Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Buying the right Playset for your children

Kid's playground can offer your child the freedom to exercise and enjoy the fun of playing with other kids. The sound of laughing and noises made by kids while on the playground are normal sounds of happy, healthy and growing children. It is therefore important to maintain this level of fun and excitement in children by getting the right playground set that suits their age and level of activity. Play set is a Charm that every child deserves and to help you pick out the best playground equipment, here are some factors you need to take note of.

Park play area requires bigger playground equipment than what one would use at home in the backyard area. It is therefore essential to identify the area and location on which you intend to place the play set. Visiting different parks will help you identify your Child's play set preferences. You will be able to know if they love climbing or slides or Swings. Kid's playground sets vary greatly as do the interest of each child. Before purchasing play sets, ask for the opinion of other parents and friends who have already purchased play set. Observe your child playtime on any given play set and you will know what they like.

Having all the right information before purchasing kids playground equipment will help you make informed and educated decisions. In addition, the equipment you wish to buy will take into consideration the age group of your children. Most playgrounds equipment has greatly improved in terms of style, color and variety. Schools, day care centers, amusement parks and recreation centers as well as major spots where kids love to socialize can be great fun when the right play set is installed. The experience children get from spending time on play sets is clinically healthy, physically beneficial and mentally preferred. Research has shown that children mental and physical health improves every time they are playing.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Gorilla Outdoor Playsets keep Children Entertained

There are many kinds of Gorilla outdoor playsets that parents can choose from. Kids love to play with Gorilla playsets and have a lot of fun. Gorilla is a recognized company that provides safe, quality and durable playsets for children. Playsets are manufactured to the highest standards.

Gorilla use high-grade pinewood that makes the playsets resistant to rot and decay. Material is well coated to stop rusting and deterioration. The wood used in manufacturing playsets is harvested from certified, sustainable forests. Therefore, the materials are eco-friendly and good for the environment.

Concerned parents worry about their children's safety when buying playsets. However, Gorilla recognizes parents concern and manufactures playsets to the highest standards of safety. Safety is the foremost concern for Gorilla outdoor playsets. Playsets are sturdy, heavy duty and strong which makes them safe for children of all ages.

Children can have a lot of fun playing on Gorilla outdoor playsets while parents sit back and watch. During the summer months, it is not difficult to entertain children and keep them from getting bored with outdoor playsets. Parents do not need to worry about safety aspects since the playsets have many built-in safety features. Furthermore, the wood is poly-coated which prevents children from getting splinters.

Why to Select Wooden Residential Playground Equipment?

A recent survey has revealed that most parents in the United Stated prefer to install wooden playground equipment in their backyards. These play sets are not only a complete source of entertainment but are also considered safest for kids. It would not be wrong if we say wooden play equipment have an edge over other sets made of plastic, aluminum or metal.

High quality redwood, timber, cedar are generally used by the manufacturers to construct the play sets. These are virtually splinter free and naturally resistant to rot, decay and insect, making the equipment strong and durable. Wood play sets can resist moisture up to any amount and can easily withstand UV rays and adverse weather conditions. These are considered stronger and have a long life as compared to metal, aluminum or metal equipment.

Usually, metal playground equipment gets corroded and cracked after a period of time. Whereas wooden sets do not get corroded with rust and each piece of wood is used carefully to eliminate the scope of pointy edges that can cause injury to kids. Moreover, these are dimensionally accurate and stand firmly on the ground. Manufacturers strictly follow the guidelines defined by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) while constructing the wooden play sets.

Many wooden residential playground equipment are available with many rooms and extra areas like tunnels that jazz up kids' fun time.

How to Select Outdoor Wooden Swing Sets?

For families looking for playground equipment that will last; wooden swing sets outdoor offer the perfect solution for active children with an appetite for fun.

Wooden playground equipment is not only built to withstand constant use, but quality cedar or redwood swing sets are attractive, well crafted, and will fit in to virtually any backyard decor.

Harsh elements such as wind, sun, and rain can take their toll on outdoor playground equipment. Wood will withstand the daily use, and will resist fading, cracking, and warping under the stress of severe weather.

Solid construction is essential for wooden swing sets. Outdoor playground equipment needs to be selected with great care keeping safety of children in mind... Quality craftsmanship ensures that children will be safe, even as they test the limits by testing their own physical abilities.

Wooden playground equipment is the perfect choice for active families. It will stand the test of time, and the test of children.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Things to Consider while Purchasing Play Sets

Are you confused about which playground equipment to buy for kids? You are not alone. Most of us struggle with the same problem when it comes to selecting a play set from a wide variety of options. To make it simpler for you, we are here with certain things that you must consider while looking for one for your playground.

Material - When looking for play set, the first thing that you must check is the material used in constructing it. Whether it is made of wood, plastic or aluminum, be sure it is strong and durable so that the equipment can withstand the adverse climatic conditions and can stand for years on end in your playground.

Quality - Reach out for the manufacturer who has the IPEMA certification that defines it sells only commercial grade playground equipment. After this, ensure that the set you are opting for has been designed in adherence with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Safety - Choose the play equipment that has been manufactured after considering all the safety measures. You must ensure that there are sturdy hinges, bars, railing and other necessary anchors at the necessary places in the playground equipment.

You can go for Swing-N-Slide and Gorilla playsets, outdoor playsets, who follow all the guidelines and take necessary measures to offer superior quality equipment to the customers.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Playground Equipment Buying Guide

Buying the playground equipment for kids is not an easy job, whether you are looking for your backyard or community park sets. To make it simpler for you, we are here with the list of factors to be considered while selecting the play sets. These factors would help you out in taking the right purchasing decision.

