12/10/2009 GameTime chosen as ”World’s Greatest Playground Company!”
GameTime is excited to announce that it has been chosen as “The World’s Greatest Playground Company!” Crown Point Productions, the award winning producers of ”The World’s Greatest!” television show, will highlight the award in an upcoming episode to air three times on the ION network. Crown Point’s producers search the globe, from Paris to Peoria, to showcase the world’s greatest companies, products, cities, innovations, and more.
Each show is a fast paced tour around the world featuring behind the scenes footage, informative interviews, and exciting visuals. The GameTime segment will air Dec 14, 15, and 16 on the ION Channel with the following schedule, and reach approximately 75 million households.
Cable - 12/14 - 7:00 am
SATELLITE (DirecTV ch. 305, Dish ch. 216) 7:00 AM Eastern
TERRESTRIAL (Cable ) Eastern 7:00 AM local time
Central viewers - 6:00 AM local time
Mountain viewers - 6:00 AM local time
Pacific viewers - 7:00 AM local time
Cable - 12/15 - 11:00 am
SATELLITE (DirecTV, Dish) 11:00 AM Eastern
TERRESTRIAL (Cable) Eastern 11:00 AM local time
Central viewers - 10:00 AM local time
Mountain viewers - 10:00 AM local time
Pacific viewers - 11:00 AM local time
Network - 12/16 - 6:30 am
SATELLITE (DirecTV, Dish) 6:30 AM Eastern
Eastern viewers - local time
TERRESTRIAL (O&O Broadcast Stations, Cable Eastern 6:30 AM local time
Central viewers - 5:30 AM local time
Mountain viewers - 5:30 AM local time
Pacific viewers - 6:30 AM local time
Please visit www.ionline.tv to enter your ZIP Code and find out on which channel ION is carried by your local cable provider.
12/7/2009 GameTime featured in ”The Blind Side”
Did you like the playground featured in ”The Blind Side?” Lots of people have called to tell us that the GameTime playground featured in the new blockbuster movie The Blind Side is a huge hit! Its so cool and colorful, and I love that climber with the handholds,” said one of our fans, ”Can I buy that climber by itself?” Good news, the GameTime WallCano climber featured in The Blind Side is available freestanding or can be incorporated into a system. Give us a call at 800-235-2440 to learn more.
8/20/2009 First Universally Accessible Playground opens in Chandler, AZ
The city of Chandler, AZ has opened their first universally accessible playground, which utilizes the seven elements of Universal Design, at Arrowhead Meadows Park. “We have been receiving calls from members of the community for the last several years who wanted to locate a Universally Accessible playground in the area, and we just didn’t have anything,” said Tyrone Allen, SR. Management Assistant for the City of Chandler Community Services Department. The Special Olympics is also a big part of the Chandler community and they were in support of having a playground where children of all abilities could play. Allen worked closely with the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities to get the project started. The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities was established in Chandler in 1990 to “serve as a liaison between citizens of Chandler who have disabilities, and/or those who serve individuals with disabilities and the City Council for the City of Chandler.” The committee consists of nine members who assist and advise the City Council and staff on issues concerning the disabled of the community, such as accessibility, education, and employment. The City Council overwhelmingly approved the project and the $200,000 playground was completely funded by the City of Chandler. The City had a location selected for the playground, but later found out that the space would not easily accommodate all the amenities. They then decided on Arrowhead Meadows Park, another community park in the area that needed a playground renovation. The City of Chandler divides its parks into three categories: Neighborhood Parks, Community Parks, and Regional Parks. A community park was chosen as the home of the new accessible unit due to the fact they serve more area than a neighborhood park and they offer more amenities, such as accessible restrooms and parking areas.
The City decided on a GameTime unit designed by Triple M Recreation in Scottsdale, AZ. It displays bright, primary colors and features GameTime’s innovative wide ramps, which allow two wheelchairs to pass each other, and accessible decks that allow children in mobility devices to reach the highest play components, a RockScape climber, and many ground level activities, including GTJams musical play, for those who are more comfortable using lower play components. The structure is also covered in GTShade to provide protection from the sun on hot days. To complement the large, school age, accessible structure, a smaller unit was also installed nearby for preschool children ages 2-5, as well as several freestanding events, such as an ADA accessible stock car and a whirlwind seat. Engineered Wood Fiber and areas of colorful Poured Rubber were used as safety surfacing to allow impact attenuation from falls and help prevent injury. The Special Olympics groups around Chandler are already planning ways they can utilize the new play space. As the weather cools in the hot Arizona desert, more and more children will surely be visiting the new playground at Arrowhead Park.
8/11/2009 GameTime supports the environment in product, program, and practice
Since 1929, GameTime has been dedicated to enriching childhood through play in the great outdoors, so it should come as no surprise they consider environmental sustainability one of its core values. “Being green is more than recycling,” said Tom Norquist, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Design, “it also means being a responsible steward of our natural resources, and promoting play in nature, not in virtual electronic environments.”
In addition to responding to the increased market for “green products” by promoting nature inspired products and programs, GameTime has gone to great lengths to improve its energy efficiency.
In recent years, the company has implemented operational policies and funded efficiency related manufacturing programs that have reduced energy consumption and raised the level of material recycling. Some of those changes include lean practices that organized manufacturing processes to maximize efficiencies, reducing the average monthly kilowatts of electricity used by 183973, and the monthly average of natural gas therms by 17561.
The company also turned their attention to waste reduction and recycling, another significant contributor to landfills. By implementing a recycling program in both the manufacturing plant and offices, GameTime has already significantly reduced the company’s waste stream, with the recycling of 3.4 million lbs of steel, almost 250,000 lbs of plastic, 107 tons of cardboard and paper, and almost 1000 gallons of oil since the beginning of 2008. The company also recycles all used computer equipment, which has prevented 4300 lbs of computer equipment from joining the waste stream. “We use steel and aluminum as a core component of our play system design,” adds Norquist. “Since they don’t lose tensile strength with each recycle, they can be recycled infinitely, and therefore are some of the most responsible materials to use when considering sustainability on the playground.”
The company-wide green movement has also worked to develop employee reminders that not recycling amounts to throwing away money, and is working toward paperless goals, to include storing, reading, and proofreading documents electronically.
The company shares a goal to achieve year over year improvements in all areas of sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint.
About GameTime
GameTime, a PlayCore company, is the world’s leading brand of commercial playground equipment. For 80 years, GameTime has shown their dedication to children by creating playgrounds that offer excellent quality, design innovation, and superior developmental opportunities. With their wide array of products, programs, and services, GameTime is truly Enriching Childhood through Play.
8/10/2009 GameTime and Hasbro Help West Point Install Inclusive Boundless Playground
Residents of Balfour Beatty Communities at West Point wanted to provide a wheelchair accessible playground for children with disabilities and to help wounded warriors play with their children. The planning began and a preliminary design was drawn up. But when Marturano Recreation Company hosted a training seminar this spring in Newark, New Jersey, little could they imagine the impact it would have on our military families at West Point.
A West Point resident and parent of a child with disabilities, Jane Spies, attended the seminar with a special interest in the playground project. At the outreach, Tom Norquist, Sr. Vice President of GameTime and Fred Leone of nonprofit Boundless Playgrounds, Inc. spoke passionately about the many programs and products they offered for children with disabilities. This inspired Jane Spies to seek not just an accessible playground at West Point, but to upgrade the design to a truly inclusive Boundless playground.
Boundless Playgrounds reviewed the existing design and suggested several changes to make it Boundless certified. The Hasbro Children’s Fund - a longstanding supporter of Boundless Playgrounds and a leader in the inclusive play movement - then provided a $30,000 grant to cover the cost of the design changes. Hasbro awarded the grant through a special program that supports injured military personnel and other military families with special needs by creating Boundless playgrounds on bases throughout the country.
The Boundless playground at West Point was initially designed by Keith Davis of Marturano Recreation. It features GameTime’s exclusive double wide ramps, which allow two children in wheelchairs or mobility devices to pass or travel side by side. Additionally, this playground features GTJams musical instruments, a sign language and Braille panel, accessible Zip slides and a multitude of cutting edge Xscape fitness based play events. The playground also features Zero-G Chairs, the state of the art solid harness swings for children needing back support. With its Boundless certified design and the use of poured in place soft rubber safety surfacing for wheelchairs and other mobility devices, the West Point playground meets the high standards of the Boundless Playgrounds Performance Criteria so that every child can truly be in the middle of the playground fun.
The smiles on the faces of the children at West Point show just how important it is to make certain the playground is accessible to every child. Many of these children would not be able to play on a traditional playground, but with the Boundless playground, they are able to swing, slide, and make music with the GTJams instruments.
To learn more about Boundless Playgrounds, visit their website (www.boundlessplaygrounds.org) or visit www.gametime.com or call 1-800-235-2440 to speak to your local GameTime representative.
