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Parks and Playgrounds in Art Form

Monday, April 9th, 2012

There is something about children at play that captures a moment of pure innocence and beauty and makes adults stop with nostalgia. The scene of children running through the grass, laughing and carefree, makes for a picture that is threaded with the joy of life, the innocence of youth, and the bliss of ignorance. This element was made into art this week at Brooklyn Utopia’s Park Space/Play Space. The reception on parks and public spaces took place at the Old Stone House in J.J Byrne Park, on the Park Slope-Gowanus border.

The upstairs gallery featured works such as Marina Zamin’s immersive video installation “Brooklyn Canals” and an animation projected onto a canvas with cutout flower pots and windows. There were also panoramic photo-murals of various blocks on Kent Avenue, as well as picture-postcards and descriptions of eminent domain cases across the city.

Some of the other works in the exhibit merge public space with technology. Lynn Cazabon’s “Uncultivated” project displays pictures of plants with QR codes beneath them. When someone scans the code, they are directed to a website which pinpoints the location of the plants and gives their species.

Then there is Skymills, an app which calls on the Old Stone House’s Dutch legacy and erects virtual windmills that can be viewed through an iPad or iPhone. The mills also create virtual skywriting, and the maker envisions the app as a virtual public space where users plant trees or write virtual messages that all users can see.

This entire exhibit of awe-inspiring art was itself inspired by children at play. In this, Rubberecyle is the expert. The beautiful scene of children playing can become ugly when injury intervenes. Recycled rubber mulch for playgrounds is eco-friendly, and it prevents injuries with added shock absorbency that truly allows children to play freely. The mulch will also appeal to the artist’s love of color, as it comes in a spectrum of colors to suit any setting, and gives a clean look. The makers of Playsafer mulch may also be called artists, for in their own way, they too, are making art, by providing playground equipment for children.

The Coke and Pepsi Critics

Thursday, February 9th, 2012

It has come to the point in society where even do-gooders are criticized.

In response to an alarming rise in childhood obesity and pointed fingers that soft drinks are a large part of the cause, Coca-Cola and Pepsi have launched numerous programs in the recent past that are designed to promote physical activity and movement. As part of the growth of the movement, last year Coca-Cola bestowed on Howe Elementary School of Excellence on Chicago’s West Side a $25,000 grant for a new, safe playground.

After students wrote thank you letters to Coke, critics accused Coke of using this as another advertising tactic. They claim that this move associates in students’ minds the thought that their school approves of Coke, and by extension, their products. This criticism comes even in the face of the Assistant Principal’s statement that Coke did not in any way try to promote their products through the building of the playground.

Bystanders are left to wonder how the purely righteous act of donating a safe playground has become an advertising ploy in the minds of some.

In 2005 and 2006 PepsiCo joined forces with nonprofit organization KaBoom to build 12 new playgrounds across the United States. Last year along Coca-Cola’s Sprite brand invested an estimated $2 million in building and renovating 150 neighborhood parks, playgrounds, basketball courts, and fields. It is estimated that Coca-Cola’s pledges to the program will cost them an estimated $1 million a year for five years.

While critics knock Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, the two companies have helped prevent numerous injuries by installing rubber mulch flooring in their playgrounds. When they build a playground, they do it all the way. The playgrounds built by these corporate giants feature the latest technology to help improve playground safety, and they know that is starts with rubber mulch flooring.

The critics can keep up their complaints while Coke and Pepsi work to promote exercise in children in a safe manner, with rubber mulch playground flooring.

Melatonin and Mulch

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

There are some parents who are fans of vitamins and some who aren’t. It is something that lies with personal preference. Even those who are skeptical of vitamins give their child the necessary vitamin D and other supplements, but then there are mothers who refuse vaccines and reach for herbal remedies at every turn. This becomes a problem when information is withheld from the child’s pediatrician. Recent studies have shown a problem specifically with Melatonin, a supplement given to help children sleep.

Many parents struggle with bedtimes, as children plead to stay up. Children with ADHD or other behavioral issues who are on medication may require Melatonin to help them sleep at night. However, the average child does not need sleep supplements. Many parents think that melatonin is harmless because it is a natural hormone secreted by the body to establish sleep patterns, so the supplement is just that, a supplement. However, many physicians think otherwise, and are concerned with its use. Very little research has been done as of yet on melatonin tablets, and it is being sold without approval from the Food and Drug Administration. Some children have complained of constant nightmares while on Melatonin, while others wake up feeling hungover, with slower reaction times.

It is every parent’s responsibility to okay with their pediatrician anything they give to their children. While doctors are not sure about the benefits of melatonin, there is a sure way to keep kids safe – rubber mulch. Rubber mulch provides optimum playground safety, and will reduce the severity of injuries even if your child does stumble due to drowsiness. You can think of the rubber mulch flooring as the safety net for tired, clumsy children. The rubber material has a bounce and shock absorbency that makes playtime fun and safer than ever. This is a fact that has been proven.

