SpectraTurf Focuses on Children’s Safety and the Planet With New Upcycling Playground Program

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tire upcycled into playground surfacing is good for the environment

In the past few years, SpectraTurf has upcycled hundreds of safety surfaces, diverting millions of pounds that would have gone to the landfill, but instead has gone back into creating a base for new surfacing. Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in November of 2020 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. What’s Upcycling? SpectraTurf has a clear … Read More

The Evolution of Play & Playgrounds

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Two children swinging on a swingset

It’s hard to believe that the concepts of play and playgrounds are relatively new in our history.  The theory that play is an integral part of human development only started to emerge towards the end of the nineteenth century. Before then, children were required to work in fields or factories, therefore public playgrounds did not exist. In the modern world, … Read More

Encouraging Health Equity Through Community Parks & Recreation

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A group of adults attending a fitness class outdoors are doing leg stretches. The participants are arranged in a line. The focus is on a mature ethnic woman who is smiling toward the camera.

The term “health equity” has quickly gone from a buzzword to a nationwide initiative across our country within the last few years. Under the health equity concept, everyone has the opportunity to be as healthy as possible and no one is disadvantaged from achieving this due to social position, ability, or other circumstances. Often, a lack of resources can hinder … Read More

What Makes a Product Sustainable?

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sustainable rubber safety surfacing globes

In today’s world, there continues to be an increased focus on “green” products and practices, and the demand for these sustainable products and services is on the rise! As a consumer of any product, it’s important to understand exactly what this means so we can make better choices in our homes, our work environments, and for our families. So, what … Read More

How to Intentionally Design an Inclusive Playground

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Sister sitting next to disabled brother in wheelchair at playground

The need for inclusivity continues to grow in our society. From work environments and politics to schools and sports, diversity and inclusion is a fundamental part of the values and culture in our nation. The same can be said for one of human’s most basic functions — play. We must put an emphasis on creating and providing equality to everyone … Read More

The Rising Popularity of Outdoor Fitness Parks

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mom and girl playing at fitness park

Promoting regular physical activity has always been a public health priority. However, during the pandemic, prioritizing exercise has been more difficult due to closed gyms, fewer organized sports and activities, and financial strains. Parks, organizations, and communities have been doing what they can to create new initiatives in encouraging exercise and removing the barriers to a healthier life. Outdoor fitness … Read More

Shifting to a Circular Economy for Future Generations

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Circular economy recycling figures and Earth, Kraft paper texture background

Today, the world uses almost twice as much of the earth’s resources than it can regenerate. In a recent article from World Economic Forum, by 2030 — with a projected 8.5 billion people — the global demand is expected to increase 35% for food, 40% for water, and 50% for energy. Without a solution to reverse this trend, we could … Read More

Questions to Ask When Planning a New Playground

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Close up of a coworkers working on a project

So, you have a dream to build a new playground or recreational area, but where do you start? We recently wrote a blog outlining the various products in the industry and the pros and cons to consider when choosing the right surfacing material for your project. But, even before selecting surfacing material, it’s important to take a step back and … Read More

What to Look for When Choosing Playground Surfacing

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spectrapour rubber installation on a playground

When choosing the perfect surface for your new playground, it’s important to research the various options and speak with experts in the industry. Your playground likely has some unique needs and requirements and a playground surfacing expert can help you determine which surfacing type is best for the specific site and playground visitors. In some cases, one surface type may … Read More

The Benefits of Play for Child Development

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Two beautiful little girls swinging on swings on playground with smile on sunny summer day

It’s no doubt that play is an important part of a child’s life. In fact, many people claim that their favorite memories from their childhood include play, whether it’s playing tag with the neighbor kids or playing on the playground at recess. And while it may be obvious that this is an important part of childhood, there is so much … Read More