8/10/2009 Boundless Playground Extreme Home Makeover
The U.S. Air Force rescued James Terpenning as a young orphan from Vietnam during Operation Babylift in 1975, and they returned Saturday, Aug. 1, to help build his family’s new home in what might be called Operation Extreme Makeover.
“It’s an honor to be here,” said Lt. Gen. Jack Hudson, commander of the Aerospace Systems Center at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, where Terpenning, 40, is a civilian computer specialist.
Terpening, who uses a wheelchair after a childhood bout with polio, learned Thursday that he had won a free new home from the ABC TV reality show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” to better accommodate his wife Shannon, four small children and his adopted brother, Joseph, who also uses a wheelchair because of his cerebral palsy.
5/27/2009 PTA President nominated for award
In a small town on the Eastern shore of Chesapeake Bay lies the town of Denton, Maryland. Like many budget challenged areas, the elementary school had an outdated playground and little money for an upgraded system. But due to one local Mom and PTA member’s diligence, the school is now home to a brand new state of the art completely accessible ramped playground unit. “I think outdoor play is extremely important,” Jemima Clark said. “There should be free, safe play for the entire community.” Clark began the process by searching for grant money that could be used to update or install a playground and was certain she could get at least a portion of the funds this way. So she started writing and was rewarded with a $281,000 playground grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. With additional funds supplied by the Denton Recreation & Park Association and the Denton Elementary PTA, the school had raised enough money for an all-inclusive GameTime playground, designed by West Recreation in Queenstown, MD. The new playground features ramps and accessible decks that allow children of all abilities to play. Activity panels are located on all levels for those who are more comfortable using ground level or lower deck play components. Some of the money was used to add crosswalks nearby and extend sidewalks to the play area, giving easy access to those in the community as well. The main play structure is covered in GTShade to provide protection from the sun on hot days, and swings were added to accommodate many children at once.
In response to her hard work and commitment to the PTA, Clark was nominated and selected as one of 23 semi-finalists for the Comcast 2009 Parent Involvement Matters award. The Comcast Parent Involvement Matters Awards program recognizes parents from local school systems across Maryland who are nominated in five areas: communication, volunteering, learning, decision-making and community collaboration. Clark says she hopes other parents see what she accomplished in her first attempt and get inspired to do something similar in their area. Because of her above and beyond approach, Denton School Principal Robin Daubach nominated her for the Comcast award.
The dedication of the new playground was held Friday, April 24th, with many members of the school and community on hand, as well as employees of West Recreation. Everyone agrees the sound of so many children, of all abilities, having fun and playing together is the best reward of all!
5/27/2009 Feltonville Recreation Center gets new playground
Even in an environment of budget challenges, there are corporations dedicated to doings something special for local communities. Shire Pharmaceutical is one such company.
The Feltonville Recreation Center located in Philadelphia, PA is a haven for local kids. In an often over-looked neighborhood, the Center provides a wide range of programs to nearly 500 children each week. The Center offers dance, art and computer classes, swimming, basketball, and baseball, among other varied activities. It is a diverse neighborhood with a broad scope of ethnicities and an estimated 27 different languages spoken. It is a neighborhood that has seen its share of crime and poverty. The Center was home to an often vandalized playground, a rusty fence and a declining basketball court. Fighting against a deficient in the budget, the mayor pleaded to businesses for help in maintaining the community. That was when Shire Pharmaceuticals stepped up.
Shire Pharmaceuticals is a global specialty biopharmaceuticals company with major operations in Chester County. “Helping people is what we do at Shire, and this initiative is a tangible way to illustrate how much our Philadelphia area employees care about communities across the Philadelphia region,” said Mike Yasick, senior vice president at Shire. Shire donated $165,000 to update the park, including adding a new playground, new basketball court and handball wall, complete with updated landscaping and new sidewalks. They have also pledged to give $100,000 over three years to the Department of Parks & Recreation to help maintain the park.
The new playground at Feltonville is getting a lot of use. And it has given the community a new and brighter outlook. Residents are taking ownership of their beautiful new park, looking out for the playground to ensure it is safe and maintained and to make sure vandals stay far away. Adults are bringing their children to play, and as the children bond through play, the adults are bonding through conversation, fostering a greater sense of community.
“This playground was made possible by Councilwoman (Maria D. Quinones) Sanchez who was instrumental in working with Shire to get the necessary funds to have the playground renovated,” says Russ Horrocks of Marturano Recreation Products, who did the design work for the playground and the poured rubber surface. After meeting with committee members representing Feltonville Recreation Center to get their direction on equipment and color selections, Horrocks laid out the design to meet the space constraints and budget. The GameTime Powerscape Plus play system was installed by Park Corporation out of Limerick, PA, and included stainless steel slides and Xscape swings for both 2-5 and 5-12 age groups.
Shire is hoping others will follow their lead and indeed, they already have. Sherwin-Williams donated paint to the Feltonville Project to refinish the iron fence surrounding the play area and to add a mural to the handball wall. At the grand opening of the new Feltonville playground, many excited children were on hand with parents and city officials to try out the bright equipment. If the squeals of excitement were any indication, the new playground is a big success.
5/19/2009 GameTime selected as Head Start Preferred Provider
GameTime, the world’s leading play equipment manufacturer in play design, educational curricula programs, service, and product choice was named as a preferred provider for the Head Start Body Start National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play. Head Start Centers will receive $5,000 individual grants for the improvement of over 380 playgrounds this year. These grants are one way Head Start Body Start is working to increase physical activity and outdoor play among Head Start and Early Head Start Centers for children. The Center will assist Head Start programs in creating healthy learning environments, both in and outside the classroom, through structured and unstructured physical activity that leads to the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of young children and reduces obesity and its associated costs.
GameTime’s continued dedication to fighting obesity through play makes this a perfect partnership to help increase activity in today’s children. Due to a “beyond compliance” attitude, all GameTime products meet or exceed today’s safety standards and GameTime products are research based, so they are designed to help develop better cognitive, social, and physical skills as they play. GameTime is proud to offer the following Head Start Body Start exclusive products:
Stock Car Spring Rider-facilitates wheelchair transfer, molded in graphics panel to encourage the imagination
Elevated Sand Box or Elevated Planter complete with garden curriculum
GT Jams Musical Cluster- two different versions to choose from! Each one comes with a curriculum program that meets the National Standards for music and physical education
Single Sand and Water Table with sand cups to help spur a child’s imagination, able to accommodate 12 children
Double Sand and Water table with sand cups- twice as much fun as the single sand and water table, able to accommodate 24 children
Crawler Two-a research based Early Childhood Play System-decks have raised graphics and letters
Upper Body Trainer-a research based overhead event for preschool children to develop better brachiating skills, upper body and grip strength
Spiral Game Table-increases concentration and teamwork in children as they try to maneuver the maze
Imagination Choo-Choo-Ground level and easily accessible to children in mobility devices, includes a noise-making Thunder Ring, a steering wheel, a working Train Whistle, a molded panel and two seats
More information on Head Start Body Start and how to apply for grants can be found at www.headstartbodystart.org.
2/5/2009 Saving money with US Communities
Hillcrest Elementary School in Enterprise, Alabama was destroyed by a tornado on March 1st, 2007 in severe weather left a deadly mark across the southern United States. Enterprise, Alabama, which was hit the hardest, sustained damages in excess of $307 million. Both the Elementary and High School were damaged by the storm. The tornado ripped the roof off parts of the school, destroyed a hallway, the gym, and the stadium.
The K-6 grade students moved into their temporary school in August of 2007 and will attend classes there for two years, which will eventually be the Enterprise Early Childhood Education Center. The problem the school faced was that the Center had been designed for 2-5 year olds and the facility had no playground. Of course after going through such a tragedy, they wanted the children to have as close to a normal situation as possible before the next school year began. The architect working with the school to renovate the facility called local GameTime representatives at J.A. Dawson & Company and asked for help designing a playground. They expressed regret that they would have to go through the bid process and take so much time to complete the project. At this point it was May of 2007 and they were trying to get all of the renovations done before the children started in August.
Patrick Rice of J.A. Dawson & Company presented the U.S. Communities purchasing program to the architect, and she became very excited about not having to bid out their playground equipment. Then the architect and Mr. Rice spoke with the principal and school system purchasing agents about the program. They sent the documentation about the program provided them to the attorney that the system uses to advise them. He had no reservations about the program and the school system proceeded to select the units and events that they wanted in their playground. They proceeded to use U.S. Communities to purchase other equipment for the renovation.
Hillcrest Elementary School greatly appreciated the time that using the program helped them save. They are currently building a new school to permanently replace the one destroyed and will be purchasing yet another playground on U.S. Communities. If you are interested in learning more about the US Communities purchasing alliance, go to www.gametime.com/usc/usc.asp
1/15/2009 Playground grants available!
