AAA State of Play Blog: July 2012

Friday, July 27, 2012

It's Time for the Olympics

I have to admit that I feel like a bit of a couch potato when the Olympics roll around. There are always events that I think to myself, "I just HAVE to watch that!" It doesn't matter if it's the Summer Games or the Winter Games, I love it all.

You can bet that tonight my TV will be tuned into the Opening Ceremonies and that I will watch all night until they are over! I am fortunate enough to work out of my home, so I won't have to worry about missing anything that I may want to see during the day time.

Because of all the "Olympic-sized" TV watching I will be doing during the duration of the Games, I am definitely going to need to take a few exercise breaks to make up for it. Maybe I will challenge my fiance to a race through the neighborhood and whoever wins won't have to cook dinner! Despite the insane amount of TV watching that occurs during the Olympics, you can also create fun ways to be active based on Olympic events!

I will definitely be needing to do that over the next few weeks!

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Thursday, July 26, 2012

Playground Smoking Bans?

I came across an article from the Irish Times about city councils moving to create smoking bans on playgrounds. Do you know of any places in the United States that have created a similar smoking ban? If not, is this something that should be done?

I think this is an interesting topic, especially with more and more cities creating large smoking bans over all. Should parks and playgrounds have a separate ban, even in a city that has not created a city-wide ban? Not only would children be prevented from breathing second hand smoke, but the environment would also be protected and there would be a less chance of cigarette butts being thrown on the ground.

Whether you are for or against the idea of a smoking ban for parks and playgrounds, it is a good topic to think about!

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Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Supplying Your Classrooms

If you are a teacher or if you run a day care chances are you are having to consistently replace your supplies. You may just be looking for a change up in how you set your classroom. Children love coming into a classroom and finding new things to explore.

We have a large selection of child care and classroom equipment that will make your job easier. From a 5-Roll Paper Rack to a Multi-Section Storage set, you will certainly find something to fit in your classroom.

Right after I graduated from college I had trouble finding a job. My mom works in a school system and she suggested I do some substitute teaching to earn some money while I looked for a job. I did a lot of work with 3-5 year olds and saw first hand the kind of wear and tear young children put on a classroom. Their enthusiasm for playing and learning is contagious!

Finding affordable classroom and child care supplies is a must for any teacher or care giver. Providing kids with pretend play items and easy to reach items is a must to provide a great learning experience.

Dress-Up Cart

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Monday, July 23, 2012

Taking a Circus Break

My hometown celebrates the Circus City Festival every year in July. There is an amateur circus that performs 11 shows in 10 days, and a street festival for 7 days. I grew up performing in the show and the circus is very close to my heart. All last week I was back in my hometown helping with the show. While my blogging hiatus to be at the circus was fun, I am happy to be back bringing you all of the latest news and insights into playgrounds.

Eli the Elephant Spring Rider

In keeping with the circus theme, we have several safari animal themed items. One of my favorites is Eli the Elephant Spring Rider. I absolutely love elephants! There is just something about them that I find wonderful and fascinating. This spring rider is sure to bring kids joy.

I invite all of you to journey to Peru, Indiana next July to visit the circus festival. Not only can you see an amazing show put on by kids ages 7-21, but you can also see exotic animals such as tigers and cougars. You can even take a ride on an elephant!

Elephants ending the Circus Parade 2012

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Thursday, July 19, 2012

Guide for Buying Backyard Playground Slides

It becomes quite a difficult job for the parents to choose the backyard playground slides. Here are the certain things that you should consider while selecting the playground slides for your kids.

4 Foot Super Slide

When you will start looking for the residential slides, you will get to see different types of slides that include Twist & Shout, Rumble Seat, Tube, Spiral and Tunnel slides. First thing that you need to look for in the slide is its height. The height of the playground slides is the important factor. If your kid is below 5 years, you can choose to have an 8 ft. high slide for him but if your kids are above 5 years of age, go for 12 ft. high slide that can provide them the ultimate fun while sliding down.

The next thing that comes in the check list is the material used in designing the slides. Residential playground slides are usually made of plastic and metal. Plastic playground slides have some added advantage over metal slides. Plastic slides do not get corroded like metal slides. Also, the plastic slides are resistant to moisture, bacteria and moisture. Metal slides easily get heated up under the sun. Therefore, it is also advisable to parents to install plastic playground slides in their backyard.