Rubber Mulch for City Playgrounds

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

Public parks are meant for children to play in, and it’s a real pity when they’re left to rot. The Daily News reports that for the past three years, Community District 18, which consists of Canarsie, Platlands, Mill Basin, Bergen Beach, and Marine Park, has earned the distinction of being lowest in cleanliness and general conditions. This data is compiled by the city’s Parks Inspection Program, which rates city parks based on litter, graffiti, playground equipment, and general conditions. Aside for being unsanitary, parks that earn low marks can also pose danger hazards for the children playing in them.

 

In cities especially, where grass is hard to come by, children spend lots of their time in city parks, and are subject to the conditions there. A growing awareness is being made of the need for rubber mulch flooring. Aside for aesthetics, rubber mulch is a necessary part of any commercial playground that is serious about playground safety.

 

Playsafer rubber mulch is used in the White House playground, an example that cities should follow. Available in different forms including rubber chips, rubber bond surfacing, rubber wearmats, and rubber curbs, the rubber flooring for playgrounds suits any need. A major consideration in any city or commercial expenditure is budgeting. Rubber mulch shows high returns, with little maintenance required and a long life span. An investment in rubber mulch is an investment for the future.

 

Rubber surfacing is recommended for city playgrounds because its high shock absorbency makes it a safer option, helping to prevent injuries in children. It is also entirely eco-friendly, made from recycled rubber and other sustainable materials. The use of rubber mulch satisfies all the concerns faced by a city, namely, safety, budget, and eco concerns.

Rubber Mulch for Special Children

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

When visiting homes or schools for special children, there is often interesting equipment and apparatus meant to help the children develop. One thing that is universal is rubber mulch flooring in their playgrounds. The reason that rubber mulch is so popular in these areas is because the tire mulch has an extra spring, absorbing the impact from falls and preventing injuries. Children who are uncoordinated and stumble easily are protected with rubber mulch flooring.

While rubber mulch is especially necessary in schools for special children, it can be a safety feature in any home. Even the most coordinated and athletic child can stumble when running and hurt themselves. Rubber mulch should be a main consideration for private and commercial playgrounds.

Schools for special children combine a variety of recycled rubber products for the ultimate in playground safety. The playgrounds are floored in either rubber mulch chips that are surrounded by rubber curbs, or are paved with Playsafer rubber bond. In the case of special children, rubber bond is often the better choice because there are no particles to be thrown around or trip over. The rubber bond is created by spreading a thick layer of Playsafer rubber mulch chips that is then covered with a layer of rubber that is combined with a high quality polyurethane bond. The result is a floor that is soft and springy, yet smooth and sleek.

Another important component of a safe playground are rubber wearmats in areas of high impact. The mats are simply for added absorption at the bottoms of slides or other areas where children tend to land with impact.

While these safety precautions are considered a necessity for special children, they can also help the average child play more easily, and with less risk. Consider a variety of Rubberecycle rubber mulch products for your playground.

New Playground with Rubber Mulch Landing Zones

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

A committee of donors has shown the importance of rubber mulch in playgrounds for child safety. In the last eighteen months, the group has raised fifty thousand dollars for a new piece of playground equipment in Memorial Park, in Hillsboro, New Jersey. The elaborate three tiered structure features a climbing wall, twisting tube slide, shorter open slide, and other exciting features. Most important is the landing zone around the structure, which uses soft and shock absorbent rubber mulch, as opposed to the previously used sand. Although this has been a great accomplishment, the volunteers are hoping to raise money for another piece of new equipment, and rubber mulch landing pads around the older structures.

Rubber mulch is rising as the latest and greatest in playground safety. It comes in the form of rubber chips, rubber curbs, and rubber wear mats for high impact areas. The playground surface is soft and spongy, preventing injuries, and facilitating children’s play. Playsafer rubber mulch comes in many colors for a cheerful look, and leaves no residue, resulting in clean children. Although it is a costly expenditure, rubber flooring for playgrounds pays itself off quickly, as it requires no maintenance or replenishing for years.

Memorial Park in Hillsboro is just one commercial playground among many that is recognizing the benefits of rubber mulch, both financially, and for the safety of children.

Safety in School Playgrounds

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

The Metro West Daily News reported this morning that starting this week, students at Warren School in Ashland will not be able to enjoy the brisk autumn air during recess because the playground was closed Friday. This came after playgrounds around the district were inspected last week, and Warren School’s did not uphold basic standards of playground safety.

Melanie Lewis, a parent of two Warren School students, confirmed this. She said that children on the playground were swinging a 12-foot metal chain last week after the end came free from rotten wood. Officials inspecting the playground found cracking and rotting in many areas, as well as a hole in the slide. Parents testify that they have to watch their children extra carefully when the play in the playground after soccer games. It was a disaster waiting to happen.

It is unfortunate that the playground is closed, but this situation is one familiar to many schools, where no action is taken until it is too late. Playground safety is of upmost importance. In many commercial playgrounds and schools, the playground equipment is sadly out of date and falling apart, but schools choose to spend on textbooks and other education related supplies, rather than the playground.

Many of the schools that are vigilant about their playgrounds are choosing rubber mulch for the playground surface. This innovative new flooring provides the highest standards of playground safety, with extra shock absorbency. It also comes in all colors for a look that is pleasing to the eye.

