{
Early Childhood Play
Getting Your Little Ones (Crawling…Walking…Running) on the Right Path
Early Childhood Play
Early Childhood play areas don’t have to be dull after one trip! With a good variety of activities, colors, and even textures, you can make a great 2 to 5 year-old playground.
Fusion EC
Muscle development, self-confidence, and social skills are especially honed in the age range of 2 to 5. Providing a safe and fun environment for the children to play together on is paramount. Xccent provides a great selection of events so that your little ones can continue to challenge themselves as they continue to grow.
At age 2-3, your child will have a lot of motor skill development. He or she will be able to run while falling less, jump on both feet, shift their weight, and climb stairs with no assistance. Mentally, puzzles and imagination play are very enjoyable, especially with others. Overall there will be more interest in simple games with other kids.
Periwinkle
From the ages of 3 years to 5, the world surrounding them is theirs, and they want to explore it! He or she will want to climb, bounce, slide, chase, and spin. Children at this age range are more adventurous, and therefore may be more prone to accidents. Safe equipment and adequate surfacing should be installed, and an adult should still be providing supervision.
Mulberry Bridge
In addition, make sure to layout a younger play area away from traffic with the older children (5 -12). An implied barrier, like a short brick wall, can help differentiate between the two zones without interrupting sight lines. Adequate space should be provided for new, fun, social games like hide-and-seek.
Check out Xccent’s full lineup of Early Childhood play equipment, and get their little limbs moving!
Lappset Group ltd and Xccent Play Join Forces
Xccent Play corporate headquarters in Wyoming, MN announced that the company has reached a contractual agreement with Lappset Group ltd.
Lappset Group ltd and Xccent Play Join Forces
Wyoming, Minnesota, August 15, 2012 – Xccent Play corporate headquarters in Wyoming, Minnesota announced that the company has reached a contractual agreement with Lappset Group to join forces and distribute commercial recreation and fitness products through Xccent Play’s North American distribution channel and Lappset Group’s distribution channel worldwide.
“This is an important milestone for Xccent Play and our representatives. Our newly formed relationship with Lappset Group will broaden Xccent Play’s product offering by now including new play designs and concepts that have been widely successful in the European market. Lappset Group’s products enhance the existing Xccent Play product offering which has been known for unique designs and dynamic play through our polymer Playmotion Technology. We also will introduce new products and fitness concepts to the active aging market. Our organization quickly embraced Lappset Group’s vision and commitment to designing equipment for all age groups. Both companies work very well together from the top-down and we look forward to many successful years making a difference in the recreation and fitness industries”, said John Mathiesen, President and CEO at Xccent.
Lappset Group ltd is family owned and a leading company in the playground/fitness business in Europe with its corporate office in Rovaniemi, Finland. Lappset was founded 42 years ago and employs some 350 employees in Europe. Its products, geared towards children, teens, adults and seniors are sold in 46 countries worldwide. Lappset aims to create an inspiring environment for enjoying the outdoors. Lappset Group’s high-quality equipment helps with growth and development as well as maintains and improves physical function and mobility in later life.
About Xccent Play! Xccent Play, founded in 1976, is a family owned company based in Wyoming, Minnesota. Xccent Play is a premier manufacturer of Commercial Playground Equipment, Commercial Outdoor Site Furnishings, and Commercial Outdoor Fitness Equipment.
CRS’s Playgrounds Wow ‘Army’s’ Camp Kids
April 4, 2013 by Woodall's Campground Management
CRS’s Playgrounds Wow ‘Army’s’ Camp Kids
April 4, 2013 by Woodall's Campground Management
When officials from The Salvation Army Eastern Territory decided to upgrade the playground equipment at eight of their youth camp properties and one large community worship center in Puerto Rico, they knew they needed to work with a company that understood the importance of safety, as well as the importance of play.
“Our first priority is the safety of the children in our care so it was critical that the new play equipment meet our high standards in that area but we also wanted to put a strong emphasis on fun,” says Robert Jones, assistant risk manager for the Eastern Territory. “We wanted the new playgrounds to be something different – we wanted to give the kids something that would really wow them.”
With these priorities in mind, Jones contacted Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) of Verona, Wis., a provider of Xccent Play, a line of play equipment that specializes in promoting active, non-scripted play. Their revolutionary, moving equipment with ultra-safe polymer hinges is like a kid magnet, attracting kids of all ages and abilities to play and work together. Their many independent pieces are combinable and allow for flexibility in layout to accommodate different age groups.
