your play space, consider publishing a community newsletter. Whether […]

How to Keep Landscaping Healthy and Beautiful This Winter

Posted On: January 16, 2018

It’s only January, and already this winter has brought sub-freezing temperatures and even some snow to the southeast Texas area. With two more months until the first day of spring, it’s likely that there more wintry weather is on the way, and it’s not too late to protect the plant life in your playground area. […]

Survey: Parks and Recreation Agencies Offering More for Seniors

Posted On: January 12, 2018

While families with children and young, active adults have traditionally been the target markets for community parks and recreational facilities, the “graying” of America is inspiring some bold new approaches. According to the most recent U.S. Census, 14.9 percent of the population in 2015 was age 65 or older, representing 47.8 million older adults. More […]

New Research: Recreation Centers Still Important to Communities

Posted On: January 2, 2018

In today’s high-tech, digital-obsessed environment, some may be tempted to write off the local neighborhood community center as an anachronism. With such an abundance of resources available online, many of us may wonder whether we really need these facilities at all. Yet according to a recent survey by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), […]

Accessible Playgrounds, Inclusive Playgrounds — What’s the Difference?

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While the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) has been the law of the land since 1990, facilities managers of parks, churches, neighborhoods, and other properties are still figuring out how their playgrounds can best comply. They also realize that, regulations aside, offering a fun, engaging experience for kids of all abilities is just the right […]

Helping Families Stay Active This December

Posted On: December 14, 2017

We’re at the time of year that’s abuzz with activity … most of it indoors. Between shopping in crowded malls, attending functions, and baking, decorating, and wrapping at home, many families find fresh air and sunlight hard to come by during the holiday season. But many health and wellness experts tell us that outdoor activity […]

5 Reasons Why Your Church Needs a Playground

Posted On: October 27, 2017

Your church is the pride of your community, a friendly place where families come to worship, learn, engage with each other, and enjoy a respite from their hectic lives. Adding a playground to your other amenities can enhance your image in the community, attract new families to your congregation, and offer additional benefits for the […]

4 Tips for Building a Playground in a Small Space

Posted On: October 23, 2017

“We’d love to have a playground — we just don’t have the space.” Next to lack of budget, lack of space is one of the most commonly heard objections when church, neighborhood, or school groups propose adding a playground. But with a little creativity (and the right partner, of course), you can build a fun, […]

How You Can Help Houston’s Kids After Hurricane Harvey

Posted On: September 28, 2017

Even though the flood waters from Hurricane Harvey have long since receded, the need for support across our area remains massive. As our communities continue to recover, families with children are among those with the greatest needs. Here are a few ways you can help Houston’s kids get the support they need as recovery efforts […]

Tips for Safe Playgrounds After Hurricane Harvey

Posted On: September 14, 2017

On August 25-27, Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc on southeast Texas, causing historic flooding and leaving many areas in shambles. If your school, park, or neighborhood playground was affected by the flood, here are a few tips to help you bring the fun back while ensuring the safety of kids and families. Inspect All Equipment If […]

Fall Sports and Safety: 5 Tips for Preventing Kids’ Injuries

Posted On: August 31, 2017

With Labor Day just a couple of weeks away, fall sports programs at your school or in your community will soon be ramping up again. While organized team sports offer valuable opportunities for kids to learn teamwork, responsibility, and sportsmanship, they can also carry the risk of serious injury: in the year 2013 alone, […]

4 Back-to-School Ideas for Your Children’s Ministry

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With vacations winding down and school starting up again, church activities will soon be in full swing, including children’s ministries. As you plan your activities for the first few weeks, keep in mind that the kids may be feeling a bit unsettled as they adjust to new schedules, new teachers, and possibly even new […]

How to Plan a Neighborhood Park Your Community Will Love, Part 3

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In our previous two blog posts, we kicked off our series “How to Plan a Neighborhood Park Your Community Will Love” by reviewing the basic principles of park design and strategies for building support among your residents. Today, in the final post of the series, we roll up our sleeves and get into the […]