The first thing that you should consider is the quality. Ensure that you are dealing with International Playground Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) certified manufacturer. It clearly defines that the manufacturer is involved in distributing premium grade playground equipment to the customers. Consider that the manufacturer has designed the playsets as per the guidelines defined by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Next thing that comes is the material used in constructing the playground sets. These are available in wood, steel and metal to the customers. Whether you are buying a see saw, slide, swing set, dome climber or play house, make sure it is constructed with superior quality material. It should be strong, durable and can give non-stop hours of fun to kids for years on end.

Do not negate the security factor while selecting the play equipment. Consider that the manufacturer has installed the essential hinges, railings, bars and other essential anchors at the requisite places in the playground sets.

Another thing that you can look for is the size of the play set. Measure the area where you want to locate the equipment. By this you would get an idea what size of sets you can select for the playground.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Tips for Buying Backyard Playground Sets

It is great that you have decided to convert your backyard in the private playground for kids. Now your next step would be to install some wonderful play sets that run high in fun factor. But you put your hand on any, here are the certain tips that you must follow.

Measure the area of location where you would be installing the play set in the backyard. By this, you would get an idea how big or small playground equipment you can buy for your kids.

Ensure that the manufacturer has designed the equipment in adherence with the guidelines defined by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Whether you are buying a dome climber or a playhouse, make sure you are purchasing it with IPEMA certified manufacturer. It would state that only premium quality playground equipment is offered by him.

The equipment you are opting for must have necessary anchors like hinges, bars and railings installed at the requisite places. All the rough surfaces or pointy edges in the play sets should be properly covered ensuring the safety of kids.

How old are your kids? If you have toddlers, select plastic playground sets. But if you are the parent of school goers, buy wooden sets. This is considered the safest playground sets for them.

Factoring the above mentioned points would help you out in choosing the right playground sets for your backyard.

Advantages of Buying Wooden Playground Equipment

We understand that selecting a right play set for your kids is not an easy job. Whether it is a swing or a slide, all types of equipment deliver equal joy to children. You must look for the one, which not only run high in fun factor but is also safe for them. An option is to go for wooden playground equipment. It is the safest and has leading edge over other sets made of steel, plastic or aluminum.

Wooden playground equipment is made of cedar, timber and redwood, which are virtually splinter free, weather-resilient, pressure-treated and resistant to rot. This equipment is considered more durable as it does not decay like plastic play sets and does not corrode like metal play equipment over a period of time.

It can easily withstand UV rays, extreme climate conditions and other weather hazards. The safe and sturdy features of this equipment ensure that kids can try out their physical strength and capabilities without any fear. Before you choose any wooden play set, ensure that the manufacturer has designed it in adherence with the guidelines defined by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

With so many benefits, parents are also more likely to install wooden playground equipment in their backyard.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween everyone! This is the first year I will get to see little Trick or Treaters at my door and I couldn't be more excited!

I remember one Halloween my mom made me a Darkwing Duck costume to wear. She still has it too! I doubt any kids would know who Darkwing Duck is now, but I used to love that cartoon. I think the only time my mom really sewed was to make Halloween costumes for my brother and me. It is a little sad to be an adult and not get to go trick or treating anymore. But I am just excited to bring joy to the trick or treaters as I get to hand out candy.

What fun traditions do you have for Halloween? I love decorating the house and of course carving pumpkins. Our front porch has five big pumpkins and two small pumpkins! My brother and I used to sit on the side walk in front of our house and carve our pumpkins. Sometimes he would cover himself in the pumpkin goop and run around the yard, and he was probably in middle school! But it made me laugh and he always tries to make me laugh.

My favorite thing about carving pumpkins was sprinkling cinnamon inside the pumpkin and lighting a candle to make it glow. The smell was incredible! My mom would turn all the lights off so we could really see them and my dad would make scary noises.

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Halloween!

Friday, October 26, 2012

How to Build Backyard Playground?

Creating a private playground in backyard for kids is certainly not an easy job. But if you make the right moves, you can end up building a wonderful backyard playground for your children. Here are certain things that you must consider before acting upon your plans.

Though size is not an issue for the parents who have large backyard but it becomes a matter of concern for the ones who own relatively a smaller one. If you have smaller backyard, measure the area and the location where you want to install the playground equipment. By this, you will get an idea of what type of play sets you can purchase for your yard. Remember, you should leave a sufficient space between two sets to avoid any injury to kids.

Consider the age of your kids. If you have toddlers at home you can select the plastic playground equipment like stumpy hollow, tube holes, short swings, play tunnels and climbing walls for them. But if your kids are school goers, select the play sets made of wood, metal or aluminum. Play tower, play house, dome climbers, trapeze are some of the equipment considered ideal for school goers.

You can go for playground equipment manufactured by Swing-N-Slide and Gorilla Playsets, who manufactures them in accordance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Do not forget to install high quality mulch beneath and around the play sets to avoid the risk of any injury to your kids.

Friday, October 5, 2012

Choosing Wooden Play Set for Backyard

Selecting the right play sets for kids becomes a quite a stressful task for parents. There are various playground equipment like see saw, tube slides, playhouse, swing sets on which kids love to play. If you want to have something which not only run highs in fun but is also safe your children, go for wooden play sets.

A majority of parents in the United States of America are more likely to buy wooden sets for their kids. These are considered as the safest playground equipment for children. It is constructed with sturdy & strong wood such as cedar, timber and redwood. Each piece of wood in the playground equipment is carefully placed, eliminating the scope of point edges which can harm the kids. Wooden equipment is tested thoroughly by the manufacture before final delivery.

With its nature resistant property, wooden playground equipment can resist harsh weather conditions. These do not get corroded and have comparatively longer life than metal and plastic play sets. Moreover, swings, tube slides for playgrounds also get easily attached to wooden play sets in few simple sets.

But before you buy wooden play set for your backyard, make sure manufacture has constructed it as per Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) guidelines.

How to Select Backyard Playground Equipment?

