Posts Tagged ‘A+ Playgrounds’

The hottest shade structures to keep you cool in the summer and dry in the winter:

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

Call A+ Playgrounds for all your commercial playground needs. 866-395-PLAY (7529) … Nationwide Sales and Installs

The hottest shade structures to keep you cool in the summer and dry in the winter:

Shade structures for schools, churches, daycares and public areas are increasingly become one of the hottest products on the market to stay cool. It’s only been in the past ten years that we’ve seen advances in the durability of fabric, the flexibility of designs and the affordability for these shade structures that many cannot do without. Now is the time to invest in a quality product that some manufacturers are guaranteeing for at least ten years. If you are looking to have a shade structure installed for commercial use, there are two main categories of shade structures to choose from: the traditional steel roof and the newly designed fabric canopy shelters.

Steel roof: This is the kind of structure that is ideal for something as small as community parks or as large as an equestrian center. Steel roof shade structures are built to last and that’s just what they do. Given the right environment there is really no telling when or if these structures will be destructible – that is the real benefit. With this structure you will have a larger expense, and it may provide a place for pigeons and other undesirable birds to nest which may be cute for a little while but not so great if you are around them every day. This is really the only disadvantage next to the higher cost of repairs (if needed) but other than that, steel roof shade shelters are a solid piece of equipment that can provide a community with generations of shade and protection.

Fabric canopy: These shade structures are becoming more prevalent since they have become more affordable and better designed. There are three primary designs to choose from when in the market for a good commercial shade structure:

The first is the stretched-fabric canopy, which has been around the longest but has not held up well to the elements of weather and sun damage. The estimated lifespan for one of these fabric shades structures is roughly 2-3 years; at the end of that time, it will most likely need to be replaced because it simply will not be safe and will no longer serve its original purpose. This design has been rendered obsolete and is rarely used in the construction of new projects.

The second type of fabric canopy shade structure is the nylon-tension-cable design. In these shade structures a stronger nylon fabric—the new standard in this industry—is stretched over a powder-coated steel skeleton, then anchored into place with a system of cables and bolts. At this point, the designers have created two major problems: the cable system will eventually wear away at both the nylon fabric and the powder-coated steel, which makes durability low and lifespan brief. The second problem with this shade structure is that it has been made very stationery and cumbersome to dismantle, if necessary in the event of extreme winds or heavy weather.

The third type of fabric canopy is similar to the one above, but it is the next generation of shade structures. This new design has eliminated the defects of the previous structure, allowing for a durable product that is user-friendly. The secret is the patent-pending glide elbow which hooks onto a specially designed corner piece that the fabric has been woven around. The fabric protects again 99% of UV rays and has an 80% rate of water repellency, along with a warranty for 10 YEARS! This is the best investment for commercial shade structures available that will keep your community cool at an affordable expense.

Austin Stanfel
PlayGround Articles | Com.

If you are looking for more information about playground equipment or surfacing, then feel free to visit www.Aplusplaygrounds.com or call 866-395-PLAY (7529)… Nationwide Sales and Installs.

Choosing the right playground for Schools, Churches, Parks and Communities

Monday, February 8th, 2010

For commercial use – It is important that you know a few things about your needs before we get started. It is a buyer’s market so there are many different options when looking for a new playground. First, you must have an idea of the age group that the playground must be tailored to. Standard age groups are 2-5, 5-12, and 2-12. Next you must decide on the area where your playground will occupy – what are the dimensions of the space? And finally, what is your budget for your playground project? Keep in mind that you will have installation and playground safety surfacing as an expense by the time your project is complete.

So on to the fun part – deciding on a design. There are many different pre-designed units that are available to manufacture but more than 80% of people choose to customize their playground. You can start with a simple idea that fills the limits of your project area—then add a slide here and a climber there, and the next thing you know, you’ve created everything that you could ask for in a playground.

It is also important to note that the size of the playground needs to accommodate the number of children that are expected to be playing on it at any given time. You will find that a newer playground—with a good design—will attract a lot of attention, and it would be a shame to have overcrowding on a structure that is likely to become a safety hazard. Overall, you will want to make sure that the playground equipment has at least the basics (climbers, slides etc.). If you have no idea where to start you might also find it useful to ask the kids what they would like. Have them all create drawings of their “dream playground,” then you’ll know that the final design you choose is based off the ideas of what the children want. After all, the children are the ones that will be using the playground equipment the most – hopefully.

Once you have decided on a design for the playground equipment you will want to make sure that you get an estimate which includes the cost, freight, tax and installation (if needed). The idea is to get all of your possible expenses laid out on paper so you will know the amount of funds you’ll need to buy the structure and have it installed. It is best not to do this in reverse, which would be to get the funds first and then pinch pennies to spend no more or no less than the budget provides. In some cases this is unavoidable but with enough planning, you can arrange to raise the money that you may not have to buy the playground that your community needs. Playgrounds are very expensive but when everything is complete you will create an environment for children where they will have happy memories which will contribute to their well-being now and later in life.

If you are looking for more information about playground equipment or surfacing, then feel free to visit www.Aplusplaygrounds.com or call 866-395-PLAY (7529)… Nationwide Sales and Installs.

Commercial Playground Equipment Brings Families and Communities Together

Friday, January 29th, 2010

Parks, schools and daycares with commercial playground equipment are a great way to bring communities together for pretty much any occasion. Playground equipment can teach children the value of sharing and turn an ordinary playground into a world of imagination. Playground equipment is much different to adults that to children in that the scenarios are constantly changing with the imagination of the each individual. A jungle gym may be imagined as a space ship or a seesaw may turn into a row boat. Children get a chance to be active, improve their motor skills and strengthen their coordination.

