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    • Monthly Archives

    August 2022

    Aug 29
    1
    Start Planning Your New Playground Build

    Start Planning Your New Playground Build

    By | Blog | No Comments

    Your organization has decided to build a new playground—that’s wonderful news! Midstates Recreation is here to bring your vision to life from start to finish—and we think you’ll be blown away by the possibilities!

    The first step in the planning process is to outline your goals for the playground itself. Building a new playground for your park, community center, child care center, commercial campus, or school is a multi-step process involving many factors along the way. You’ll need to consider aesthetic options, as well as logistics, accessibility needs, available space, your budget, and your desired timeline.

    Most importantly, consider the children and supervisors who will be using the playground and consider make it accessible to all. Playgrounds have evolved immensely throughout the years, and Midstates Recreation has some pointers for sparking the conversation around your innovative new playground build!

    Looking for a creativity boost? Check out our free guide for more inspiration: Top 10 Most Innovative and Exciting Playground Designs in 2021-2022.

    New Playground Build Timeline & Budget

    Not unlike any other build-to-suit project, playgrounds take time to build. This helps ensure your playground build is up to code, safe, and meets the needs of the people you serve. We will work closely with you to determine an estimated working timeframe that fits your schedule. If your goal is to open the playground or park in spring, summer, or fall before school starts, we’ll collaborate with you to determine a timeline that will meet your goals and deliver what you envision for the space.

    At Midstates Recreation, we know budget requirements are important. While a number of factors influence the decisions you’ll make for the playground, the budget is likely to create an outline for what is realistic for your project. We’ll work together to select the type and size of equipment that best serves users, all while staying within your budget.

    Develop Your Playground Plans

    One of the most fun and exciting steps of the process is planning your playground design. Do you picture a bright, eye-catching playground using bold colors? Or, perhaps a structure that blends well with the surrounding landscape? Some playgrounds showcase innovative design, while others follow a theme such as nature, castles, or even music!

    Do you envision a rectangular playground or one that is more organically shaped or free flowing? Depending on where your playground will be located, you may need to consider the materials you’d like to use. The experts at Midstates Recreation will work with your team every step of the way. From brainstorming design ideas and choosing product components, to final installation day, we want to exceed your expectations of what a playground can be! We’ll walk with you through each step and always keep you informed.

    Who Will Use Your Playground?

    When choosing playground equipment for your new build, it’s important to remember who exactly will be using the space. Midstates Recreation is passionate about creating inclusive environments everyone can use and enjoy, and can guide you in choosing the right components to serve children of all abilities.

    Also, will you include equipment such as slides, towers, or bridges? What about other sensory and skill-building activities, like the Scavenger Hunt or Tic-Tac-Toe Panel? You may even consider adding an exercise area for kids, and their adult chaperones, so everyone can get in on some fun and fitness! Our team of professionals will discuss all your options, including site amenities like benches, tables, trash receptacles, and shade structures you may like to incorporate.

    Ready to get the playground conversation started? Contact us and let’s get started on your project today!

    Midstates Recreation designs, supplies, and builds community-enhancing recreational play and site structures. We offer a variety of playground equipment options in communities throughout Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan. Our emphasis is to not only create play and recreation spaces for all, but also to provide a truly valuable, positive, and inclusive resource for your community! Contact your local Midstates Recreation sales representative to learn more.

    Aug 02
    0
    Midstates Recreation get outside and play

    Let’s Go Play Outside!

    By | Blog | No Comments

    Outdoor play is extremely important to children’s development by promoting physical health, providing new learning experiences, and creating opportunities for socialization. Before children can experience these benefits, we have to get them outside first! Read on for tips on how to encourage your child to play outdoors.

    Keep yourself upbeat and excited

    Your attitude can play a big role in how your child feels about playing outdoors. If you prioritize outdoor time and show enthusiasm and excitement, your child will do the same. Try saying something like, “I can’t wait to play outside with you after breakfast! We will have so much fun together! Let’s think about some things we can do outside”.

    Plan activities that require movement

    Kids like to move. Kids need to move! Activities that require movement will likely hold their attention much longer than sedentary activities. Plan activities such as flying a kite, playing on the playground, or creating a scavenger hunt!

    Encourage unstructured, free play

    While it is important to plan activities for your child, it is equally important to allow them time to explore and use their imagination outdoors. Unstructured free play is essential in a child developing their creativity, communication, and cognitive and mobility skills.  Always supervise your child, but let them play uninterrupted. Let them problem solve and let their imagination wander.

    Invite friends over to play

    Playing with their parents is fun, but children need time playing with kids around their age, too! Playing with other children outside will likely make your kids want to stay outside longer. As always, encourage unstructured play but have a few activities planned that will be interesting to the kids.

    Increase outdoor stamina 

    Encourage your children to want to be outside by starting out small. You can start out by taking a family walk in the park or around the neighborhood. Playing on the local playground is always a great way to get your kids outdoors! Gradually increase your time spent outdoors and work your way up to bigger outdoor adventures.

    Now that you know how to get your kids excited about outdoor play, start brainstorming what activities you will do together! You can decorate the driveway with chalk, plan a nature scavenger hunt, start a backyard garden, or visit your local playground!

    Midstates Recreation designs, supplies, and builds community-enhancing recreational play and site structures. Midstates Recreation offers a variety of playground equipment in communities located in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan. Our emphasis is not only to create play and recreation spaces for all but to also provide a truly valuable and inclusive addition to your community! Contact your local sales representative to learn more.