It becomes a tough job for the parents to pick the backyard play sets for kids, when they have multiple options. To make it easier for you, consider the following factors that would help you out in choosing the right play set for yard.

Size – You do not have to worry if you have a spacious backyard as any play set would easily fit into it. But if your yard is comparatively smaller in size then you have to be extra careful while selecting the equipment. Measure the area where you want to install the play set. By this, you will have the idea of the size of equipment you can look for while exploring the options.

Quality – Ensure that the maker of your selected playground equipment has International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) certification. This clearly defines that he deals in offering superior quality backyard playground equipment.

Age – If you have toddlers at home, you can purchase plastic play sets. But these are not considered safe for the school goers. An option is to buy strong and sturdy wooden equipment for them. It is built with superior quality wood and can withstand harsh weather condition easily.

Safety – Make sure manufacturer has installed all the necessary anchors for the safety of children. Consider that all the pointy edges that can harm them are covered properly in the home playground equipment.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Playground Safety Rules You Must Teach the Kids

Playgrounds are fun. And backyard playgrounds are even better because kids have access to them 24x7 and can play to their heart’s content on the swing sets with no waiting in line behind other kids. You may be ensuring adult supervision while the kids are at play, but it is extremely important that you teach them how to be careful in the play area.

There are certain safety guidelines that you must follow and tell the children about them and make them understand their importance as well. Here they are:
  1. Teach them to be at a safe distance from moving swings or other items. They should never walk in front of or behind or even in between these items in motion.
  2. Tell them not to push empty swings just for the fun of it.
  3. Warn them never to loop the swing chains (or ropes) over the supporting bar or even to twist these ropes because such actions weaken the chain.
  4. Ensure than they learn the importance of always using the equipment in the way it is intended to be used and that they shouldn’t experiment with its movements etc.
  5. Tell them to always sit tight on a swing, have a firm hold and place their body weight in the center of the swing seat.
  6. Remind them again and again how they could get hurt if they tried to get off from a swing still in motion.
  7. Teach them not to hang or climb on to the main frame of the swing set.
When your children will understand and follow these safety guidelines while playing on playground equipment for home, the chances of any mishap will be reduced greatly.

Why Buy Wooden Swing Sets?

Swing sets are one of the most popular play sets in playground. Not only in commercial parks, these are a hit in backyard playground too. Though these are available in three frame materials; metal, aluminum and wood, parents in the United States of America prefer to buy wooden swing sets for their backyard.

These are generally made of pressure-treated timber, redwood and cedar, which make them strong and enhance the durability. These are weather-resilient and naturally resistant to decay and rot, therefore, do not get degraded after a period of time. These sets do not get corroded during rain and becomes warm during sunlight like metal play sets. Kids' hand does not get slipped in wooden sets like in plastic equipment.

There are proper bars and hinges installed in wooden swing sets for the safety of kids. Also, sturdy and heavy chains are used to connect swing with the sets. Moreover, these can easily withstand harsh weather conditions and lasts in the backyard for comparatively longer time.

Outdoor wooden swing sets comes in two different styles; flat base and A frame base. While buying, you can select the one as per the surface level of your backyard. Before purchasing, make sure manufacture has designed it as per American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines.

When selecting a backyard playground swings set

If you are looking to revamp your backyard playground with some new play sets, then it would be great if you install fun-filled swing sets in it. Though these are referred to as the oldest in the playground equipment history, still kids love to spend long hours on it. You can easily get these sets at different online stores but before you select any of them consider the following factors:

1. Material Used – Swing sets are made of materials like plastic, metal and wood. Ensure the play set you are picking is made of durable material and can last in the yard for years on end. Wood swing set has an edge over metal and plastic equipment as it is stronger than the latter play sets. Therefore, a majority of parents in U.S prefer to install wooden swing set in their yards.

2. Quality & Safety – Before purchasing, make sure the manufacturer of the swing set is an IPEMA certified and has design the equipment in conformity with the guidelines laid by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Besides, you can also check that equipment has sturdy hinges and other anchors at the requisite places for safety of kids. Also, there should not any pointy edge on the chain of swings that can harm them.

3. Seat - Ensure that the playground swings set you are opting for has a seat with wide base so that kids can comfortably sit on it and enjoy.

Monday, September 24, 2012

When Installing Play set in your Backyard

Here is something for you, if you are soon going to install some fun-filled equipment in the backyard for your kids.

When installing the playground sets in the yard, make sure you have 6-foot fall zone in all the directions. It is essential to keep the area around the play set free of any obstacle like bushes, fences or hard surface that can cause injury to kids. Also, ensure that there is no sharp object like stake or branch in the ground.

Install the play set in a way that it does not wobble and stand firmly on the ground. Moreover, you can add non-skid strips at the places where your kids need a better grip and bumper pads for cushioning the corners of equipment.

Make sure you buy the playground sets that are appropriate as per the age of kids. Well, your task does not with locating the play set in the yard; you need to regularly inspect them for any broken part or open edge that can harm your kids. If you find any fault, immediately take steps to either repair it or remove the play equipment from the yard.

Did you know? Nearly 60 percent of the play area injuries are due to falls on the ground. So it would be great if you cover your backyard ground with high quality surfacing options like wood chips, fine gravel, mulch and fine gravel.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Heading to the NRPA

In just under a month I will be attending the NRPA Congress and Exposition in Anaheim, California. The National Recreation and Park Association puts on this show every year for commercial playground equipment. This is my first year attending the show and I'm excited to see what types of new equipment will be there.

I never used to pay much attention to playgrounds and now I see them every where. While on my honeymoon I saw a bench that we supply on a different website on a small island in the Caribbean! Its amazing to notice small things like this now!

Lookout Tower Play Set
The nice thing about our residential equipment is that it does not have the extremely strict safety standards that commercial equipment does. And it is much more affordable for your backyard! Just because the residential equipment does not have to meet as high of a safety standard doesn't mean that we don't stress safety. Our equipment is not only safe, but will last many years for your children.