We are excited to let you know that we have updated our Playground Grant Resource Package! If you are looking for funding to build your new playground, this is a great tool. Learn about available playground grants then use the hyperlink provided to go right to the funder’s website and learn how to apply!
As a result of our latest research, the updated Playground Grant Resource Package includes 13 new national grants, 12 regional grants, 17 state grants, and 2 new international research databases, one for Canada, and the other for all other international regions. All of these sources will consider playgrounds as a funding opportunity!
Also, remember to give your local GameTime representative a call at 800-235-2440 for assistance. They can provide renderings and financial goals for inclusion in your proposals! To request your copy of this valuable material, use the menu at top left to navigate to More info: Funding: Grant Info!
12/5/2008 Play With No Limits
GameTime is committed to helping provide play to all children, regardless of ability. Recently, GameTime was fortunate to be able to help bring a Boundless playground to Paducah, KY. Michele Sither, who is a Social Worker for the Kentucky Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs in Paducah was looking for ways to make playgrounds accessible to all children, so she contacted our local representative, and we worked with Boundless Playgrounds® to create the first Boundless Accessible Playground in the area. Boundless playgrounds encourage inclusive play, where children of all abilities can play together throughout the entire space. The playground offers areas for 2-5 as well as 5-12 year old children and includes fun access components like our friendly accessible Dragon. In addition, the playground provides sensory rich experiences like GT Jams instruments, where children can gather together and make music or just sing and dance along nearby. This playground is one of many examples of GameTime’s continued support and advancement of inclusive play spaces throughout the world. Click on the following link to view the news coverage of this important project. http://www.kfvs12.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=3195894&h1=All-Accessible%20Playground&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=204367&LaunchPageAdTag=Search%20Results&activePane=info&rnd=51416652
12/3/2008 Accessible Play Inspires Community
GameTime is dedicated to providing accessible, inclusive play environments that children of all ages and abilities can enjoy. This dedication made GameTime the natural choice for the Puyallup, WA Parks Department when they were tasked with building an inclusive playground in Bradley Lake Park. The city had included the addition of a new playground for the park in its 2006 Capital Improvement Program as the existing playground, while fairly new, was a more traditional playground not well suited for children with special needs. Karen Vindivich, the mother of a child with special needs from the Puyallup community, approached the Parks Department and requested the construction of an inclusive playground at the park. “At the time, my daughter was 2 ½ years old. The playground near our house had surfacing that prevented her from crawling to different components and she was too big for the infant swing. She needed equipment that considered her needs, so I wrote a letter to the Parks Department detailing what I thought was needed,” said Vindivich.
The city ultimately allocated $75,000 toward the project from the CIP and an account the Parks Department uses to make annual ADA improvements throughout the parks system. Fund raising efforts throughout the community produced an impressive $90,000 from 25 separate donors! The playground was dedicated to Vindivich’s daughter Savannah, who was her inspiration for the project. A sign reading “Welcome to Savannah’s place-Where Play Is Accessible To All” greets guests of the park as they enter the play area. This sensory rich play environment is totally ramped and offers music play, accessible swing seats, integrated shade, an abundance of ground level play activities, and colorful poured in place rubber surfacing making it perfect for mobility devices. On the day of the dedication, several of Savannah’s family members were among the 350 attendees present for the event. The Mayor of Puyallup, Donald Malloy, also spoke at the opening on July 26, 2008.
The new playground also promotes intergenerational play. While at the dedication, Ralph Dannenberg, Director of Parks and Recreation for Puyallup, received a thank you from a man confined to a wheelchair stating that this was the first time he had ever been able to play on a playground with his four-year old daughter. In addition, a representative from a local hospital remarked how the playground is not only great for children with special needs, but also for caregivers that may have stability issues on uneven surfaces.
12/3/2008 Play Planet
This week marked the grand opening of Play Planet, one of the largest community built playgrounds in the world. Built over a 3-day period from Oct 22-25, the playground is located at Tottan Park in Westland, Michigan. A collaborative project between the City of Westland, GameTime, and GameTime’s local representative Sinclair Recreation, the playground covers an enormous 200’x125’ use zone, or 25,000 square feet. GameTime is an expert at organizing and executing community volunteer builds, but this marks the first time in history that anyone has undertaken a community build of this scale. Led by GameTime staff and installation professionals, over 300 members of the local community gathered to assemble the system, which arrived in 5 semi trucks, and included 212 upright posts and almost 200 decks. Given that the average play system utilizes 5-8 decks points out the enormous scale of this project.
The playground features a space theme, and accommodates people of all abilities. The play area also includes swings, spinning Sky Runners, and GameTime’s futuristic Xscape play products. This was truly a monumental project, as GameTime staff and installation professionals guided hundreds of volunteers through the process of constructing and erecting hundreds of individual playground components.
“GameTime is excited about the build, and helping hundreds of community volunteers to build this gigantic play space. We specialize in community built programs, and enjoy the excitement and sense of ownership these projects generate in a community,” said Anne-Marie Spencer, GameTime’s Director of Marketing “ This one marks the largest volunteer built play space in the world, so we are thrilled to see it come to life.”
A number of local businesses provided volunteer labor as well as provisions like food and refreshments. Richard Kosowski, UPS employee volunteer, said, ”I can’t believe how quickly it came together. I thought it was take 2 - 3 weeks when I saw all the equipment laying around. I built a much smaller one in my neighborhood and it took much longer. You guys are so organized!” Mr. Kosowski has five kids and will be taking them to the park, saying: ”I can bring them here and I don’t think I will see them for half the day.”
Community build projects like this allow community members to have a direct hand in the development and betterment of their communities. Improving communities and providing cutting edge, creative play spaces throughout the world has always been one of GameTime’s main missions as a company, and this project accomplishes those goals at a level not previously attempted. Literally thousands of children and their families in the City of Westland will be positively impacted by the addition of this amazing new Play Planet.
12/3/2008 GT Sustainability
Sustainable design is more important than ever in the playground industry. Customers want to purchase their equipment from a vendor that considers environmental issues throughout every phase of production and makes a concerted effort to minimize its negative environmental impact. GameTime has taken steps to ensure that they offer the highest quality, sustainable playground equipment in the industry by examining the entire life cycle of their products from manufacturing to installation.
GameTime is a National Corporate Member of U.S. Green Building Council and is a great resource for attaining LEED certification credits. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. GameTime has identified 13 possible LEED credits that their products can help customers achieve in the Material Reuse, Sustainable Site and Innovation in Design Process categories. Their sales representatives and corporate staff are happy to discuss ways that GameTime products can help gain LEED certification for their customer’s projects.
In addition, GameTime has also gained ISO 14001- 2004 Environmental Certification by meeting rigorous environmental management standards aimed at helping all types of organizations protect the environment, reduce pollution and improve their environmental performance. Meeting these standards is consistent with GameTime’s mission of reducing their carbon footprint as well as instituting programs to offset their carbon emissions.
GameTime has taken the same above compliance attitude toward sustainability as it has on safety, customer service and quality. This dedication has lead to internal improvements such as recycling programs and researching of alternative materials. GameTime understands that to truly be an environmental company, they must consider both the final product as well as the processes used to produce that product. For more information on GameTime’s environmental improvements, log onto http://www.gametime.com/green.
10/29/2008 Introducing RockScape!
If you like the look of natural rock on your play space but dont like using rough, heavy manufactured concrete slab rocks, then RockScape is the answer! Made of recyclable plastic, they are lighter and less expensive to ship, while providing children with a friendlier climbing experience! Their slate textures are fun to climb, and won’t skin tender knees like concrete alternatives. They are a much greener alternative, as they are recyclable, and use less resources. Best of all, their stackable configurations allow you to create freestanding Rock climbers, as well as components within a play system at a variety of heights. Want to learn more. Just enter RockScape in the search bar above to see all the options!
9/30/2008 The greenest possible playground!
GameTime was pleased to be able to work with Ford Motor Company to provide Kelly Creek Elementary with a new green playground and surfacing as part of a recent episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition. GameTime was chosen because the school wanted equipment with ”the highest possible recycled content,” according to Christa Garman, the school’s head custodian.
The makeover was part of an ambitious project which takes Kelly Creek Elementary School a step closer to LEED certification in the existing building category. GameTime is a member of the USGBC, the administrator of the LEED project, and is thrilled to work with schools to help them with their LEED initiatives. The school received an entire playground overhaul -- redesigning the children’s outdoor play area to make it both sustainable and kid-friendly. Local volunteers helped install GT Impax rubber tiles, created from recycled tires. In addition, two old play systems were replaced with brand new GameTime structures, designed and built out of recycled plastic and metal materials. These renovations are particularly welcome to Kelly Creek Elementary’s large disabled student population -- the new equipment is fully ADA-accessible, allowing all students to enjoy the green-friendly and sustainable playground.