When was the last time you slid down a slide, hung upside down on the monkey bars? For most people, memories of playing on the commercial playground equipment are a positive point to reflect on. Now that many adults have children of their own, more time is spent watching them swing on the monkey bars, or slide down the slides of the commercial play ground equipment found at their local schools, park or daycare. With so many parents working full- time and over-time it can be hard to find enough time to do fun activities with your children. Taking your children to the park is an excellent way to get out of the house to participate in activities that strengthen the body and stimulate the mind to form a solid foundation that can lead to success and everything they put their minds to.

The next time you take your children to the park, instead of standing back and watching, go sliding down the slides with them, use the playground equipment as an obstacle course, swing across the monkey bars and just let yourself have some fun! It’s amazing how refreshing it can be to let go of the stress and just play with your children while creating new memories that you can all reflect on. Not only is playing on commercial playgrounds fun for you, but your children have much more fun when you participate with them.

Commercial playground equipment is not designed to eliminate every obstacle; it is designed to place reasonable obstacles in the path of children so that they can learn how to overcome these scenarios while interacting with other children. Children become more comfortable with social interactions, sharing, free -play, using their imaginations, physical fitness and much more. Take your children to the park every day and watch the positive impact this time has on their development.

If you are looking for more information about playground equipment or surfacing, then feel free to visit www.Aplusplaygrounds.com or call 866-395-PLAY (7529)… Nationwide Sales and Installs.

Playground Research Studies – Academic Success

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

For years, playgrounds have been praised as an excellent way for your children to get the healthy and fun exercise their developing bodies so desperately need. And with an ever-increasing popularity of playing video games and watching TV shows, it is becoming more important than ever that children get up off the couch and engage in physical activity. To this effect, playgrounds and parks are often recognized as helping to fight the battle against childhood obesity and other health problems. However, research shows that playgrounds can also help to improve your child’s grades in school.

Dr. McCabe, an expert in physical education and children’s health, points to more than 80 brain research studies that show that the development of motor skills can help to facilitate academic learning. “The research suggests children can raise their achievement level, increase their motivation, heighten their understanding, accelerate their learning timeline, and expand their creativity through motor skills, music, and proper nutrition,” states McCabe. A properly designed and constructed playground can help to enhance your child’s learning environment.

Playgrounds not only provide your child with an opportunity for physical development, they also offer a unique environment in which your child can develop his/her creativity. Children can expand their skills, try out new ideas, and seek new challenges. They can be free to invent new games and interact with peers their own age.

Because children develop their minds through the help of movement and exploration, it is important that playgrounds offer a variety of challenges. The playground should be able to accommodate children as their skill levels change and grow. The equipment should have a variety of physical challenges for balance, climbing and other essential skills. According to brain development experts, climbing opportunities help to develop motor patterns, which in turn aid a child in reading, writing, and solving math problems. The more variety of equipment offered the more chance a child has to develop his/her skills. However, it is important that concern for safety is always emphasized first and foremost.

Playgrounds are essential to the healthy development of your child’s motor skills. Not only will children reap the physical health benefits of active play, skills essential to everyday activities and lifelong development can be strengthened on playgrounds. This, in turn, can help to better prepare your child for the academic world.

Brittany Hidahl

If you are looking for more information about playground equipment or surfacing, then feel free to visit www.Aplusplaygrounds.com or call 866-395-PLAY (7529)… Nationwide Sales and Installs.

Touch Screen Games

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

These Touch Screen Games are perfect for all types of businesses, where kids get bored and want something to do.  Make waiting fun!  All of these touch-screen terminals come with our fun and educational set of games.  Browse our list of products and choose those that best fit your needs.  Perfect for restaurants, medical offices, retail stores, car dealerships, malls, day cares, churches, etc.

If you are looking for more information about touch screen games, playground equipment or surfacing, then feel free to visit www.Aplusplaygrounds.com or call 866-395-PLAY (7529)… Nationwide Sales and Installs. Thanks!

Leasing and Financing are Easy

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

LEASING & FINANCING INFO FOR A+ PLAYGROUNDS

Here are four financing leasing/financing companies we have worked with in the past. All three companies work nationwide.

Harold Bailey – Account Manager
Forum Leasing
275 W. Campbell Rd – Ste 320
Richardson, TX 75080
Phone: 972-690-9444 x240
Fax 972-690-9464
harold@forumleasing.com
www.forumleasing.com

Matt Bortles – Account Manager
Lease Process

4251 Kipling St, Suite 425
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Toll Free: 800-942-9830 x224
Fax: 720-898-9200
Phone: 720-898-8100
mattb@leaseprocess.com
www.leaseprocess.com

John Kubat – Account Manager
Hampton Ridge Financial

348 W. Main St, Suite 203
Marshall, MN 56258
866-815-4448
866-803-1906 Fax
jon@hrfin.com
www.hamptonridgefinancial.com

Jennifer Delong – Account Manager
Navitas Lease Finance Corp

814 North Highway A1A, Suite 305
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
303-484-9374
877-628-4827 (corporate)
jendelong@navitaslease.com
www.navitaslease.com

Thanks and good luck with your project.

If you are looking for more information about playground equipment or surfacing, then feel free to visit www.Aplusplaygrounds.com or call 866-395-PLAY (7529)… Nationwide Sales and Installs.