The Lookout Tower Play Set is a great option for your backyard! Featuring a climbing wall, a play house, swings, a rings trapeze combo, and a slide, your children will always have something to do!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

What to Expect from Your Backyard Swing Sets?

So, you have finally planned to set up that playground in your backyard and are now looking for certain ideas for going about the entire process. Well, to put it simply, you will have a wonderful, long lasting and safe backyard playground set up in a jiffy with your children loving it at first sight- only if you know to keep certain buying tips in mind.

There are certain parameters that the swing set should fulfill before you buy them from a supplier. These parameters include:

Design: The play set has to be of a design which suits the area of your backyard as well as the requirements of your kids. The equipment must be of the right size so as to fit in comfortably in the yard well away from fences, walls and trees. And also the swing set itself should be with equipment that will suffice for the present number and ages of your kids and it should come with the functionality to be expanded with accessories later as the kids grow.

Strength & Material: The material of the swing set should be such that the product is robust enough to be used rigorously by your kids and handle the weather elements as well. From metal, vinyl or wooden play sets, the wooden one is the strongest, most durable and safe for kids- not to forget the best in looks as well.

Installation: Make sure that the backyard swing sets you choose can be assembled easily and will hold on solidly. If you have any doubts, you better get them installed by professional installers.

Keep these pointers in mind to create the best and safest playground for your kids.

Benefits of Wooden Swing Sets

What will more surprise the kids than an attractive wooden swing set in their private backyard playground. There are different types of play sets like dome climber, see saw, balancing beams, Trampoline etc. available but nothing would ever compare to that feeling of being on a swing.

While browsing for swing sets on the internet, you will find many equipment made of plastic, wood and metal. Yes, the choice is yours, but if you want to have the set which not only brings fun for your kids but is also safe for them, go for wooden swing set. It is considered as the safest set and lasts longer than any other equipment made of plastic or metal.

Different types of strong and durable wood like redwood, treated pine and cedar are used to build wooden swing set. All the pieces of wood are installed carefully, eliminating the scope of any sharp edge that can harm the kids. Manufacturers install essential anchors at all the requisite places in this outdoor playground equipment and connect the swings with heavy chains instead of ropes.

Besides this, wooden swing set has an added advantage on other play equipment with its nature resistant property. It can resist any amount of moisture and easily withstand harsh climatic conditions. Now that you know beneficial wooden swing set is, you must buy one right away!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Welcoming Fall

The last two days have been picture perfect for me when it comes to the weather. Chilly but not cold, the sun is warm, and the leaves are beginning to turn. I've had my first glass of hot cider and worn a sweatshirt. I made baked potato soup for dinner and watched Monday Night Football on TV. Yep.. it is really starting to feel like fall is here!

What was your favorite thing about fall when you were a kid? I loved jumping in big piles of leaves! If we are being honest, I still like to do that. I recently moved to a new house with a lot of trees around, meaning a lot of leaves! So I am looking forward to raking up a big pile and jumping right in. I'm betting my dog will like it too. Her favorite thing to do is chase leaves.

So get outside, get active, and enjoy the beautiful fall weather! It is finally starting to cool down after an extremely hot summer and its time to take advantage of it!

Monday, September 17, 2012

Featuring: A Free Standing Swing Set

After a brief hiatus from blogging, due to a wedding and a honeymoon, I am BACK! And I am more excited than ever to be bringing you daily updates from the backyard playground world.

Today I want to take you back to the basics. Sometimes finding a play set for your kids can be difficult. Do you have enough space? Will the play set feature activities that your kids will love? What age range do the play sets have?

A simple solution is the Congo Free Standing Swing Set. While it may not feature slides or climbing holds, the simple swing set is a great option when you just aren't sure what play set is best. Kids absolutely love swinging! And the classic swing set appeals to a wide age range, meaning your kids will get the most out of this swing set.

I had a simple swing set growing up and it was always fun to go outside and swing! Sometimes I'd take a book outside and just sit on the swing seat, rocking back and forth a little, just to be outside. Even as an adult I think it is still fun to swing!

Thursday, August 30, 2012

How to Create a Backyard playground?

It’s great that you have decided to convert your backyard into playground. Nothing can excite kids more than having a private playground full of wonderful play sets in their own backyard. This is certainly a great move as you can also be assured about the safety of kids when they are enjoying in the backyard.

Creating backyard playground is not a daunting task; you just need to plan your move wisely. Most parents think that their small backyard would not do. But no matter how small is your yard, you can still create a nice play area for kids. Surf the Internet and look for different playground equipment depending upon the size of your backyard. Instead of placing one big play house, you can choose to have different play sets that fit in the backyard.

Before buying, you should consider the quality of backyard playground equipment. Purchase the play sets, which are manufactured as per the guidelines laid by American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). Also, ensure its manufacturer has International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) certification. After quality of equipment comes the safety of your kids. Check that the playground equipment you are opting for meets the National Safety Standards including CPSC guidelines.

Manufacturers offer the play sets for toddlers to school goers. You can select the play sets for your backyard as per the age of your kids. For instance, if you have 10-12 years old kids, it would be great to place Greenwich Play Set, Congo Greenscape Play Set, Congo Free Standing Swing Set and the like in the backyard.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Children's Picnic Tables

One of my favorite items on our site is the Children's Picnic Table. Give the kids a place of their own to sit that looks great! I always enjoyed sitting at a small picnic table when I was younger. I felt like it was made just for me and eating a picnic lunch was easier.

Whether you are running a day care where several kids need a special place to eat, or you just want a picnic table for your kids to enjoy, the Children's Picnic Table is a great value!

Monday, August 27, 2012

Reasons for Choosing Playground Equipment Designed by Gorilla Playsets

Gorilla Playsets is one of the leading brands of playground equipment. Since 1992, they have been selling high grade play equipment all over the nation. The company specializes in offering ready to assemble play sets to the customers.