To see more on the playground, go to http://www.fordvehicles.com/educatetoescape/ and to learn about GameTime’s dedication to environmental responsibility, log on tohttp:// www.gametime.com/green
9/9/2008 Free Nature Play Seminar
Title: NatureGrounds™: Putting Nature Into Play
Presenters: Nilda Cosco, PhD; Robin Moore, DiplArch, MCP; North Carolina State University
Sponsored By: GameTime
Urban playgrounds have a new imperative to attract children and their caregivers outdoors to re-connect with nature while promoting physical activity and family recreation. This interactive session will review the evidence supporting the benefits and need for innovative nature play settings that effectively combine natural elements with the built playground environment in parks and schools. Best practices for integrating natural elements and manufactured play equipment will be explored and participants will engage in a hands-on activity to create unique design solutions that can be put into practice. Additionally, play and recreation programs, public education initiatives, and marketing strategies will be explored to help participants develop and promote NatureGrounds™ that are effective for Putting Nature Into Play.
To sign up, go to www.gametime.com/nrpa.
9/2/2008 Deck coating choices
GameTime is pleased to offer two coating chioces for playground decking. To learn more, please go to our webpage at http://www.gametime.com/index.asp?url=thermoplastic/thermoplastic.asp
8/28/2008 GameTime Parcourse helps teens reach fitness goal!
Teens on the N Network’s program Student Body recently built a Parcourse fitness circuit as part of a team assignment in their quest to get fit. Student Body brings together 12 students from rival high schools in Decatur, IL, for a life-changing mission to get into shape.
GameTime provided the fitness equipment, which was divided up into several stations. The two teams raced each other to finish their stations and win the competition. The teens burned calories while doing a great service for the community, as the Parcourse will be enjoyed by Decatur residents for years to come. Parcourse is one of the oldest, most trusted name is outdoor fitness circuit equipment, and is available in clusters, circuitsn or quad configurations. Check it out under the GT Sports section of our website!.
7/22/2008 GameTime celebrates opening of Give Kids the World Playground
Fort Payne, AL GameTime was honored to attend the grand opening of Matthew’s Boundless Playground at the Give Kids the World Village. Give Kids the World is a 70-acre, non-profit resort in the Orlando area that creates magical memories for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The facility provides accommodations at its resort, along with donated attractions tickets, meals and more for a week-long, cost-free fantasy vacation. With the help of many generous individuals, corporations, and partnering wish-granting organizations, Give Kids the World has welcomed more than 85,000 families from all 50 states and over 60 countries.
The village features a magical theater, fun activities, and whimsical housing, however, it did not have a playground until GameTime and Boundless Playgrounds, together with the guiding help from Hasbro, created a CandyLand themed wonderland. Children can play under and on the shaded GameTime playground structure or engage in a life size game of CandyLand, as the board game’s colorful pathways come to life in the poured-in-place recycled rubber surfacing surrounding the play area. All of these elements combine to create a truly unique environment where imagination and wonder are never in short supply.
After a heartfelt dedication ceremony, the park was opened to children on July 14. Park personnel led everyone in games, dance, and of course lots of free play!
5/29/2008 Kirk and Anne Douglas open another GameTime playground!
Actor Kirk Douglas and his wife have dedicated their 400th school playground, a gorgeous GameTime unit, at Lillian Elementary School in Florence, CA, completing a 10 year effort to give Los Angeles area kids a place to play.
During the celebration, held the day before their 54th wedding anniversary, the 91-year-old actor rode down a slide during the unveiling Wednesday at a South Los Angeles elementary school, something he often does at the grand openings.
Douglas and his wife, Anne, created the Douglas foundation and provided more than $8 million to build or refurbish play areas in the Los Angeles school district. GameTime has worked with them on many occasions to make their dream, and the dream of the local children, a reality.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was on hand for the dedication as well, and praised Douglas and his wife for their program. GameTime joins the Governor and the children of Los Angeles in saluting the Douglas’ and their incredible efforts.
3/6/2008 GameTime aids reforestation!
GameTime understands the importance of trees to our environment. Trees absorb carbon dioxide through the process of photosynthesis and put oxygen back into our environment. Did you know that a single tree, in a lifespan of 70-100 years, will absorb approximately 1.3 tons of carbon dioxide?
Since we know reforestation is such an important tool in offsetting carbon emissions, GameTime is making tree planting a focus of their latest promotion. For every playground purchased during the promotion, GameTime will donate 10 trees, thought the Arbor Day Foundation, to be planted in areas that have been deforested by fire. Each playground sold will result in an area of planted trees, roughly the same size as the playground’s use zone, that can absorb 13 tons of Co2 in their lifespan.
To learn more about the playground promotion, click the sale banner on the home page!
7/17/2007 A Guide to Evaluating Playground Equipment
Choosing the right play equipment company isn’t always easy. From budget considerations to play value comparisons, this new guide document can really help make the process simple. It covers play types, company comparisons, budget, and more. It’s the right way to begin your important playground purchasing decision. Download it now!
http://www.gametime.com:/images/Evaluating-Play-Equipment.pdf
6/27/2007 Trying to combat childhood obesity?
For several years, we at GameTime have been fighting the Childhood obesity issue through research, progressive play design, and obesity grant programs. We’re pleased to continue this effort by announcing our Obesity Information Center, a resource for children, teachers, recreation providers and parents who wish to help us in the fight against childhood obesity.
www.playfits.com features articles on the causes and effect of childhood obesity, in addition to childhood obesity information, charts and tables. Wondering if you burn enough calories to maintain your weight? Use the tools provided to check your caloric intake against calories burned. We will be updating and refreshing the resource constantly with information and links to childhood obesity grants, research, information and tools to help you in the fight. Help us in our mission to educate kids and families about childhood obesity and together we can help bring an end to this epidemic.
5/23/2007 Boundless playground winner selected!
McCullough Elementary School and the Penn-Trafford School District in Claridge, Pennsylvania is the grand prize winner of the “Win a Boundless™ Playground Essay Contest” and will receive a Boundless™ playground by GameTime in their community so children of all abilities can play together.
The essay, submitted jointly by third-grade teacher Scott Mickey and parent Lisa Popovich, beat out almost 1,000 entries which were received from 44 states plus the District of Columbia. The goal of the contest is to raise awareness that playgrounds should not exclude children with disabilities – instead, playgrounds can and should be places where everyone is included in the fun.
McCullough Elementary School and the community surrounding the school will receive a Boundless™ playground worth up to $300,000 which is to be built at a site previously designated as a practice field adjacent to the elementary school and centrally located for community use. Following is an excerpt from the winning essay:
“While our goal to differentiate instruction within McCullough Elementary School has been successful, our community playground outside has fallen behind and limits our children’s play, movement, and interactions. ‘To infinity and beyond’ is not realized on the old, rusty, and outdated equipment. Many of our student population cannot even access the equipment due to its height or lack of ramps.”
“The overwhelming response this essay contest elicited only reinforces our resolve to help provide every child with a place where they can play and learn together with their peers,” said Tom Norquist of GameTime. “McCullough Elementary School’s story truly inspires us and we look forward to building them a playground they will use for years to come.”
2/2/2007 Twenty Finalists Chosen in ”Win a Boundless Playground” contest
GameTime, a PlayCore company, Boundless Playgrounds®, and Hasbro Inc.’s PLAYSKOOL, today announced the twenty communities chosen as finalists to win a Boundless™ playground worth up to $300,000 in the “PLAYSKOOL Win a Boundless™ Playground Essay Contest.”
With 930 entries received from 44 states plus the District of Columbia, sites including parks, schools, Indian reservations, hospitals, military bases, and churches were nominated by children, parents, teachers, and friends, who submitted essays detailing why their community deserves a playground accessible to children of all abilities. The goal of the contest is to raise awareness that playgrounds should not exclude children with disabilities – instead, playgrounds can and should be places where everyone is included in the fun.
“GameTime and Boundless Playgrounds continue to build extraordinary play environments enabling children of all abilities to experience the pure joy of play,” said Tom Norquist of GameTime. “In awarding this playground to a lucky community, we hope to continue our mission of enriching childhood through play.”
For more information or for a copy of the official Press Release, contact GameTime at info@gametime.com.
1/5/2007 Thinking of installing your own playground?
There is no easier system to use for a community built playground than GameTime! Why? We use our patented direct bolt method of attaching decks and components to the uprights, not cumbersome clamps. Our systems come with an instructional road map that shows you exactly which piece to attach, and where. We detail the correct hardware to use (complete with images of the hardware, and a length map to use for comparison, so you get the right bolt every time!) We also drill the uprights, then precision install the inserts to receive the bolts in our factory. Each part is numbered and corresponds to a number on your instructional roadmap. Buliding a playground with volunteers doesnt have to be a scary prospect!
