Blog Posts
How Playgrounds Bring Communities Together
Playgrounds are full of nostalgia and happy memories of childhood. But the benefits of playgrounds go far beyond simple childhood fun. Playgrounds offer timeless connections to our childhoods and our neighbors. Parks with playgrounds add so much to the community and can bring communities together, too. Playgrounds’ benefits are far-reaching. Read on to find out […]
Jake’s Field of Dreams – a play space for all
Every day, families gather, and children play at Jake’s Field of Dreams in Wentzville, Missouri, less than an hour from St. Louis. This sports-themed, inclusive playground engages children of all ages and abilities in physical, social, and pretend play. The vision for this unique play space began with one man, Jim Vollmer, a father who lost […]
Whistle Stop Park, Spring Lake, MI
Whistle Stop Park stands on the site of a former train depot and rail yard. Although Spring Lake Depot closed in 1957, the city wanted to include the area’s rich history in its new playground, so they asked Little Tikes Commercial rep Great Lakes Recreation to include a train theme in the design. Great Lakes […]
How to Improve Community Parks
There’s something almost magical about spending time outside. When people are given more opportunities to enjoy nature and breathe fresh air, they become happier, healthier individuals. Parks are dedicated spaces within your community that provide both kids and adults a safe space to play, gather, and socialize outside. The mere existence of parks offers incredible […]
Hickory Lane Park, Jackson, WI
Hickory Lane Park has created a tropical oasis in Wisconsin. It was a team effort to bring this playground to life – the community of Jackson came together to raise money and make it happen. While Jackson is a rural community, its proximity to Milwaukee and other large cities makes it a community of commuters. […]
Make the Most Out of the Park Playground This Winter
As fall turns into winter, we all start to spend more time inside. However, no matter the season, it’s still important to find ways to stay active and head outside for some fresh air. For families with young children, playgrounds are an ideal option all year round, even during the winter. Enjoying the playground with […]
How Parks and Playgrounds Support Mental Health
It’s widely known that being out in nature can boost your mood, but just how closely are mental health and landscape linked? Apparently, very. Scientists discovered that those who live in places with little to no green spaces have a 44% higher rate of diagnosed anxiety disorders and 33% more reports of diagnosed depression than those surrounded […]
How Children Use Play to Express Their Emotions
The discovery of new emotions plays an important role in childhood development. As they grow, children experience increasingly complex emotions. While adults are familiar with feelings of jealousy, cheerfulness and excitement, these nuanced emotions can feel overwhelming to a child experiencing them for the first time. As a result, kids don’t always understand how to […]