Playground equipment does not have to be fancy, but it must be safe. Rubber mulch is just that, as well as economically smart because the mulch does not weather or disintegrate, needing minimal maintenance. School superintendents and principals have a responsibility to ensure that their playgrounds are safe in every way.

Safer Community Playgrounds

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

In a turbulent economy, there is little room for extra government funding and programs. One area that is still receiving grants and assistance is playgrounds and educational play for children. Free time and safe places for children to play are integral to their childhood. The town of Mount Airy is one recipient of such funding, with an extensive expansion of their playground and rec room.

 

Councilmen and State Senators of Mount Airy have worked hard to raise the funding necessary for a project of this magnitude, and an estimated three million dollars has been raised. The park will be extended, with a new rec room and a spray park. The park should be completed by next year.

 

Many communities are seeing the necessity for renovations of parks such as that being done in Mount Airy. A necessary factor in the construction of any park or commercial playground is playground safety. Equipment must be well made and safe for kids, with good, strong lighting to prevent vandalism at night. An integral part of any safe park is a good playground surface.

 

Children tend to jump from places they shouldn’t, and generally do things that have the potential to cause injury. Studies have shown that rubber mulch flooring is the safest option in playground flooring, due to its superior shock absorbency. In fact, the White House playground is home to Playsafer rubber mulch by Rubberecycle. Playsafer rubber mulch comes in various forms to satisfy different needs. There are rubber wearmats that are placed in high impact areas for extra cushioning. The standard flooring comes in the form of rubber chips and bonded rubber flooring. Rubberecycle also offers rubber curbs to cordon off parts of the playground.

 

Any community that is considering costly renovations of playgrounds and parks must consider rubber mulch flooring as the safest option for kids.

Childhood Obesity and Rubber Mulch

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

Childhood obesity is a problem that is plaguing today’s society. Various experts blame it on different factors. Some say that childhood obesity is on the rise because kids today have too much access to junk food and sugary sodas. Others say that technology is to blame, as kids become couch potatoes. These and other aspects of our lifestyle may all be contributing factors.

All agree that a great way to battle childhood obesity is for kids to get out and play; to do physical actions. This does not mean just organized sports, but using their creativity to enjoy outdoor activities. According to this line of reasoning, a playground is vital to battling the bulge in children, and no playground is complete without the necessary safety measures.

Rubber mulch flooring helps parents rest at ease, and children play free, with an extra measure of protection in playground safety. The rubber gives added traction and absorbency to protect from falls. This can be especially reassuring to an overweight child, as the traction makes it easier to run about and play. The Playsafer flooring comes in various forms, to suit different playgrounds and areas. The most common form is rubber mulch chips, which look similar to wood chips. They come in a variety of colors. There is also bonded rubber flooring, which is a hard packed floor if rubber that adds a special springiness to the step. There are rubber curbs that cordon off a play area, as well as wearmats, which are placed in areas of high impact. They add an extra cushion and layer of protection.

Children who are obese are often insecure, especially in the outdoors where their bulk puts them at a marked disadvantage. Secure ground can, quite literally, return a spring to their steps. Parents must do everything in their power to help their children overcome this growing epidemic. Using rubber mulch in playgrounds is a good way to start.

Playsafer Rubber Mulch in the White House

Wednesday, September 14th, 2011

When a simple household product is used by someone of great influence or who is under public scrutiny, the item in question suddenly becomes well known. This is where the idea of celebrity endorsement comes from. Sometimes a product may receive endorsement simply through the free choice of the celebrity using it, without the company paying for advertisement. This is the case with rubber mulch.

When Barack and Michelle Obama moved into the White House, as with all Presidents and First Ladies, they put their personal touch on the residence. In their case, this included a White House vegetable garden and playground, among other amenities. After being contacted by the National Recreation and Park Association, they chose to put Playsafer playground flooring into Sasha and Malia’s playground. There is almost no greater endorsement than being used by the Obamas, and this resulted in a big boom in the rubber mulch industry. Why did they do it?

The Obamas are advocates of the Green Revolution and making this world a safer place for our children. Rubber  mulch is made out of recycled tires, offering a perfect solution for tires that otherwise take up space in landfills. There are many benefits to rubber mulch, one of which is its added playground safety. Unlike wood chips that have been used in the past, mulch has an added measure of shock absorbency, helping to prevent numerous injuries in children. Other benefits are its cost effectiveness and low maintenance, and customized colors, but safety of the environment and our children comes first. The Obamas have  shown that by choosing to use rubber mulch in the White House playground.

Naysayers argue that the mulch covers the ground, allowing it no oxygen, and that there is the potential for chemicals to leach out of the rubber tires. However, studies have proven otherwise, and the Obamas have embraced this new solution to wood chips that lead to deforestation. They chose Playsafer rubber mulch above other manufacturers for their excellent service, low prices, and high tech methods of producing rubber mulch.

For city and personal playgrounds, Playsafer rubber mulch is now the way to go. If it’s good enough for the President of the United  States, it should be good enough for you.

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