Clamp systems leave it to you to figure out how high up the parts get installed, and to drill the upright at the correct hieght and placement. (Ever tried to drill a round piece of pipe?) If you want to be sure that all your slides, climbers and other components are installed at the correct height, so your sysstem is as compliant as it was designed, trust Game Time. We even have a community build playground manual with tips on everything from fundraising to organizing your volunteers. Planning a volunteer playground installation? Give us a call at 800-235-2440 and ask for the Project Playground Manual, it’s Free!
10/2/2006 Want to win a playground?
Click the ”Win a Boundless Playground from GameTime” headline at right to learn more!
10/2/2006 Win a Boundless Playground from GameTime!
GameTime is pleased to be a sponsor of the Win A Boundless Playground essay contest. You can win a Boundless Playground by GameTime for your community by simply going to: http://www.hasbro.com/playskool/default.cfm?page=bp_essaycontest and following the directions listed. Submit an essay between 500-750 words telling us what a Boundless Playground would mean to your community and nominate a specific site. If you write the winning essay, your community could win a playground where children of all abilities can play together! Official rules can be found at the link listed above. Good Luck!!
9/15/2006 Sprayparks-growing in popularity!
Spray parks are a great way to add water fun to your park or recreation facility without the worries associated with a swimming pool ”deep end.” They’re fun for kids of all ages, and children don’t need swimming skills to enjoy the benefits. Spray Park equipment offers cooling fun, and to watch children at play in these wonderful innovative environments brings back memories of running through the sprinkler, just with a lot more fun, color, and action! Today’s spray parks offer above and below ground spray events that are shaped like squiggles, arches, even cars and benches!
GameTime, the leading name in playground products has teamed with Rain Drop Products, Ashland OH., to manufacture their line of zero depth spray park products. The new line “GTH20 by Rain Drop,” is now available. GameTime selected Rain Drop because of their position as the pioneer and longtime industry leader in SprayGround water features. The product line is manufactured of fiberglass, so denting and rust issues are eliminated, and the opportunity for vandalism is greatly reduced.
In additon, by using the GTH2O by Raindrop OmniPod, spraypark components can be switched around to create new overall layouts with your existing spray park equipment, keeping kids coming back to check out the newest look at their local spraypark.
Check out the Product area of our site to see all the Spray Park product choices, including the designer series of predesigned spray parks that give you turnkey solutions to your spray park equipment needs!
5/24/2006 GameTime featured on the Today Show!
GameTime’s beyond compliance attitude toward playground safety is getting noticed by national media. On May 23, the Today show featured Tom Norquist, GameTime Senior Vice president as a guest on their ”How to make Playgrounds Safer” segment. To view the segment go to http://video.msn.com and enter ”Today show” in the search field. The segment is listed by its title ”How to Make Playgrounds Safer.”
Tom revealed how GameTime looks at ways to make playgrounds more appealing and fun to children through clever and innovative design, rather than building them at dizzying heights. This level of commitment is supported by experts like Dr. Joe Frost, one of the most preeminent childhood development specialists in the world, in his book The Developmental Benefits of Play, where he recommends that decks on play systems for 2-5 year olds not exceed 5’, or 8’ for 5-12 year olds. GameTime has always taken playground safety very seriously, and, as seen on the Today show, they are receiving recognition for their dedication to children.
5/10/2006 Are you building an accessible playground?
If you are building an accessible playground in your community, we are here to help! GameTime’s unique accessible playground components help children of all abilities play inclusively, while offering developmental benefits and lots of fun. GameTime believes that accessible playgrounds should offer inclusion, not just accessibility, so all kids can play together no matter where they are on the playground. GameTime’s revolutionary Wide Ramp allows kids in mobility devices the opportunity to race alongside their more typically developing peers, or pass each other without having to interrupt their play behaviors! It’s just one more way that GameTime is taking the accessible playground to the next level!
4/13/2006 Are you fundraising for a playground?
GameTime has some of the best fundraising tools available. For grants to help in your playground fundraising, use the menu above to go to ”More information” then ”funding.” Order the Playground Grant package to learn about foundations that will help your fundraising with grant money. You’ll also receive our grantwriting primer to help you formulate a successful grant application.
You can also find out about The Funding Factory on our site’s funding tab. They make your playground fundraising efforts even easier by allowing you to trade used toner cartridges and cell phones for playground equipment!
GameTime also offers a Project Playground fundraising kit that helps you in your playground fundraising efforts by offering organizational tools and playground fundraising ideas. This program, which has been offered by GameTime for several years, is one of the best tools you can use in your playground fundraising efforts. We are currently placing an order form online to makie receiving this tool even easier! It will also be located in the Funding area of the site!
GameTime applauds your playground fundraising efforts and is pleased to offer these programs to assist you reach your target!
3/14/2006 See GameTime on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition!
On April 6th, please take the time to sit down in front of your T.V. and watch as the ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition team transform a park into an oasis of hope for the people of St. Bernards Parish, LA
GameTime was honored to participate in the renovation, helping to bring a renewed hope to an area just outside New Orleans that was utterly devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Months have passed, and still homes stand as they did after the waters receded. “We are strong, we will come back,” promised St. Bernard’s Parish President Junior Rodriguez. “This project is a tremendous help.”
This very special episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is scheduled to air on your local ABC affiliate on Thursday, April 6th, which will be in addition to the customary Sunday evening program.
About Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA. The series is executive-produced by Tom Forman. On Thursday, March 23 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET), preceding the regular time period premiere of ”American Inventor,” ABC Television Network will air the first of four consecutive ”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” specials -- ”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition -- After the Storm” -- in which the design team and some very special guests impact the lives of residents of four of the Gulf Coast states hardest hit this past hurricane season - Louisiana, Texas, Florida and Mississippi. The remaining three installments - each focused on a project in a different state - air in this time period over the next three weeks.
3/13/2006 The Grand Opening Celebration
St. Bernard Parish celebrates the grand opening of their new GameTime playground, the first playspace of its kind since Hurricane Katrina. Check out their review here:
http://www.sbpg.net/cannizaro022406.html
3/13/2006 Residents comment on the play area
When ChildCare Business posted a notice about the show, they opened it to comments from residents. We were excited to see the number of residents who offered their appreciation for the project. Read their heartfelt comments here.
http://www.childcarebusiness.com/hotnews/63h14105526.html
3/13/2006 St. Bernard Parish reviews the build
Check out the St. Bernard Parish site for their report during the Extreme Makeover:Home Edition playground build! GameTime was thrilled to work with so many wonderful people form the Parish who volunteered their time and effort to help with the install!
http://www.sbpg.net/cannizaro022206.html
3/12/2006 Alabama Boundless Playground fun for all!
The Boundless Playground in Sheffield AL is a special playground built for every child by North Alabama Kiwanis clubs and volunteers. Ramps replace steps, and smooth rubber surface replaces typical surfaces to provide access to wheelchairs, walkers and crutches. GameTime volunteers also helped on the installation, located along a picturesque riverfront.
1/19/2006 New Playground Equipment!
If you are planning a playground, don’t forget to request our brand new catalog, full of great new products like our revolutionary Zip Slides! By increasing the bed way to 45 degrees, Zip Slides are faster and more fun, with an extended run out to slow dismount. They also use less ground space, saving you on area and surfacing costs! The revolutionary slide hood aids children as they get seated, and helps prevent inadvertent entry into the bed way by children and mobility devices. Zip slides are also more sturdy and economical! Simply put, they offer better value than other slides on the market. Call 800-235-2440 or request a catalog to learn more!
11/10/2005 Looking for a playground grant?
GameTime can help you find grant funding for your playground, just click the link below and we’ll send you our Grant Research Paper, which includes hotlinks to Grants that will consider playgrounds as a funding project. We also include our Grantwriting assistance paper, which will help you understand what’s needed in writing a successful playground grant application. GameTime offers you the leading edge in play, and now we’re pleased to offer you a leading edge document to help search for grant funding for your playground!
http://www.gametime.com/index.asp?url=/industry/grantreq.asp
2/25/2005 New web feature, 360 degree view of your playground!
Want to see what the back, front and side of your playground will look like? With our new ”Playgrounds in the Round” feature, you can view renderings of any of our online playgrounds from all angles. By clicking the arrow at the bottom of the rendering, then dragging it to the right or left, you can make the playground rendering spin in a circle for viewing from all angles. See all the slides, climbers, and other playground components and get a better feel for how it will look at your playground’s site!! Go to the unit design page for any of our playgrounds and give it a try!
1/19/2005 Introducing GT Shade!
Fun under the sun!