These features were important to The Salvation Army. Each year thousands of children enjoy its summer camp programs and the playgrounds get a lot of use.
“We may have up to a hundred kids playing at any one time,” says Jones. “It’s also important that the playground equipment caters to a broad age range—anywhere from 7 to 14 years old.”
To accommodate this diversity, CRS installed in each of the 10 playgrounds a combination of Xccent’s Triax curved, three-post deck systems, which included fun slides, challenging climbers and intriguing rooftops. They also installed independent pieces such as the X-Wave 2, an innovative see-saw that attracts groups of children to “ride the wave,” or the Rock N’ Rider, a momentum-building, muscle-testing, boat-like rocker.
Camp Swoneky, in Oregonia, Ohio, added additional play elements from Playland and SportsPlay to their order, as well as waterfront pieces to enhance their lake recreation experience.
Because the youth camps are summer-oriented, timely installation of the playgrounds was another crucial factor. Knowing they had “a lot to do, in not a lot of time,” CRS Principal Rich Wills dedicated the project to meeting its June 15 deadline.
“We had worked with CRS in the past and had confidence in them,” says Jones. “They came through, as usual. They coordinated the removal of the old equipment, helped us select our new playground pieces, and then installed them. They did this for ten playgrounds in two months’ time.”
So how do the children like the new playgrounds?
“They definitely had the ‘wow’ factor,” says Jones. “The kids love them. We had an unbelievably positive response.”
Background
Commercial Recreation Specialists is headquartered in Verona, Wis., with representatives in New Jersey and Minnesota. It serves customers throughout the United States and the Caribbean. With over 40 years of combined industry experience, CRS not only supplies the highest quality equipment from a variety of sources, it also offers design, planning, installation and operations services. It provides a careful analysis of each client’s facility and business goals in order to achieve the best recreation solution possible. CRS delivers unparalleled industry knowledge and proven success in the commercial recreation market with clients including municipalities, schools, YMCAs, athletic facilities, sports venues, amusement parks, family entertainment centers, campgrounds, resorts, summer camps, zoos and other recreation venues.
http://www.woodallscm.com/2013/04/crs-playgrounds-wow-armys-camp-kids/
Playground News
Early Childhood Play
Getting Your Little Ones (Crawling…Walking…Running) on the Right Path
Early Childhood Play Early Childhood play areas don’t have to be dull after one trip! With a good variety of activities, colors, and even textures, you can make a great 2 to 5 year-old playground.
Fusion EC
Muscle development, self-confidence, and social skills are especially honed in the age range of 2 to 5. Providing a safe and fun environment for the children to play together on is paramount. Xccent provides a great selection of events so that your little ones can continue to challenge themselves as they continue to grow.
At age 2-3, your child will have a lot of motor skill development. He or she will be able to run while falling less, jump on both feet, shift their weight, and climb stairs with no assistance. Mentally, puzzles and imagination play are very enjoyable, especially with others. Overall there will be more interest in simple games with other kids.
Periwinkle
From the ages of 3 years to 5, the world surrounding them is theirs, and they want to explore it! He or she will want to climb, bounce, slide, chase, and spin. Children at this age range are more adventurous, and therefore may be more prone to accidents. Safe equipment and adequate surfacing should be installed, and an adult should still be providing supervision.
Mulberry Bridge
In addition, make sure to layout a younger play area away from traffic with the older children (5 -12). An implied barrier, like a short brick wall, can help differentiate between the two zones without interrupting sight lines. Adequate space should be provided for new, fun, social games like hide-and-seek.
Check out Xccent’s full lineup of Early Childhood play equipment, and get their little limbs moving!
Xccent Play! Announces Playground Partner, Lappset!
Lappset Group ltd and Xccent Play Join Forces
Xccent Play corporate headquarters in Wyoming, MN announced that the company has reached a contractual agreement with Lappset Group ltd.
Lappset Group ltd and Xccent Play Join ForcesWyoming, Minnesota, August 15, 2012 – Xccent Play corporate headquarters in Wyoming, Minnesota announced that the company has reached a contractual agreement with Lappset Group to join forces and distribute commercial recreation and fitness products through Xccent Play’s North American distribution channel and Lappset Group’s distribution channel worldwide.