Gorilla Playsets use superior quality wood and plastic to design their commercial as well as residential playground equipment. All the play sets designed by Gorilla playsets are in conformity with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Also, the company follows all the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines to ensure kids' safety.

Playground Equipment designed by Gorilla Playsets are constructed using heavy duty hardware such as electro-galvanized 5/16" and 3/8" diameter hardware. The hardware upgrade the strength and durability of the playground equipment. Moreover, instead of using regular nails, Gorilla Playsets utilize electro-galvanized wood screws to fix the different joints of their playground equipment.

All the accessories in the Gorilla play set contains UV inhibitors, hence, does not get heated up in the bright sunlight. Some of the Gorilla play equipment also includes a fire retardant polyester roof for safety of the children.

Gorilla Playsets offer their play equipment to the customers with 3-D illustrated easy to follow instructions. These can be easily installed with the basic tools in commercial and residential playgrounds.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Children Get a Say in Their New Playground

I absolutely love reading articles like this one from the Independence, Missouri Examiner.net. This article is about a group of disabled children who were given the opportunity to design their new playground. The children were given paper and crayons and asked to draw their ideal space. Two of the children based their designs on musical instruments. The Outdoor Rhythm Band would be a great item for their new playground!

I think it is important to have the input of the kids who will be playing on the playground when it is being designed. I remember when I was in the 6th grade and my town announced they were building a new playground. There was a contest to design the playground and everyone who wanted to had the chance to draw out what they wanted. A winner was picked and the playground was built. By the time it was finished I only had a year or so to play on it before I was too big, but I did take my little cousin there to play when I babysat him. Kids are still playing on it today! It was so awesome to see our ideas as kids come to life.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Benefits of Choosing Wooden Playground Equipment

Playground equipment is generally constructed using plastic, metal and wood. But as per the recent survey, it has been seen that people are more inclined towards choosing the wooden playground equipment. The equipment is not only considered entertaining for kids but also the safest for them.

Cedar, timber and redwood are used to build the wooden play sets. These are pressure treated and naturally resistant to decay and insect, therefore, provide durability to the playground equipment. As compared to metal and plastic playground equipment, wood play sets are stronger and last comparatively for longer time.

Wooden playground equipment does not corrode as metal play sets. Also, kids do not slip or lose their grip on wooden play sets as it happens in plastic playground equipment. Wooden play sets are designed with various rooms that can be personalized with other independent play sets like slide or swing to enhance its fun factor.

It has been noted that the safety measures are often neglected in plastic and metal swing set. Whereas, prime attention is given to the safety measures while designing the wooden playsets for kids. All the necessary anchors like hinges and railing are installed at the required places in the playground equipment to ensure the kids' safety.

Wooden playsets are offered to the customers with instruction manual so that they can easily install the play set in the playground or backyard.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Happy Friday!

Good morning and a big Happy Friday to you all! The sun is shining, the temperatures are perfect.. What are you planning to do with your day?

Tonight I am going to a concert that I have been waiting for since we bought the tickets months ago! I am also hoping to get a nice work out in as well. It is absolutely too beautiful not to take a walk outside. And I'm sure my pup would love to tag along too!

Make sure you get outside and enjoy the gorgeous weather because it will be winter before we know it!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

A New Twist on an Old Favorite

When I was in the 5th grade there was a long line of See Saws on the playground that everyone loved to take turns on. I can remember that there were pebbles underneath the See Saws for the bottoms to land in, and if someone got off to quickly your end of the See Saw would hit the ground hard, and it hurt!

That is why I love the See Saw Spinner. Not only is it a See Saw, but it also spins in circles! With kids wanting to spin in circles their feet will be constantly moving around the ground, preventing the one thing I disliked most, slamming the bottom of the See Saw to the ground!

Another great thing about the See Saw Spinner is that it is made to be used in a residential setting! Bring home to joys of the See Saws at parks and playgrounds to your back yard!

See Saw Spinner

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Know About Swing N Slide

Swing N Slide has earned a name for themselves by offering superior quality playground equipment to the customers. The company was incorporated in 1985 and soon it acquired a large share in the market by offering America's first do-it-yourself wooden playground.

The senior manager of the company quoted, “Our vision to design, manufacture and market products which deliver value, fun and functionality to residential and commercial properties.” The company has now certainly achieved their vision by supplying value-packed and compliant play sets to both commercial and residential playground markets.

Quality and safety of the play sets have always been the top priority of the company. They manufacture the playground equipment in compliance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Swing N Slide sells not only the safest but the most reliable playground equipment in the market.

The company also offers the unique opportunity to the customers to tailor its commercial grade playground equipment as per their needs and budget. Not only to the end users, Swing-N-Slide also distributes their do-it-yourself play sets to Hardware Stores, Home Centers and Play Set Retailers.

By selling top notch playground equipment, Swing-N-Slide has become one of the leading consumer playground equipment companies in the United States. You can buy their finest quality play sets from Playgrounds.net.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Swings Don't Have to be Boring

Backyard swings don't have to be the normal belt swings. Spice up the swing set in your backyard with several different types of swings. A popular favorite is the tire swing. The LifeBuoy Swing and the Vortex Ring Swing are variations on the traditional tire swing and are a lot of fun! The great thing about these three types of swings is that multiple kids can swing at one time.

Gliders are another variation on the swing that can also hold multiple kids. The 2 for Fun Multi Child Glider and the Mega Rider Multi Child Glider are two popular choices!

Mega Rider Multi Child Glider
We have several different types of swings available on our site. Visit the accessories section to see what we have!