GameTime is pleased to introduce GT Shade, shade structures designed with your public facility in mind. Choose from a variety of competitively priced shapes and sizes, then select snow and wind loads to suit your site’s unique conditions. Whether you are looking to shade your playground, picnic areas, or other site locations, with GT Shade you can protect visitors to your facility from potentially damaging UV rays, and keep them cool at the same time! Call 800-235-2440 or see the What’s New area of this site for more information.
11/10/2004 New Products are the talk of the town at NRPA!
The National Recreation and Park Association held their annual conference in Reno, NV Oct 13-15, where GameTime continued their leading presence with an innovative selection of new products. GameTime debuted their new Glide Board, Spring Pod and Discovery Series products, which were received with enthusiasm by show attendees.
”These products are so much fun, I can see the whole family wanting to use them,” several attendees commented. The Glide Board and Spring Pod were presented on a centrally located elevated stage, where show attendees were invited to try the products for themselves. ”People were having such a good time,” said Danny Byrd, Director of Design for GameTime, ”we had folks of all ages and dress codes coming up to give it a try. Several men and women in suits rode the Glide Board over and over, laughing just like they were kids again. We are excited to see this product make it’s appearance in local parks, schools and recreation facilities, it’s a lot of fun and develops balance skills, too,” Byrd continued.
The Discovery series includes a Telescope and Kaleidoscope, which, unlike other playground products of this type, actually work. ”It was important to us that these products not just look accurate, they had to perform accurately, too, said Brian Johnson, Vice President of Marketing and Product Development. ”Other playground telescopes rely completely on a child’s imagination, they are nothing more than tube shaped portals. Our Telescope uses actual lenses so a child can take a closer look at nature, their friends, and the other surroundings of the playground.”
To learn more about GameTime’s exciting new products, Click each item under ”More Headlines” at the bottom of the page, then call your local GameTime representative!
11/10/2004 Look, It’s a Gizmo™!
If you haven’t heard this on your neighborhood playground lately, chances are you will soon! Gizmos are the hottest new playground activity since the slide. They’re interactive, and can be elevated, ground level, freestanding, or part of a structure. They answer questions, solve puzzles, talk to you and more!
What is a Gizmo? It’s your choice of 7 activities that can be used singly or in a group. Choose from seven different gizmos, then choose from a variety of location options. You can group several Gizmos together, or use individually. Gizmos include:
Answer Wheel – Ask the Gizmo a question and spin the wheel, the Gizmo will reveal the answer!
Maze – Solve the mystery of the maze by manipulating the Gizmo to find the solution!
Click Wheel – A fun noisemaking Gizmo that kids will love to experiment with.
Echo Chamber – Talk to the Gizmo, it talks back, but with a twist!
Flat Mirror- Check out your likeness in this reflective gizmo.
Bubble Mirror – Just like in the funhouse, it’s you, but different!
Stained Glass - In a choice of colors for a view of the world with a tint!
Gizmos are a great way to add integrated play opportunities to your playground. They can be installed freestanding at ground level; they can also be incorporated into a playstructure, above ground or below deck. Best of all, Gizmos are fully modular, allowing you to change your Gizmos with the seasons, easily adding a new attraction to your play environment.
Get Gizmos or find out about them more by calling your local GameTime representative at 1-800-235-2440.
11/10/2004 GameTime sets sights on Discovery!
Playgrounds have historically been viewed as a place to discover new things. But now, with GameTime’s new Discovery Series™, kids have an even greater opportunity to bring an element of discovery and adventure to their play environment. Designed to spark a child’s imagination, the Discovery Series will take a child to distant lands as they imagine themselves as adventurers, conquerors and world travelers.
Use the Discovery Telescope to get a closer look at the environment surrounding the playground. Zoom in on a bird, distant trees, or even a friend. Kids can learn while having fun getting a close up look at the elements in their environment. Telescopes can be installed above or below deck, and as a freestanding element. Give a child a telescope, and there is no end to the adventures they will imagine.
Use the Discovery Kaleidoscope to get a fun, funky look at the world. The Kaleidoscope works with light to break up an image and distort it. The patterns of light will fascinate children as they point the kaleidoscope around the play environment and create new worlds and images. Kaleidoscopes can be installed as part of a system, or as a freestanding element.
The new Multi-Directional Talk Tube expands the way children can communicate on the playground. Designed to work with stationery Talk Tubes, the child can point the Directional Talk Tube at another talk tube and communicate expressly with the child manning it. Point it toward a different talk tube and create a whole new two-way conversation. Act as the relay for communication points and let your imagination take over.
Find out more about the Discovery Series by calling your local GameTime representative at 1-800-235-2440.
11/10/2004 New WallCano – a great thing gets even better !
GameTime is pleased to announce the expansion of its popular WallCano™ Climbing Wall System, with new components that make the system fully modular, and allow it to be configured in a myriad of ways. Create walls that rival the grown-up versions with 90 degree corners, hanging cliffs, flat walls and angles. WallCano is the only climbing wall system that can be configured for either the 2-5 or 5-12 age groups.
The new additions to the WallCano Climbing system are proving to be a huge hit with kids, providing them with a fun way to develop strength and coordination. Kids will experience the thrill and challenge of placing their hands and feet to climb to the top of the wall, just like adults, but with age appropriate equipment geared toward their smaller hands and reach. With the new components, kids can also climb horizontally, around corners and over cliff drops.
With so many configurations and possibilities, and considering the current popularity of rock climbing as an activity sport, it’s no surprise that the WallCano system is one of the top selling products of this year.
Kids appreciate the fact that the system provides an irresistible challenge. Adults love the way they can configure the system to fit any size of site or area.
For more information, call your local GameTime representative and ask about configuring a system to fit your site!
11/10/2004 Cosmix Climber™ - One component, many options!
GameTime is pleased to announce the introduction of the Cosmix Climber. With one simple component, a customer can create a variety of unique climbers by varying the number of components selected, and the angle at which they are installed. Attach three Cosmix Climbers to an upright and create a freestanding play event. Customers also have the option to attach a single Cosmix Climber to a play system or Challenge Station Climber.
Kids love using the uniquely sized holes in the climber as tunnels, handgrips and footholds. Inventing new ways to use the climber encourages imaginations and adds to its overall appeal. Its space-like appearance gets children’s attention and draws them over, but it’s the multitudes of ways to use it that holds their attention over time.
For more information about the Cosmix Climber call your local representative at 1-800-235-2440.
11/10/2004 GameTime introduces new Spring Pod™ and Balance Pod™!
Reaching for the sky is now easier than ever! GameTime is pleased to introduce the new Spring Pod, and Balance Pod, the newest innovations in keeping kids on the move. The Pods are two of the latest components of GameTime’s new product line, XtremePlay™. The XtremePlay product line is characterized by exciting, creative components that are designed to stimulate children both physically and mentally.
The Spring Pod offers kids offers kids a new way to stay on the move, a place to jump and bounce around, as well as a new opportunity to socialize during playtime. The unit’s triangular platform is mounted on three springs that react to a child’s weight and movement. Kids love to play on it alone, or with friends.
The Balance Pod is features the same triangular platform, installed at a preset angle. Balance Pods can be grouped to give children the opportunity to create paths over and among the pods.
Spring Pods and Balance Pods are unique play events on the playground, and are already proving to be a favorite on the playgrounds where they’ve been installed. Kids can be seen using their imagination to invent new ways to play, and testing their abilities as they balance, jump, and even dance on the platforms. All of this while maintaining a child’s most important priority, fun! Who else but GameTime, the leader in play, could invent something so unique, challenging, and innovative?
For more information, call your local GameTime representative at 1-800-235-2440.
5/13/2004 Important news about swings!
GameTime’s Adaptive Swing Seat is great example of playground equipment that should be a part of every playground. Originally designed so that children with special needs could more easily use a swing, the seat has proven to be just as popular with children of all abilities. “The molded seat with its high sides, back and head support is as comfortable as a garden swing or glider,” said Danny Byrd, a member of the swing’s design team. “It is not uncommon to find children using it to swing, but also as a place to relax, and even read a book.”
The swing features a rigid molded seat, and is available with three mounting versions: galvanized chain, coated chain, as well as a pipe frame. The chain options are generally more common in park applications. The pipe frame reduces lateral movement, making it easier for wheelchair transfer and caregiver assistance, and is usually used in a truly therapeutic setting. The swing also has an optional 5-point harness to help support children in a therapeutic situation.
Swings are the subject of GameTime’s latest third party sponsored research study. Conducted by noted childhood development expert, Dr. Joe Frost, the study looked at the benefits that swings provide, and their role in a playground environment. Swings provide fitness opportunities through movements like leg pumping, running, pushing, jumping and landing. The pendulum action of acceleration and deceleration contributes to balance, as does the maintenance of a sitting position while swinging. Swinging encourages pectoral muscle development, as well as a sense of rhythm and balance. Fine motor skills are also developed through hand use and grip activities. Swings require cooperative sharing, as well as social interaction as children ask to be pushed in a swing. Multi person swings, like tire swings, also encourage socialization. Swinging is associated with positive feelings from the motion, which leads to physical benefit as the child wishes to continue the activity.