“This is an important milestone for Xccent Play and our representatives. Our newly formed relationship with Lappset Group will broaden Xccent Play’s product offering by now including new play designs and concepts that have been widely successful in the European market. Lappset Group’s products enhance the existing Xccent Play product offering which has been known for unique designs and dynamic play through our polymer Playmotion Technology. We also will introduce new products and fitness concepts to the active aging market. Our organization quickly embraced Lappset Group’s vision and commitment to designing equipment for all age groups. Both companies work very well together from the top-down and we look forward to many successful years making a difference in the recreation and fitness industries”, said John Mathiesen, President and CEO at Xccent.
Lappset Group ltd is family owned and a leading company in the playground/fitness business in Europe with its corporate office in Rovaniemi, Finland. Lappset was founded 42 years ago and employs some 350 employees in Europe. Its products, geared towards children, teens, adults and seniors are sold in 46 countries worldwide. Lappset aims to create an inspiring environment for enjoying the outdoors. Lappset Group’s high-quality equipment helps with growth and development as well as maintains and improves physical function and mobility in later life.
About Xccent Play! Xccent Play, founded in 1976, is a family owned company based in Wyoming, Minnesota. Xccent Play is a premier manufacturer of Commercial Playground Equipment, Commercial Outdoor Site Furnishings, and Commercial Outdoor Fitness Equipment.
CRS’s Playgrounds Wow ‘Army’s’ Camp Kids
CRS’s Playgrounds Wow ‘Army’s’ Camp Kids
April 4, 2013 by Woodall's Campground Management
CRS’s Playgrounds Wow ‘Army’s’ Camp KidsApril 4, 2013 by Woodall's Campground Management
When officials from The Salvation Army Eastern Territory decided to upgrade the playground equipment at eight of their youth camp properties and one large community worship center in Puerto Rico, they knew they needed to work with a company that understood the importance of safety, as well as the importance of play.
“Our first priority is the safety of the children in our care so it was critical that the new play equipment meet our high standards in that area but we also wanted to put a strong emphasis on fun,” says Robert Jones, assistant risk manager for the Eastern Territory. “We wanted the new playgrounds to be something different – we wanted to give the kids something that would really wow them.”
With these priorities in mind, Jones contacted Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) of Verona, Wis., a provider of Xccent Play, a line of play equipment that specializes in promoting active, non-scripted play. Their revolutionary, moving equipment with ultra-safe polymer hinges is like a kid magnet, attracting kids of all ages and abilities to play and work together. Their many independent pieces are combinable and allow for flexibility in layout to accommodate different age groups.
These features were important to The Salvation Army. Each year thousands of children enjoy its summer camp programs and the playgrounds get a lot of use.
“We may have up to a hundred kids playing at any one time,” says Jones. “It’s also important that the playground equipment caters to a broad age range—anywhere from 7 to 14 years old.”
To accommodate this diversity, CRS installed in each of the 10 playgrounds a combination of Xccent’s Triax curved, three-post deck systems, which included fun slides, challenging climbers and intriguing rooftops. They also installed independent pieces such as the X-Wave 2, an innovative see-saw that attracts groups of children to “ride the wave,” or the Rock N’ Rider, a momentum-building, muscle-testing, boat-like rocker.
Camp Swoneky, in Oregonia, Ohio, added additional play elements from Playland and SportsPlay to their order, as well as waterfront pieces to enhance their lake recreation experience.
Because the youth camps are summer-oriented, timely installation of the playgrounds was another crucial factor. Knowing they had “a lot to do, in not a lot of time,” CRS Principal Rich Wills dedicated the project to meeting its June 15 deadline.
“We had worked with CRS in the past and had confidence in them,” says Jones. “They came through, as usual. They coordinated the removal of the old equipment, helped us select our new playground pieces, and then installed them. They did this for ten playgrounds in two months’ time.”
So how do the children like the new playgrounds?
“They definitely had the ‘wow’ factor,” says Jones. “The kids love them. We had an unbelievably positive response.”
Background
Commercial Recreation Specialists is headquartered in Verona, Wis., with representatives in New Jersey and Minnesota. It serves customers throughout the United States and the Caribbean. With over 40 years of combined industry experience, CRS not only supplies the highest quality equipment from a variety of sources, it also offers design, planning, installation and operations services. It provides a careful analysis of each client’s facility and business goals in order to achieve the best recreation solution possible. CRS delivers unparalleled industry knowledge and proven success in the commercial recreation market with clients including municipalities, schools, YMCAs, athletic facilities, sports venues, amusement parks, family entertainment centers, campgrounds, resorts, summer camps, zoos and other recreation venues.
http://www.woodallscm.com/2013/04/crs-playgrounds-wow-armys-camp-kids/