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Welcoming August

With the beginning of August comes the thoughts of going back to school. I always looked forward to going back to school. I was the kid that loved "back to school" shopping. Picking out folders and notebooks, packing up my pencils and pens into my backpack, and picking out what I wanted to wear on the first day was always exciting. The best kind of school shopping was when I was in elementary school because you had an art box. Markers, colored pencils, crayons.. I couldn't get enough. I haven't gone school shopping in a few years, but I still get a little excited when I see the displays in the stores.

Truth be told, I can't believe it is August already! It seems like summer just started yesterday. I'm sure the kids who are going back to school are wondering where their summer went. I may miss going back to school sometimes, but I'm definitely happy to be where I am.

Friday, July 27, 2012

An Olympic Sized Event

I have been counting down to the 2012 Summer Olympics since the 2008 Games ended. I absolutely love watching the world's best athletes competing in some of the most exciting events. You can bet that tonight I will be glued to the TV watching the opening ceremonies!

While all of this excitement goes on, try having your own Olympic Games! Take the kids outside and challenge them to a race around the block. Give out a medal to the winner! It is always great to pretend you are an Olympic athlete and it gives the kids a chance to get outside and run around in between watching the events on TV.

I can remember pretending to be a gymnast when I was younger and the gymnastics events are still my favorite to watch. It is important to still stay active, of course! But with the Olympics on TV it may be a little harder to get the youngsters outside. So create a few of your own events and medals and have a great time!

Thursday, July 26, 2012

New Products Coming Soon!

I am pleased to announce that we will be adding new products to our site! It is always exciting to add new products. Bringing you a variety of great items is what we are striving for. We are going to be adding some indoor residential items such as tunnel cubes, crawl thru caterpillars, indoor playhouses, tumbling mats, and sand and water tables.

Keep checking back to see these great new products!

A sneak peek at a few of these items:
Crawl Thru Caterpillar

44 Piece Tunnel Cube Set

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Monkey Bars

Monkey Bars have always been a favorite among parks and playgrounds. I can remember crossing monkey bars when I was younger and pretending I was going over something dangerous, like hot lava, so that I wouldn't let go until I got to the other side. However, I didn't know anyone that had monkey bars in their backyard. I only got to play on them at school or a city park.

Monkey Bars Kit
Now you can get monkey bars for your backyard play system! There is a Monkey Bars Kit that is a great add-on for your play set. This kit is easy to install and offers another element to your child's playground. Another great use for the Monkey Bars Kit is to install them to create a vertical ladder, rather than the horizontal one. Both ways help build upper body strength and stamina.

I sure wish I had my own monkey bars when I was a kid. I would have been kept busy for a long time!

Monday, July 23, 2012

Playhouse Playsets

When I was younger my dad and grandpa built my brother and I a play house over our sand box. It was so awesome! So when I saw the Sycamore Play Set by Swing-N-Slide I fell in love with it. It combines a play house and a swing set with two slides and a climbing incline.

This play set is absolutely everything I would have wanted as a kid. I miss playing in the play house my dad and grandpa made for me, but I know it is making another little girl just as happy as I was.

The Sycamore Play Set is definitely a play set that will bring hours of fun to your kids!

Sycamore Play Set

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Why to Choose Wooden Swing Sets?

Kids love being on the swing. It cannot be described in words how it feels to be on the swing sets. Even if a kid is on any other playground equipment, his eyes are always set on swing set, so that he can be the first one to reach the swing when somebody else leaves it. Wouldn't it be great if you install a swing sets in your backyard? Your kids would definitely love to see their personal swing set in the home backyard.

Backyard swing sets are made of metal, plastic and wood. Mostly parents prefer to install wooden swing sets in their backyard. These swing sets are made of redwood, which is naturally resistant to decay and insects. Also, wooden swing sets are more durable and dimensionally strong as compared to metal and plastic sets.

Unlike metal and plastic swing sets, wooden backyard swing sets can easily withstand extreme weather conditions. Wooden swing sets are generally available in two options, which are A frame base and flat base. You would have to consider the surface level of your backyard beforehand to select any one of them. Note that, in flat base swing sets you would need to install extender beams to make it stand firmly on the ground.

Before selecting the wooden swing sets for your backyard, make sure it is constructed in adherence with safety measures and quality standards.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Why You Should Install Wooden Swing Set in your Backyard?

Kids love playing in the playground. Imagine their delight if you build a playground filled with play sets in your backyard. This would be the best surprise for them. They can play in their private playground till the time they want. You can also keep a check on them while they are busy swinging or riding a slide in backyard.

McKinley Play Set
There are many play sets that you can install in the backyard. These play sets are made of aluminum, plastic, metal and wood. Wood swing sets certainly have an edge over other play sets made of metal and plastic. These are considered as the most durable playsets. It is a well-balanced entertainment for the kids. These play sets not only keep your kids active and fit but also increase their flexibility.

Wood playing sets are constructed with redwood, timber and cedar. These are pressure-treated, weather-resilient and are resistant to rot & decay, therefore, it does not decay after some time like plastic play sets. Kids' hand does not slip in wooden swing sets as it happens in plastic play sets.

Unlike metal play sets, wood swing sets do not get warm in the bright sunlight. These play sets come in flat base and A frame base, you can select the one as per the surface level of your backyard. Playgrounds.net offers commercial grade wooden swing sets that meets the defined quality standards.

Gorilla Playsets - the Market Leader in Playground Equipment

Gorilla Playsets is counted among the top most brands of playground equipment. They have been serving the customers with ready to assemble play sets since 1992. Their play sets meet the safety measures and defined standards, therefore, families choose to install Gorilla Playsets equipment in their backyard. These play sets keep the children active and fit.

Congo Greenscape Play Set
The company specializes in offering ready to install play sets. These are supplied with 3-D illustrated instructions, which are easy to follow. You can assemble the equipment in just a few minutes with the help of basic household tools. They design their play sets and its accessories in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards and specifications. Gorilla Playsets equipment is coated with maintenance-free Timber Shield protective poly coating and does not get faded under the sun.

