Martin Verni
Euroflex Balls and the Importance of Tactile Elements in Playscapes
Supporting Sensory Play by Adding Texture One of the best ways for playground and playscape designers to improve the quality of any surface space or area is by including a variety of tactile elements. Whether cut in half, or presented in full, Euroflex Balls invite exploration and encourage curiosity….
Designer Spotlight – Susan Goltsman and the Emergence of Inclusive Design
How Creating Environments that Support Everyone’s Potential Became Mainstream Policy The world is filled with unsung heroes and Susan Goltsman is certainly one of them. As a founding principal of the design firm Moore, Iacofano, Goltsman (MIG), Ms. Goltsman has worked tirelessly to move the idea that, “…every individual has…
Our Top 5 Playground Related Blogs
Image via Goric A Small Collection of Resources on the Importance of Quality Playground Equipment and Design One of the more wonderful aspects of play is how it can foster a sense of community. It is no accident that many of our first friendships were formed while using playground equipment. And just on…
Enjoying the Fun of Winter’s Many Playgrounds
The Snowy Season Transforms Playscapes, but There is Still Fun to be Had Winter is definitely here. Parts of the midwest and the Great Lakes region recently saw a foot of snow quickly accumulate, and a low pressure system from the North caused the accompanying temperature to plunge…
The Touch and Feel of Play in Toshiko MacAdam’s Textile Playgrounds
Structures Made from Nets of Rope Inspire in This Designer’s Wonderfully Crocheted Playscapes Toshiko Horiuchi MacAdam video via PlayArt11 on YouTube.com Toshiko MacAdam was already an accomplished artist in the Fibre Arts movement long before she began exploring the possibilities of creating textile playscapes. In fact, she was exhibiting a…
Win The Dancer at the ASLA Conference & Expo!
The Dancer Will Be Given Away THIS WEEKEND in Chicago The Dancer | Video via Goric on YouTube.com The Dancer is fun way to develop coordination and concentration skills while improving balance and core strength. To get started, users take a short step on to the top of an oval shaped…
The Many Benefits of Naturally Playful Playscapes
Natural Elements that Include the Surrounding Area Set These Playscapes Apart Play is a means by which we first form our understanding of the wider world. Most of our earliest interactions involve play and play-like behaviors. For example, peek-a-boo is an important milestone in cognitive development that demonstrates an emerging…
The Playful Truth – Office Slides Contribute to a Productive Work Environment
For These Offices, Playground Equipment is not Just for Kids The connection between play and productivity is well established. The dopamine produced by our brains during play activities is a powerful motivator. The effects of which last far beyond the initial period of play and positively impact a person’s approach…
10 Swings to Help You Soar (and More)
Creative Designs and Uses that Go Beyond the Traditional Playground Swing When it comes to playground equipment, the swing holds a special place. Swings are often among the most popular features of any playscape. They give everyone an opportunity to soar through the air while always encouraging us to reach…
Play to Learn, The Importance of Recess in Education
As Children Return to School, A Reminder that Daily Play Makes a Measurable Difference Since the early days of one-room school houses, recess has been an important part of education. In those early times, there was often an informal period of play before and after school, in addition to…
Limitless Fun, The Impact of Rick Henke’s Approach to Playground Creation
Playgrounds Were Nothing New, Until Goric’s Founder Helped Change the Game It all comes down to perspective. Children explore a world much different than the ones inhabited by adults. Everything is bigger and harder to reach. As a child, it can often seem that adults spend their time telling you what not to…
Fun Came First: A Brief History of Playground Equipment in America
From Vacant Lots to Modern Marvels, Playgrounds Have Come a Long Ways It is relatively easy to conjure memories of days spent following the lead of our own imagination as we played on the neighborhood playground equipment. We soared into the air, climbed our way to triumph, raced down…
