By: Fabiola Grosshan
Submitted: 2010-08-05 03:31:39 | Word Count: 352
To many of us, playground structures look very different from what we remember from our own childhoods. Though we may feel some nostalgia for the old seesaws, metal swings and climbing bars, we may also be forgetting the pinches and stabs delivered by the rusted chains and splintery wooden seats of those old play structures. Today’s playground equipment does indeed include swings and climbing toys, but what a difference!
High-quality playground equipment is now built to specific safety and function standards. Swing structures now come in many forms, including the arch swing (a stronger and more stable version of the traditional triangle swing structure) that can carry up to eight swings. Reinforced powder-coated chains, often covered at hand levels by heavy plastic sheathing, support safely molded toddler seats or rubberized belt seats that comfortably conform to the rider’s size, whether the person swinging is an eight-year-old child or a young-at-heart grandparent.
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Colorful, imaginative design is also a feature of these new play structures. Playground climbers range in style from climbing walls to stand alone monkey bars to combination slide/climber units—and all in a wide variety of colors and themes. This diversity of climbing structures provides opportunities for children to exercise different muscles and motor skills, plus develop hand-eye coordination during play. Many of the structures also include platforms, forts and other semi-enclosed spaces perfect for imaginative play.
Many of the companies producing this high-quality equipment solely cater to schools, churches and civic groups requiring large structures. However, there are some that also offer a variety of stand alone climbers, swings, slides and other items suitable to private backyards. So be sure to research the company and their products to ensure you are getting the type of equipment you need.
New features of commercial playground equipment are the advanced safety technology, the durability and the creative, eye-catching design. The things that haven’t changed are the shouts of laughter and squeals of pleasure you hear from the children.