How to Plan a Neighborhood Park Your Community Will Love, Part 2

Posted On: August 30, 2017

In our previous blog post, we kicked off our series “How to Plan a Neighborhood Park Your Community Will Love” by reviewing the basic principles of park design and sharing some tips on choosing the amenities for your outdoor space. Of course, a vital part of the planning process is collaboration with the people […]

How to Plan a Neighborhood Park Your Community Will Love, Part I

Posted On: June 26, 2017

New neighborhoods are springing up all over southeast Texas, and those that offer dedicated parks have an automatic advantage in attracting young, active families. If you’re still in the planning phase for your subdivision, think about including an outdoor space that gives neighbors a place to meet, to be active, and to enjoy the outdoors, […]

How to Encourage a More Active Summer for Your Community

Posted On: June 6, 2017

Now that school’s out, the kids in your community will be looking for ways to spend the long days between family vacations and summer camp. All too often, they turn to sedentary activities like playing video games and watching TV (not to mention that most popular of all kids’ summer activities, sleeping late!) instead of […]

Tips for Keeping Playground Walkways and Sidewalks Safe and Clean

Posted On: May 18, 2017

With summer nearly here, it won’t be long before kids and families begin flocking to your playground. While you get your equipment ready for the “summer rush,” you’ll also want to pay attention to the walkways and sidewalks around your play area. Poorly maintained walkways can detract from the eye appeal of your space and […]

What Safety Signage Does Our Playground Need?

Posted On: April 28, 2017

Our playgrounds offer kids and families a secure, engaging space where they can enjoy fresh air while reaping the benefits of physical activity. Unfortunately, with all that activity comes the inevitable risk of injury. To ensure an enjoyable visit to our playgrounds for every child, every time, we can offer parents clear, easy-to-follow guidelines on […]

Why Every School Needs Recess

Posted On: April 7, 2017

As schools face increasing pressure to pack more academic subjects into every day, recess is all too often the first casualty. To the casual observer, it’s an easy decision: “why give kids a free period to ‘just run around’ when they could be inside learning,” right? But research from the American Academy of Pediatrics tells […]

Is Technology Making Kids Sick?

Posted On: March 23, 2017

When many of us were kids, playtime involved riding bikes, running around playing tag, and yes, enjoying the equipment at our local playgrounds. For most kids today, playtime involves sitting in front of a glowing screen, sometimes for hours at a time. Most parents would agree that spending time with technology not the best option […]

Spring Planting Ideas for Your Playground

Posted On: March 10, 2017

The first day of spring is just a few weeks away … although you might say that the season arrived early here in southeast Texas, given the warm temperatures we’ve been seeing! Spring is the perfect time to spruce up the greenery around your playground and enhance the natural surroundings for kids and parents alike. […]

5 Hidden Benefits of Outdoor Play

Posted On: February 16, 2017

We all know that outdoor play benefits cardiovascular health and offers kids a much-needed break from electronic media … but did you know that’s just the beginning? As you encourage the families in your community to visit your playground, take the opportunity to educate them on the lesser-known benefits of playing outdoors: Improved Attention […]

February Is American Heart Health Month

Posted On: February 10, 2017

February is upon us and as Valentine’s Day approaches, hearts are popping up everywhere — stores, schools, shopping malls, and offices. But this is also the month to turn our attention to our real hearts — the ones that pump our blood — and making sure they stay healthy. February was declared American Heart Health […]

Engineered Wood or Rubber Mulch: Which Is Better for Your Playground?