Research supports the view that swings are very valuable for children’s emotional, physical and social development. Our study enabled us to document a clear progression of developing swing skills, as well as identifying the areas of development that swings uniquely contribute to. As such, we were able to determine that the time honored swing, for its multiple contributions, should be a standard playground element.
The adaptive swing seat is available in nine colors, and easily adapts to existing swing frames. For more information on this product or other swing options, call your local GameTime representative at 800-235-2440, or log on to www.gametime.com.
5/13/2004 Is your playground newsworthy?
Is there an interesting story behind your GameTime playground? Maybe you have an unusual fundraising story, perhaps the playground was inspired by a child’s desires or dreams, or maybe it’s in a setting that’s gorgeous enough to be a calendar shot!
If you think your GameTime playground deserves national attention, why not tell us about it? We provide many national publications with articles, press releases and photos, we’d love to tell them about you. Join the GameTime news club today by simply sending a photo of your playground and a brief description of why it would be newsworthy, and we’ll do the rest. Of course, we cant promise that periodicals will publish everything we send, but we will make every effort to put your story in the limelight. E-mail your information and images to our editorial dept at aspencer@gametime.com and don’t forget to put ”story idea” in the message title. Include your name, mailing address, and phone number so we can follow up and if we get the story published, we’ll send you a copy of the magazine so you can share your playground’s new found fame with your community!
4/7/2004 GTH20 Catalog available NOW!
GameTime recently announced the release of their all new GTH2O catalog, which illustrates the company’s full line of exciting spray park products. The catalog shows pre-configured park designs as well as a wide selection of components that can be combined to meet the customer’s needs, budget, and design ideas. Spray parks are increasing in popularity as a warm weather water activity. The fun, interactive elements like water cannons, and water buckets that fill slowly then dump their contents on the kids below, offer children a fun way to cool off, without deep water worries. Customers will appreciate the fact that GTH2O is available with recirculated or fresh water systems, and is manufactured utilizing 37 years of internationally recognized talent. With standard in-slab mounting bases, stainless steel construction, and brass spray jets, GTH2O is your choice for zero-depth spray park fun. Get your free copy of this informative catalog by calling your local GameTime representative at 1-800-235-2440.
1/29/2004 Playground slides with a new twist!
Ft Payne, AL – Playground slides have just taken a new turn. GameTime is pleased to present the WilderSlide, offering customers more choices, more designs, and a new concept in sliding that has never been available before.
The First (and only) 405° dual spiral slide.
The First double slide with configurable bedway options.
The First Over-N-Under slide configuration.
The First slide with so many choices.
GameTime is well known for innovating new playground opportunities, to give children even more choices for fun and physical development. The WilderSlide was born of a desire to provide children with a playground slide that rivals the look and thrill of those found in water parks. The WilderSlide features a segmented design; so a customer can choose a deck height, and then add the appropriate segments to take the slide’s path to the right or left, or even a spiral up to 405 degrees! By creating options at varying heights, customers can choose age-appropriate slide designs to meet the needs of the children who will be using them.
By choosing the double entrance option, they can double the fun. Kids can race side by side down long spirals that curl to the left and right. Or, design the slides to cross Over-N-Under, for an exhilarating ride with a twist. The Wilder Slide…a whole new dimension in kid’s adventure!
1/29/2004 GameTime introduces new, bigger than ever catalog!
GameTime recently unveiled their 2004 product catalog, featuring new products, new unit designs, and bold, exciting photography. Expanded to over 175 pages, the cover features images of children enjoying new play products, surrounding GameTime’s 75th anniversary logo.
“We are pleased to be the world’s top playground supplier, and to be able to say we have been making kids happy for 75 years,” said Anne-Marie Spencer, Marketing Communications Manager at GameTime. “This new catalog reflects that industry leadership, as it debuts the kind of innovative new products that GameTime is known for.”
The catalog highlights almost 100 play unit designs; many of them new, that customers can order or modify to meet their needs. “Having such a wide selection of pre-designed units help makes the buying process easier, as customers can see what a playground will look like, what it will cost, how many children it will accommodate and how much room is needed to install it,” says Spencer. “They can also make changes to the design to suit their particular site, using the original design as a great starting point.”
GameTime is the only commercial playground manufacturer to dedicate major resources toward independent research studies, which then become the foundation upon which their products are built. The studies determine the skill sets that children possess at target stages of development, which the company uses to create products that develop those skills. Recent studies include climbing behaviors, equipment height, physical fitness and play value. They are also the foremost manufacturer in the field of ADA accessibility, creating a lab partnership with the Siskin Institute for children with special needs, to develop products that go beyond mere accessibility, creating integrated play opportunities that are fun for kids of all abilities.
Its just part of our commitment to Enriching Childhood through Play,” says Spencer. Our customers understand this commitment, it’s our hope that the 2004 catalog will also help new customers discover the difference.”
To request your own free catalog, please call 1-800-235-2440 or log on to www.gametime.com. Customers who receive the catalog can then send in the enclosed reply card to receive a free playground planning guide.
1/20/2004 GameTime introduces the new F5
Ft. Payne, AL It’s the fastest, tightest spiral slide around, it’s such a twister that GameTime has named it the F5! Unlike many spiral slides that are designed with too shallow a pitch, this one is engineered to give kids a fast, fun, compliant ride that takes them from top to bottom, without having to push off along the way!
“Kids are surprised at first, because they’re used to spirals that slow or stop them in the middle, forcing them to push along with their feet” says Brian Johnson, Vice President of Product Development. “The F5 is designed in such a way to preserve the spiral, keep it compliant, and allow a continuous sliding experience. With the F5, there’s no work involved, except to run back to the top of the slide and go again!”
For more information about the F5, call your local representative at 1-800-235-2440.
1/20/2004 New water play components now available!
Ft. Payne, AL GameTime has added several fun, new components to their GTH2O zero-depth spray park line. The new components include fun themed items to give customers the opportunity to create exciting new elements to their spray park.
Items like the palm tree or cactus will draw children to the spray park area, creating an “oasis” in the park. Interactive, moveable elements like the water cannon give kids an opportunity to shoot water at targets, creating an added dimension of fun. The new products join the existing GTH20 line, flush mounted and above ground water spray elements that children can control by means of an activation bollard. GTH20 provides many different layouts and options, and comes in a variety of colors. Who doesn’t remember the fun of running through the sprinkler as a kid? With GTH20, kids can cool off, have fun and enjoy summer water play without the deep end!
1/20/2004 GameTime introduces two new surfacing options!
Ft. Payne, AL GameTime has recently added two new surfacing options to its popular GT Impax brand line of surfacing. Made of recycled shredded rubber, the products are available as a loose-fill product, or bonded together with polyurethane adhesive for a solid, durable surface.
The bonded rubber option is available in three colors, while the loose-fill shredded rubber surfacing is available in six colors. Both offer a great way to brighten a playground environment with a durable surface that does not absorb water, and, with proper drainage, will not freeze in water. GameTime also recently introduced bonded rubber curbs, which are molded on site to offer the customer a variety of configuration options.
Both new surface products meet the ASTM standards for impact attenuation, as well as for ADA accessibility. The new surfacing products join the existing GT Impax surface options of engineered wood fiber, poured in place rubber, and rubber tiles.
7/16/2003 Adam’s Place recognized as a Playground of Excellence
Adam’s Place, a GameTime accessible playground located in Hattiesburg MS, was recently recognized as one of the top three projects in the Mississippi Community Leadership Association’s Projects of Excellence Award. Over 40 projects were submitted statewide and 10 projects were selected as finalists. After the award banquet, project team member Jay Estes stated, ”We are extremely honored to be recognized with this award. However, our true reward has been in providing this facility for the children of the Pine Belt Region.” Several GameTime representatives turned out last year to meet the inspiration for the playground, Adam Mc Phail, and help build the playground that bears his name. To learn more about Adam’s story, or see photos of this incredible playground, log on to the Adam’s Place website at http://www.geocities.com/adamsplace2002/
7/9/2003 Three steps to playground funding
Get GameTime grant info, get grant money, get playgrounds. At GameTime, we want it to be that simple for you. We have researched hundreds of grant opportunities and have fine-tuned a list of grants to help you in your search for funding. Unlike many grant lists, we have narrowed the field to include only grants that will consider the funding of playgrounds. We’ve also included an easy to understand guideline to help you write grant proposals. With tips from funders, step-by-step organizational tips, and sample grants, we can help you on your way to the GameTime playground of your dreams?
