Every parent knows that getting the kiddos outdoors is crucial, especially since family activities have been limited and educational screen time has become a necessity. That’s why savvy moms and dads are giving a big thumbs up to backyard playgrounds and swing sets.
“There is significant data indicating that time spent outdoors, whether in play, outdoor education, or recreation, can have a real and positive impact on mental and physical well-being,” Constance Scharff, Ph.D., an internationally recognized speaker/author on mental health and addiction recovery, writes in Psychology Today. “These types of experiences can also improve communication and social cues.”
SETTING THE STANDARD
Creative Playthings, one of the most popular manufacturers of swing sets, has been creating fun-filled outdoor experiences for active kids since 1951 and was founded by two elementary school teachers intent on keeping children more active.
“Long recognized for our superior quality and value, Creative Playthings brand swing sets have been sold by quality national chains and high-quality independent retailers throughout the U.S. [including Long Island] and abroad. Every Premium Pine swing set is built by hand at our factory in Emporia, Virginia,” notes Senior Graphic Designer Steve Krikorian of Creative Playthings, which has its corporate headquarters in Framingham, Mass.
“Now more than ever, we are proud to keep more American kids playing and more Americans working.”
HEART IN THE RIGHT PLACE
Krikorian adds: “When you buy a Creative Playthings wooden swing set or accessory, you’ll find out why we’re one of the oldest, largest, and most respected names in the swing set industry.”
The difference is in the details: steel reinforcement plates in swing sets, the nylon bushings swing wide steps installed at the right angle for easy climbing, and many other innovations that have become standard equipment on nearly all quality wooden swing sets made today. The company is also working to find new coatings that make ladder rungs more slip resistant.
Krikorian says the company stands behind each high-quality wooden swing set and supports customers every step of the way, from creating the best swing set configuration for your kids, your budget, and your backyard to complete installation.
Local dealer Wood Kingdom West, in Farmingdale, and its sister company, Backyard Solutions, in Medford have been serving Long Island and the tristate area for 30-plus years. They offer quality swing sets, trampolines and basketball hoops as well as wood sheds, gazebos, pool houses, pavilions, and many other great quality indoor/outdoor products from the industry’s best manufacturers.
“For many children, a backyard playground or swing set is a dream come true. An outdoor playset gives them the opportunity to explore, learn and improve physical skills on a daily basis, without ever leaving home, which in turn was critical during the pandemic,” says owner Jamie Maceroni.
“As they learn and play, they are expending energy and making memories on the swings, slide, tire swing, rock-climbing wall, and other activities. We have playsets of all sizes, colors, and material, and we highly recommend making it a fun family activity by shopping online at woodkingdomwest.com to customize the perfect swing set for your family!”
Due to an uptick in Swing Kingdom PVC swing set sales in the past few years, a custom design feature was added to the website, so families can design the set of their dreams right from home. Springfree and AlleyOOP Trampolines are always a year-round favorite, as well as First Team Basketball hoops. (Swing sets start at $999; trampolines: $899 – $3,000. (Special financing available for all products).
CREATING OUTDOOR FUN
“Playgrounds and parks are vital to our local communities. It fosters socialization, exercise, overcoming fears and challenges, among many other benefits [for kids],” says Sal Romanello, owner of PlaySafe Recreational & Aquatic Designs, Inc. in Syosset. It typically services commercial clients, i.e., schools and municipalities, but on occasion, has served residential homes that have large properties and budgets.
He adds: “Since Covid has come into our lives, I believe it has exposed the need for more outdoor spaces. It’s important that local and state governments recognize this and utilize federal and state resources to enhance outdoor exercise capabilities. Also, more and more municipalities are investing their monies towards water spray parks and creating ‘destination’ places for local communities to gather and play.”
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