Besides, the company makes use of heavy duty hardware like electro-galvanized 5/16" and 3/8" diameter hardware for enhancing the strength and stability of their play sets. For non-structural components, they use electro-galvanized wood screws instead of nails to improve its durability. This brand provides one-piece injection molded swing sets accessories to the customers. These accessories contain UV inhibitors, therefore, it does not fade or heat up in the direct sunlight. Besides, they are always ready to lend a helping hand to the customers, whenever required.

You can also buy Gorilla Playsets' outdoor playsets from Playgrounds.net at reasonable prices.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Enjoying Independence Day

It is just about time for one of the best holidays! Tomorrow we ring in another year of celebrating our nation's independence. What do you do for this summer holiday?

My family spends as much time outside as possible. Playing games, grilling out, and of course enjoying fireworks.

One memorable 4th of July happened the summer after my freshman year of high school. It was a super hot day, like the weather we are having now, but that didn't stop us from lighting the fire pit to start grilling for dinner. Just as we were putting the chicken on to cook the sky started darkening. The wind picked up and eventually rain began to sprinkle down. Luckily my dad, uncles, and grandpa got all of the chicken loaded up and taken to the porch where they could finish grilling it under the awning. Just in time too, the rain cut loose not long after.

The party got moved inside to wait out the rain. And while the yard was big enough for everyone, the inside of the house was just a little cramped. But we made the best of it and ate inside while we waited and waited. The rain finally let up and we were able to start shooting off fireworks later that night. Part way through our fireworks show it started to rain again and we retreated back into the house to wait for the rain to stop.

But it didn't stop. It rained and stormed all night. It got so bad out that my grandma called my dad in the middle of the night to tell him their basement had began to flood and he rushed in to help. We were leaving for Kings Island the next day and on our drive we saw the aftermath of the storms. Roads washed out, trees down, flooding everywhere.

While we didn't get to finish our fireworks on the 4th of July, we did get to finish them that New Years Eve. It was a mild evening, probably in the 50s, and after dinner we headed outside and lit up the sky like it was the 4th of July.

I'll never forget those two holidays.

Festive toenails
Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Monday, July 2, 2012

Having Fun at an Indoor Playground

A child can miss his meal but he can never miss his playing time at the playground. Every kid loves to explore different play sets and enjoy with his friends. But bad weather hampers their fun time in the park. Parents usually do not allow kids to go out and play in bad weather conditions and they hate being stuck at home.

What you can do in such a situation is to take them to an indoor playground and bring the smile back on their faces. Most of the cities have indoor playgrounds. These parks install wide variety of play sets for the children. Your child can easily find his or her favorite play set be it see saw, dome climber swing. The owners of these parks ensure that the children get the same fun of the outdoor park in it.
Monkey Bars Kit

Before taking the kids to indoor playgrounds, make sure they have been designed with due safety consideration. A few items to check include surface. It should be properly covered with rubber or absorbent thick carpets that can prevent any injury from falls. Coming to the playground equipment, these should be placed well away from one another so that kids can get the enough space to run. Also, check that the play sets installed in this playground for kids, meet all the required safety and quality standards.

For different types of commercial grade equipment, many indoor park owners prefer Playgrounds.net. They supply the equipment that is designed by Gorilla Playsets and Swing-N-Slide, for whom quality is the top most priority.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Spice Up Your Play Set

Kids are always looking for something new. Spice up your existing play set with any of our great accessories.

My favorite of our accessories is the Pirate Swing Set Accessory Kit. Sail the high seas with the Pirate Ship Wheel. See what is in the distance with the Telescope with Working Compass. Follow the Pirate Activity Map to locate a buried treasure!

This kit comes with everything you need to encourage imaginative play and will keep your kids busy for hours.
Pirate Swing Set Accessory Kit


Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Let Your Children Fly in Open Air

Kids can never have enough of swings. Feeling the wind on the face brings a million dollar smile to their face. Even if they explore all play sets in the playground, children make sure that they can enjoy one more time on the swing before leaving the park.

Child Swing
Swings are the most common playground equipment and can be seen in every other playground. There are different types of swings like molded plastic swings, metal swings and wood swings, which are available in various innovative styles. It usually becomes quite a challenging job to select the best one for your kid.

Before buying playground swings you should consider certain things. Examine the swing carefully and select the one which complies with the defined quality and safety standards. Check if there is a safety belt installed as it protects your child while he or she is enjoying at it. The swing for which you are opting for should have sturdy chains and seats should have a wide base so that your child can comfortably sit on it.

Community, school or church playground is not the only place; you can also install the swings in your backyard. Explore the vast collection of superior quality swings at Playgrounds.net, selling the equipment at reasonable prices.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Injury Prevention

Letting your kids play outside, and on playground equipment, comes with a risk of injury. However, there are steps that can be taken to help prevent injury.

According to the CPSC, 20% of playground-related injuries occur at home. Falls are the most common playground-related injury, accounting for over 75%. The CSPC shows in a 2002 survey that 75% of public playgrounds lacked the proper protective surfacing. And while that statistic is shown for public playgrounds, proper protective surfacing is equally important for residential play areas.

One of the most common ways to prevent injuries is to use protective surfacing. Rubber mulch has started replacing wood mulch in many play areas. It outlasts wood mulch and never decomposes or rots. This guarantees a lasting finished look to your play area that will keep your kids safe for years. Rubber mulch is also maintenance free. Just install it in your play area and you are finished!

Another important way to prevent injuries is adult supervision. Kids are more likely to become reckless when no adult is around to ensure that they play safe.

More and more laws are being passed when it comes to playground equipment and safety surfacing in order to keep your kids safe. Stay ahead of the trend and look into rubber mulch for your play area.

