Midstates Recreation

See those flowers starting to bloom outside your window? That means it’s time to get outside and #play ?? ?? Jefferson Community Park in Blacklick, OH

At Midstates, we’re committed to designing inclusive, innovative play spaces that give opportunities for everyone to play together. According to Playworld Inc.'s Inclusive Play Design Guide, “Everyone” includes: ? Typically developing children ? Children with neurological disabilities such as autism ? Children who have intellectual disabilities such as Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome ? Children who require wheelchairs or other medical equipment ? Children with physical disabilities ? Children with social and/or emotional difficulties ? Family, siblings, parents, grand-parents etc. ? The community: friends, caregivers, teachers, etc. ? Adults with disabilities We believe that the most valuable thing we can do when creating playgrounds is to design them to accommodate a wide range of abilities. Inclusion is about more than just accessibility – it is about providing opportunities for people of all ages and capabilities to play together. Learn more from Playworld's Inclusive Play Design Guide here: https://lnkd.in/gxp9M4xC

Did you know? According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, it is estimated that each year over 205,850 injuries occur on playgrounds and approximately fifteen children will die from playground-related injuries. This week, our team hosted a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) course, promoting children’s rights to play and the importance play has to a child’s development. We covered topics like: ? Developing risk management tools? ? Identifying hazards on playgrounds ? Legal aspects of having a comprehensive safety program? ? Test methods for entrapment, protrusions, and entanglements This course is a must for staff from park and recreation agencies, school districts, childcare facilities, health departments, landscape architecture firms, playground manufacturers, installers or contractors, insurance firms, and others responsible for play equipment areas or playgrounds. A MAJOR thanks to everyone who joined us to connect, learn, and grow together as an industry ??

Is it cake? Playground edition ?? During the design process, we provide site plans and 3D renderings so you can see EXACTLY how your project will look to ensure that your needs are met. We’ll visit your site to assess the conditions, drainage, and accessibility and incorporate them into the plan accordingly. Swipe to see your playground dreams become reality and see if you can spot the difference from our 3D concepts to drone shots of the finished product. ?

Nature-inspired playgrounds offer a balanced blend of the outdoors and play, creating immersive environments that captivate kids’ imaginations. When it comes to wooden playgrounds, the possibilities for integrating nature-inspired themes are endless! Looking for a few creative ways you can incorporate wooden play structures and other nature-inspired elements? Slide on down ?? 1. Biophilic Design Elements ?? Wooden playgrounds can embrace biophilic design principles by integrating elements inspired by nature, like tree-like structures, logs, and boulders. This design approach aims to mimic natural environments to create a sense of connection with the outdoors. 2. Imaginative Treehouses ?? Wooden playgrounds provide the perfect canvas for the creation of?imaginative treehouses. These elevated structures offer thrilling climbing opportunities and the magic of treetop adventures. Integrating platforms, bridges, nets, and slides makes the treehouses become focal points for imaginative play. 3. Embracing Sustainability ?? Utilizing wood as a primary building material aligns with sustainable practices. Hand-crafted timber structures are made from renewable building materials, long-lasting for years of enjoyment, and use real wood for high-quality pieces. 4. Natural Color Palette ?? Choosing a natural color palette for wooden play equipment, such as earthy browns and greens, enhances the playground’s integration with the surrounding environment. This subtle color scheme allows the playground to blend seamlessly into natural landscapes or provides a connection to nature in an urban environment. 5. Wildlife-themed Play Structures ?? Wildlife-themed play structures, such as animal or insect-shaped climbers, are the perfect addition to a nature-inspired playground. These playful additions not only spark curiosity about the natural world but also inspire creative storytelling and role-playing. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/giWJ4qRx

Colors tell a story and evoke feelings while guiding the eye and inspiring play ?? Our 12 hand-picked palettes present a variety of options encompassing our complete color offerings with Playworld Inc. Which palette speaks most to you? ??

??There's still a couple openings left for the CPSI Course & Exam we're hosting next week! Register below ??

?? PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Playworld Inc. Unity??Ring ?? Take a ride on one of our favorite merry-go-rounds, the Unity??Ring! Adding the perfect merry-go-round can help to create a fun and inclusive playground. Featuring a slightly angled top with round edges, this equipment allows kids to sit comfortably and shift their weight to spin. If not sitting on the top, their friends can also take turns pushing from the outside to propel the ring. Increasing balance, encouraging focus, and initiating teamwork... what more can you ask for in a merry-go-round? ??

Last week, our team attended the 2025 mParks - Michigan Recreation and Park Association Conference and Tradeshow in Grand Traverse, Michigan ?? We had a great couple of days connecting with customers and showing off our new outdoor ping pong table, Earthscape Play Cloud Form climber, and Wabash Valley Manufacturing Inc. Bench. A big thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth to learn more about partnering with us on playground solutions. ??

In the world of playground design, there’s a powerful and transformative approach that’s gaining recognition: Trauma-Informed Design. It’s a concept that goes beyond aesthetics and functionality, focusing on creating play spaces that consider the emotional and psychological well-being of all children, including those who may have experienced trauma. Our team is?committed to designing inclusive and safe play spaces that foster the healthy development of all children. A few design considerations when leading with inclusivity include: ?? Sensory-Friendly Features: Incorporate sensory-friendly elements like soft textures, calming colors, and natural materials to create a soothing environment. ?? Flexible Play Zones: Design playgrounds with a variety of play zones, allowing children to choose the level of social interaction they are comfortable with. ?? Therapeutic Play Equipment: Include therapeutic play equipment such as swings and spinning devices that can help children with sensory processing difficulties self-regulate. ?? Clear Signage: Use clear signage to help children understand boundaries and rules, reducing anxiety about the unknown. ?? Community Engagement: Involve the community, including parents and caregivers, in the design process to ensure that the playground reflects the unique needs of the local population. Trauma-Informed Design is not just about creating playgrounds; it’s about fostering environments where all children can feel safe, supported, and free to play. By considering these needs within our playground designs, we aim to create well-balanced environments that promote healing.