Another important aspect that you should consider while purchasing the backyard playground slides is the safety. Before purchasing the slides, ensure that these are designed in compliance with safety measures.

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Know About Recycled Rubber Mulch

Kids love to play, climb, jump and run freely in the playground. Kids can hurt themselves while playing on the rough surface. If you are also concerned about your kids’ safety, you must get recycled rubber mulch installed in the playground.

Recycled rubber mulch is the best option for surfacing kids’ playgrounds. Waste rubber, cycle tubes, van tires and rubber pipes tires are recycled to create the playground rubber mulch. In the recycling process, the waste rubber is shredded and de-vulcanized to make fresh rubber.

Recycled rubber mulch is resistant to impact. It gives kids a cushioning surface and eliminates the risk of any kind of injury. Recycled rubber mulch is also a great option for surfacing the playgrounds in the areas that receive high precipitation as it is also slip resistant and would protect the kids from sliding on a slick surface.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States completely supports recycled rubber mulch as it does not allow the growth of the weed or fungi underneath, thus, helps in keeping in the environment clean and safe for children.

Recycled rubber mulch can be easily cleaned with mild soap and water. You can get the rubber mulch in a wide variety of colors and thickness at affordable prices.

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Monday, July 9, 2012

Equipment Theft

As I was browsing the news I came across an article from SFist, a news blog covering San Francisco, about the theft of playground equipment. Sadly, this is nothing new. As metal prices go up, metal items from parks and playgrounds are often stolen so the thieves can sell the products.

This is why it is so important to secure your equipment to the surfaces of your areas. Surface and in-ground mounting are the two common options to achieve security.

Surface mounting is used to secure an item to the surface it is on. While it is a great option, in-ground mounting is definitely the way to go to ensure your items are safe. In-ground mounting may not always be available, depending on what your equipment is, or what your surface is. So if you can not use in-ground mounting, seriously consider a surface mount.

When in-ground mounting is available it is wise to choose that option. In-ground mounting secures your equipment below the surface, making it much harder to remove.

Always make sure that you have your equipment secured correctly in order to help prevent thefts. If you have already been a victim of a playground or park equipment theft, contact us today to see about replacements.

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Tuesday, July 3, 2012

4th of July Traditions

Tomorrow is one of my favorite holidays.. the 4th of July! For as long as I can remember my family has gotten together for a big cook out. We would play games like volleyball, horseshoes, corn hole and even some yard baseball. The night would always end with my dad, grandpa, and uncle lighting up an impressive display of fireworks!

This year is the first year that we aren't having that big party. Fireworks are banned in my home county due to the lack of rain and with the holiday falling on a Wednesday the adults still have to go to work Thursday.

I am left with finding something else to do.. Starting a new tradition. In just under two months I'll be married and it is important for us to start family traditions of our own. And while I will definitely miss heading to my grandma's house for the big cook out, it will be neat to start something myself.

Do you have any neat traditions for this summer holiday? If you don't, think about starting one. It is the perfect holiday to spend all day outside.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

My festive nails

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Monday, July 2, 2012

Did You Know the Benefits of a Dome Climber?

Kids love to explore different kinds of playground equipment, be it the swing, the slide or the seesaw. The above mentioned pieces of equipment run high in the ‘fun’ factor. But there is one playground equipment which is not only ‘fun’ but is also beneficial for your kids. We are talking about the Dome Climber- which is a playground structure that kids love to play in for hours on end. This geometric metal climbing dome structure is not only the source of entertainment for your kids but it also builds their physical strength and keeps them flexible & fit.

It is no wonder that the Dome Climber is a hit with the kids. They love to climb, do a bit of gymnastics and play in the structure. It also presents a challenge before the kids as they want to quickly excel in climbing up or down the dome. While playing in the Dome Climber, their muscles become strong and grip enhances, while they are busy trying various imaginative formations on the dome climber.

Junior Geo Dome Climber

Kids are always full of energy. They love to climb and dome climber is just the perfect structure for such activities. You will be astonished to see how much time they love spending in the Dome Climbers.

Now that you know how beneficial a dome climber is for the kids, you must buy one for yours. You can easily place it in your backyard playground or get it installed in the community playground, church, school etc. AAA State of Play has a wide selection of Dome Climbers just choose the one that you find fit for your kids.