Rubber mulch installed under a swing set

Monday, June 25, 2012

Favorite Equipment

What was your favorite thing to play on in your yard growing up? Was it a set of monkey bars? Or just a simple swing?

My favorite was my trapeze bar that hung between my two swings on my swing set. I loved to climb up and sit on it and swing! I also loved to do tricks on the trapeze bar. I grew up performing in a local circus, so that is definitely why my trapeze bar was my favorite.

Playgrounds.net offers a Trapeze Bar accessory for your residential play set! It is a must have accessory for any child who loves gymnastics or loves to try something new. While your child has fun, the Trapeze Bar helps build strength! This Trapeze Bar is suited for children ages 3-10.

Check out our site and see if we have your favorite!

Friday, June 22, 2012

Boy is it Hot Outside!

Good afternoon readers! I hope this post finds everyone able to relax in the shade!

It seems like the whole country is experiencing very hot temperatures right now. I hope everyone is staying hydrated and cool. But don't let the hot temps keep you from spending time outdoors. As long as you have sunscreen and water at hand you will find you can still have fun!

Play-Zee-Bo
Some of our equipment does have a shade element included. These products are always a favorite when the sun is high in the sky! One of my favorites is the Play-Zee-Bo. It is a sandbox styled as a gazebo. The Play-Zee-Bo offers shade while kids play in the sand. Sand also can be nice to play in when it is hot outside because shaded sand is often feels cool. The polyester roof that comes with the Play-Zee-Bo is waterproof as well, meaning that kids do not have to stop playing in case of an afternoon shower!

Stay cool in the heat and have a great weekend!

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Why Do You Need a Residential Playground?

I want you to think back when you were a kid. What did you enjoy doing outside? I know I loved to swing. When I was younger I had a swing set, a play set, and a play house in my yard. I absolutely loved being on all three!

I think it is important to have some sort of play equipment outside for your children because children are spending less and less time outside. With the increases in technology, kids have games always within reach. And while a little game playing does not do much harm, it is still important for kids to get outside and be active.

We have a lot of residential equipment to choose from that will excite kids into actually wanting to be outside! From play sets to swing sets, and play houses to picnic tables, we have everything you would need to create an outdoor oasis for your kids!

I look at the equipment available today and I some times wonder why it couldn't have been that awesome when I was a kid! I still had a lot of fun on my old equipment, but some of the new stuff looks incredible!

Now that I have outgrown my play sets, my parents chose to give it to a friend for his daughter to play on. I am sad to see my old equipment go, however I am glad that I get to share it with someone else!

Our most basic play set still provides hours of fun!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

How to Select Wooden Swing Set for your Backyard?

Installing a wooden swing set in your backyard is the best thing you can do for your kids. While looking for a wooden swing set for your backyard, you should keep certain things in mind.

Conover Play Set
Wooden play sets for kids are available in two styles, which are flat base and A frame base. Choose the play set after considering the slope of your backyard so that it can firmly stand on the ground. Another aspect that you should look for in play set structure is its size. Buy the one that would not cover all the space area of your backyard.

Ensure that the wooden swing set you are opting for is made up of high grade raw materials and comply with the quality and safety standards. You should also lay emphasis on the wood quality. The common woods that are used for designing playsets for kids are redwood, treated pine and cedar. With the fact that redwood and cedar are stronger and more stable than treated pine, parents prefer installing the playset made up of the former.

You should also check that all hinges and bars on the wooden play set are sturdy and swings are connected to the playset with heavy chains instead of ropes. Also, ensure that the playset has hand rails on both sides of the stairs and ladders that negate the risk of injury. For superior quality wooden playset, you can explore the wide collection of playgrounds.net.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Introduction to Playgrounds.Net

Good afternoon! My name is Kristen and I am the main contributor to this blog! It is my goal to bring you informative posts, but fun posts as well.

First let me tell you a little about our business..

Playgrounds.Net is an internet retailer based out of Indianapolis, Indiana. We exclusively sell residential equipment. We have a large selection to choose from and you will certainly find something to fit your needs.

Many of our sales associates are trained by the National Playground Safety Institute and hold certificates as Certified Playground Safety Inspectors. Customers can be assured that they are getting the best advice from our associates regarding equipment layout, age appropriateness, and installation of playground purchases.

Not only do we offer traditional swing sets, but we also have tire swing sets, residential structures, and a large variety of accessories to make your playground truly unique.

Visit our website for more information. Feel free to pick up the phone and call us or start a live online chat to have all your questions answered.

You can like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter as well!

I look forward to bringing you all the latest in residential playground equipment!

Are You Looking for Safe Playground Equipment?

Blue Ridge Navigator Play Set
Choosing the right playground equipment for kids is a big challenge for parents. There are many options available when it comes to playground equipment like swings, see saw or playhouse. If you are looking for something which brings fun and is also safe your kid, we advise you to try wooden playground equipment. They are the safest, sturdy and last much longer than any metal play set.

A survey recently conducted also reveals that, more parents prefer to buy a wood swing set for their backyard. It is safer than metal swings sets as each piece of the wood is carefully placed to remove the scope of sharp edges that can harm the children. Also, the wooden equipment undergoes several tests before the final sale to ensure durability and safety of swing set.

Wooden playground equipment can withstand harsh weather conditions and resist any amount of moisture. Unlike metal swing sets, the wood swing sets do not get corroded. Coming to the fun side, most of the playground equipment is designed with many rooms which can be customized and extra areas such as cubby holes and tunnels which add more fun to the children's play.

Wood swing sets and other play equipment are delivered at your door step with easy to follow instruction manual. You can easily install the wooden playing set yourself. However, the option of getting it installed by a professional is always open and you can take the help of the local landscape contractor.

So, now that you know that wooden playground swing set is just the perfect play set for your backyard, you can browse through Playgrounds.net's collection and choose the one which seems perfect for your backyard or church or school playgrounds.