For instance, did you know that a world famous musician created a grant program to enhance the lives of needy children by promoting healthy lifestyles? Are you aware that you can raise money for your new playground by collecting used printer cartridges? Find out more by logging on to www.gametime.com, choose ”industry” on the menu bar at the top of the page, then scroll down and click on ”funding” to apply for this valuable information.
4/3/2003 Governor Proclaims National Playground Safety Week
Fort Payne, AL – Although children rarely give a second thought to safety on the playground, parents, educators, political leaders and play equipment manufacturers keep the topic at the forefront throughout the year. Through free play, kids build strength, self-esteem and relationship skills. The Power of Play is undeniable, and children should be able to enjoy its benefits, and be safer at the same time.
GameTime, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of playground equipment will observe National Playground Safety week April 21st through 25th, and encourages the citizens of Alabama, and America, to do the same. The manufacturer, located in Ft. Payne AL, contacted Governor Don Riley to obtain an official proclamation that recognizes this important event.
The weeklong focus is timely, as children often head back to the playground with the arrival of Spring. Governor Riley’s proclamation, issued March 28th, specifically calls on those who have made the commitment to Alabama’s children, to help reduce the number of injuries that may occur on a playground by keeping children SAFE. The significance of the initials, created by the National Program for Playground Safety, stand for four basic guidelines designed to improve playground safety:
Providing ample Supervision - Adult presence is needed to watch for potential hazards, observe, intercede and facilitate play when necessary. Strings on clothing or ropes used for play can cause accidental strangulation if caught on equipment.
Age-appropriate equipment - Preschoolers, ages 2 - 5, and children, ages 5 - 12, are developmentally different and need different equipment located in separate areas to keep the playground safe and fun for all
Adequate material to soften Falls - Acceptable surfaces include hardwood fiber/mulch (installed at an adequate depth to equipment height guideline) and synthetic materials such as poured-in-place, rubber mats or tiles. Playground surfaces should not be concrete, asphalt, grass, blacktop, packed dirt or rocks.
Proper Equipment maintenance. Check to make sure the equipment is anchored safely in the ground, all equipment pieces are in good working order, S-hooks are entirely closed, bolts are not protruding, there are no exposed footings, etc.
Schools parks and public facilities who provide playgrounds for children are urged to use the guidelines to help keep the children of Alabama safer while at play.
GameTime, along with Governor Riley, ask all adults to observe this event, and help keep our children safe on the playground throughout the year. For more information on age appropriate play, or surfacing guidelines please contact GameTime at 800-235-2440 or www.gametime.com.
About GameTime
Founded 1n 1929, GameTime is the innovative leader in changing the face and direction of children’s playground environments. GameTime produces and markets the largest selection of creative play systems ever offered. The company creates equipment that continually exceeds safety requirements and accommodates children with special needs. They are committed to developing park and playground equipment that develops children’s physical, emotional and cognitive skills, all while being durable and fun.
1/6/2003 We’ve got the Power!
Fort Payne, AL – GameTime is taking their PowerScape® Plus system to a whole new level with PowerScape Plus, a sleek modular remake of the company’s most popular product line.
GameTime’s ongoing research and commitment to making the best possible play equipment led to the creation of the system. Using GameTime’s patented Direct Bolt technology, the PowerScape Plus components use PowerLocks™, a streamlined attachment system, to connect components to uprights. The result is less bulky, all without compromising strength or structural integrity. More importantly, with this new system, GameTime is the only company to offer a play system with no exposed hardware, a fact that should make it doubly attractive to parents and safety groups.
GameTime has led the way in attachment research and development since 1978, when they left the lag bolt, often found to this day in other playground equipment, behind in favor of the through-bolt system. Direct bolt technology allows components to bolt directly into uprights, not around them like clamp systems. The GameTime technology also provides that drilling and placement to be done in their factory, where the tools and equipment for proper location are readily available. Much of the drilling for clamp systems must be done on site, by whoever is installing the equipment.
The system also uses a fully modular footprint, with all components fitting into a 49” repeat pattern. What this means to the consumer is a wider array of design possibilities, easier installation and enhanced design flexibility.
1/2/2003 GameTime continues to lead the way in ADA research and accessibility
Fort Payne, AL – GameTime’s newest product, the Adaptive Swing Seat, was recently unveiled at the NRPA trade show in Tampa FL Oct 17-19, 2002. This pioneering product will allow children with disabilities the opportunity to swing alongside their able bodied peers, encouraging integrated play opportunities for all.
GameTime’s ongoing commitment to playground accessibility continues to set them apart as the destination manufacturer for accessible playground equipment. Besides their dedication to accessibility, the company shares a unique lab partnership with the Siskin Institute of Chattanooga TN, a facility dedicated to improving the lives of special needs children in the community.
When GameTime creates a new product, they have the opportunity to test it at the Institute, with children who would use and benefit from the products, assuring that play is available to all children with no limits. “We feel that the benefit to these children is something that will last a lifetime,” says GameTime Senior Vice President Tom Norquist. “The benefits of play are crucial to all children’s emotional, physical and social development, regardless of their abilities. Play allows special needs children the opportunity to interact with their peers, sliding, swinging and playing independent of adult intervention. They are able to use their imagination, interact in games, and develop. One only needs to see the huge smiles, and the look of pride and accomplishment on the children’s faces to know that our products are a huge success. The best part is knowing that we are helping these children to develop social, physical and emotional skills, all while having a great time!”
GameTime’s commitment to accessibility is followed through all their products and practices. Playground designs featured in their catalog meet accessibility requirements, so customers do not have to worry about adding components to meet the guidelines. Their sales representatives are trained in accessibility requirements, so they can design custom playgrounds that are compliant, as well as fun.
About GameTime
GameTime, a PlayCore company, is a leading playground equipment company specializing in the manufacture and marketing of modular and custom commercial outdoor playground equipment and surfacing, park furniture and modular skate park components. www.gametime.com PlayCore, Inc. is owned by affiliates of Chartwell Investments II LLC, a New York City-based private equity firm, which invests in growth financings and management buy-outs of middle market companies.
|
|
GameTime featured in ”The Blind Side”
GameTime chosen as ”World’s Greatest Playground Company!”
Boundless Playground Extreme Home Makeover
GameTime and Hasbro Help West Point Install Inclusive Boundless Playground
GameTime supports the environment in product, program, and practice
First Universally Accessible Playground opens in Chandler, AZ
GameTime selected as Head Start Preferred Provider
PTA President nominated for award
Feltonville Recreation Center gets new playground
Saving money with US Communities
Playground grants available!
Play With No Limits
Accessible Play Inspires Community
Play Planet
GT Sustainability
Introducing RockScape!
Deck coating choices
Free Nature Play Seminar
The greenest possible playground!
GameTime Parcourse helps teens reach fitness goal!
GameTime celebrates opening of Give Kids the World Playground
Kirk and Anne Douglas open another GameTime playground!
GameTime aids reforestation!
A Guide to Evaluating Playground Equipment
Trying to combat childhood obesity?
Boundless playground winner selected!
Twenty Finalists Chosen in ”Win a Boundless Playground” contest
Thinking of installing your own playground?
Want to win a playground?
Win a Boundless Playground from GameTime!
Sprayparks-growing in popularity!
Are you building an accessible playground?
GameTime featured on the Today Show!
Are you fundraising for a playground?
See GameTime on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition!
The Grand Opening Celebration
Alabama Boundless Playground fun for all!
Residents comment on the play area
St. Bernard Parish reviews the build
New Playground Equipment!
Looking for a playground grant?
New web feature, 360 degree view of your playground!
Introducing GT Shade!
New Products are the talk of the town at NRPA!
Look, It’s a Gizmo™!
GameTime sets sights on Discovery!
New WallCano – a great thing gets even better !
Cosmix Climber™ - One component, many options!
GameTime introduces new Spring Pod™ and Balance Pod™!
Important news about swings!
Is your playground newsworthy?
GTH20 Catalog available NOW!
New water play components now available!
GameTime introduces the new F5
Playground slides with a new twist!
GameTime introduces new, bigger than ever catalog!
GameTime introduces two new surfacing options!
Adam’s Place recognized as a Playground of Excellence
Three steps to playground funding
Governor Proclaims National Playground Safety Week
GameTime continues to lead the way in ADA research and accessibility
We’ve got the Power!
Story Archive
December, 2009
August, 2009
May, 2009
January, 2009
December, 2008
October, 2008
September, 2008
August, 2008
July, 2008
May, 2008
March, 2008
July, 2007
June, 2007
May, 2007
February, 2007
January, 2007
October, 2006
September, 2006
May, 2006
April, 2006
March, 2006
January, 2006
November, 2005
February, 2005
November, 2004
May, 2004
April, 2004
July, 2003
April, 2003
January, 2003
|
|
