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Four Natural Play Amenities to Spruce Up Your Playground

Artificial Rocks

A smartly placed rock or boulder can go a long way towards attractively accenting a parkspace or playground. But what if you don’t have access to an outlet that provides actual rocks for purchase? Or, if you do, you’re concerned about transporting the height weights of such landscaping material. That’s where AAA State of Play can help. Our website features artificial rocks in a variety of shapes and sizes that are built specifically to facilitate impromptu play while still looking good. And, unlike real rocks, these products are going to look like what their pictures depict. Actual stones from landscaping companies can vary in size, color, or quantity. This permits your venue to be inspired by nature without being beholden to it.

Even though these boulders might be fake, the fun kiddos will have with them is definitely real! And there’s no shortage of choices either. These artificial rock climbers are colored to look like dark granite, rusty sandstone, and more! There are individual giant stones and sets that include duos or trios. Some are built to resemble a rock all by itself while others come included with connected rope bridges and nets. If you have the time and space, it’s wholly possible to build a playground that will make kids feel like they’ve been transported to the magnificent deserts of the American southwest or even the surface of the Red Planet itself.

Bridges

If placed strategically, bridges can connect different areas of a recreation setting and create an intentional flow. Adding features that suit the natural environment can accomplish an easy-to-follow path or direction through play or garden area. Bridges are not unfamiliar to a playground; they are often seen connecting play systems or presenting specific challenges. But these are intended more for aesthetic value to set the tone and provide simple pathways over gardens or naturally occurring creeks. Features like bridges, benches or arbors can accomplish a more welcoming and calming recreation area. Many serenity gardens and nature parks will boast several bridges to promote the concept of feng shui. This concept can be easily translated into areas more specifically designed for children.

Natural playground equipment respects the splendor of mother nature with touches of whimsy. For example, the Triple Stepper Bridge with Flower Faces has an opening to put your head through with blue floral designs around the hole. This extra design touch guarantees that your nature garden will stand out and appeal to the minds of children. Their simplicity can also inspire imaginative play of all kinds. Kids can pretend they’ve discovered a troll bridge and offer their findings to cross. Or maybe they will use it as a hiding spot for a game of hide-and-seek. Whichever way they decide to pay, bridges can offer an extra element of adventure to any outdoor play area.

Hillside Slides

Using the natural landscape of the play area can be challenging. It is important to look at the surrounding area to make sure the slide will fit to create a safe and smooth ride for kids. Consider the height, slope, length, and sturdiness of the ground. Some hills may be too steep and can be dangerous while some may be too flat and can create a slow ride. If such situations present themselves, designers can add supporting rocks or other materials to create a perfect, thrilling ride that all kids can safely enjoy. Our CPSI certified salespeople are here to help make the process easier. Contact us to make sure the slide and surrounding area are up to code to ensure a seamless and safe fit.

Because hillslide slides are built low to the ground, they are safer than traditional slides. There is no ladder to climb and there are no tall heights to fall from, reducing the risk of injury. This also helps to mitigate costs as there is less protective surfacing that is needed to surround the structure. Additionally, it can serve as a stand-alone unit or it can be added to an existing playspace to add a nature-inspired play area.

Water Tables

A water table or trough can enchant children across a wide spectrum of ages. Whether they’re preschoolers or toddlers, these commercial-grade activity spots are sure to engage kids’ senses and occupy their attention for extended periods of time. Even youngsters with otherwise short attention spans will have their curiosity awakened and be drawn towards the sounds of flowing water. Kids can splash water, funnel currents, or just immerse their hands in the cooling liquid. The effects of listening to water or merely touching it can evoke the positive feelings kids associate with bath time play or exploring a woodland creek or stream.

Water activity tables come in all shapes and sizes. Some are simply large circular columns with a shallow dish attached on top to make a playspace that accommodates several children. These units require an adult to periodically refill the water pools. Other approaches incorporate connection of a low flowing garden hose on one end of the product. This creates a manageable current that meanders along a series of paths to empty out into a reusable container or onto the ground below. Other water tables incorporate a hand pump and recirculation piping. These units can empower youth to start playing on their own without waiting for a grownup to remove a cover or attach a hose. And if you’re looking for further specialization, many of these products also include fun features like removable dams, rotating wheels, or artificial waterfalls

Find more about the author: Kim Hart



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