Posted On: January 20, 2017

As we know, outdoor play is vital for the development of all children, and we need to ensure that their outdoor experiences are as safe as possible. Playground safety surfacing reduces the risk of injuries by providing a cushion that absorbs the impact of a fall. To provide effective playground surfacing, it’s important to […]

Tips for Winter Playground Safety and Maintenance

Posted On: January 10, 2017

The coldest days of winter are just ahead of us, and with them come additional challenges of playground safety and maintenance. Research shows that kids who play outside during winter tend to be healthier than those who stay indoors, so we need to make sure those kids have a safe place to play throughout the […]

Planning Your 2017 Playground Budget

Posted On: December 15, 2016

Playgrounds play an important role in every child’s development. Whether you’re planning to build a new playground for your school, church, or community in the new year or want to expand and upgrade an existing one, budgeting is key. The planning phase is the most critical step in this undertaking, and you’ll want to pay […]

New Report: Americans Still Love Our Parks

Posted On: December 2, 2016

Yes, the world has greatly changed since the U.S. park system was created in the 1930s, but the importance of parks and playgrounds in the lives of American children has never changed. Today some might question the need for more or better parks and playgrounds, based on their belief that children prefer video games and […]

5 Holiday Event Ideas for Your Community Playground

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During the winter season, many states have extreme weather conditions that keep them indoors most of the time. Fortunately, we live in Texas, where outdoor play can be a year-round activity, even during the holiday season. Here are a few fun ideas for engaging families in your community during this festive time of year. Themed […]

How to Raise Funds for Your Playground

Posted On: November 15, 2016

Playgrounds play a significant role in childhood development. Outdoor activities help children develop physically, mentally and socially, so it’s important for every community to have access to playgrounds, whether at schools, churches, or neighborhood parks. If you’re looking to build a new playground or upgrade your equipment, costs will of course be involved — costs […]

Fun Halloween Festival Ideas for Your Playground

Posted On: October 21, 2016

Halloween is mostly synonymous with kids dressing up in spooky clothing and trick-or-treating from one house to the next. However, there are many other ways Halloween can be made enjoyable, including neighborhood- and church-focused gatherings. Did you know you can make your playground the hub of a fun Halloween festival for all to enjoy? Here […]

Inclusive Playgrounds: Creating Fun Spaces for Kids with Disabilities

Posted On: October 14, 2016

Playtime is important to every child’s development, not only contributing to physical and social skills, but also helping them discover their own self-interests. Research shows that children who enjoy regular playtime are less likely to suffer from depression and childhood anxiety. However, finding the perfect place to play isn’t always easy, especially for kids with […]

Preventing Childhood Obesity Through Playground Activity

Posted On: September 16, 2016

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Research shows that 18 percent of children aged 6-11 years in the United States are obese. This means that one in every five children suffers from obesity, although some kids are more prone to the condition than others. Childhood obesity increases health risks, and diseases such as diabetes […]

Latest Trends in Playground Design

Posted On: September 1, 2016

The evolution of playground equipment has spanned from welded-together pipes to the scientifically designed structures presently available in the market. Today’s playgrounds take a positive approach to providing children with creative play, enhancing their imaginations, and promoting activity and fitness. Here are a few of the design trends we’re seeing today: 1. Themed playgrounds Themed […]

Get Your Playground Ready for Back-to-School

Posted On: August 19, 2016

The summer break is almost over and late August is upon us. This can only mean one thing: the start of the school year is right around the corner! Most back-to-school planning focuses on the classroom; however, it’s equally important to prepare the playground. Outdoor play areas provide children with crucial benefits to childhood […]

5 Reasons to Avoid Used Playground Equipment

Posted On: August 5, 2016

If your organization is looking to save money on your recreational space, the lure of used playground equipment is tough to resist. Do a quick search and you’ll find any number of offers for “lightly used” playground equipment that looks as good as new but costs much less. What could go wrong? Plenty, as […]

The Cool Benefits of Shade Canopies

Posted On: July 22, 2016

Ever met someone who enjoys standing in the sun or rain for hours on end? Probably not. People like the option of having a roof over their heads, even when they’re outdoors. And with shade canopies, you can provide sweet relief from sun and rain in just about any environment, even where space is limited. […]

A Safe Place to Play This Summer

Posted On: July 7, 2016

With school out and summer now in full swing, kids will be heading to their local playgrounds for some fun in the outdoors. And while it’s wonderful to see children enjoy the carefree days of the summer season, we also have to remember to put safety first. Fortunately, taking a few simple steps can help […]

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