Play Takes the Show Floor: Our Week at NRPA 2026 🌳🛝

Posted on October 15, 2026 by PlayLSI

The 2026 National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Annual Conference in Philadelphia brought together thousands of parks and recreation professionals to explore new ideas, connect with industry partners, and celebrate the power of play.

For Landscape Structures, NRPA 2026 was a week full of excitement. We showcased Smart Play® Volo Pico+™, celebrated an award from KABOOM!, and connected with customers and friends at The Franklin Institute.

Throughout the conference, one thing stood out: The parks and recreation community shares our passion for creating spaces that bring people together.

Here’s what we saw, heard and loved.

A packed house at the LSI booth. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to play.

A record crowd with constant energy

More than 8,000 people attended this year’s conference, and our team felt it from the very first morning.

In some years, the booth traffic comes in waves. This year, it felt constant.
Longtime customers stopped by to reconnect with their Landscape Structures consultants. Meanwhile, plenty of first-time visitors discovered our brand and explored our playground, splash play and shade solutions.

The weather helped, too. “It was gorgeous out, and everyone was excited to be there,” said Sandy Swanson, event specialist at Landscape Structures. “The vibe in the conference hall was so positive.”

A booth you had to walk all the way around

Our booth sat in the middle of the exhibit hall, and it was hard to miss. Tall walls with bold messaging framed a bright, colorful Smart Play® Volo Pico+™ playstructure. From the aisle, visitors could only see part of it, making them want to step inside and discover the rest.
Once they did, there was plenty more to explore.

LED walls showcased playgrounds, splash pads and communities from across the country. A color wall highlighted the inspiration behind our nature-based palettes, showcasing shades like Berry, Paprika, Honey and Peacock.

Visitors could ride down a slide built into the bleachers. At the activity counter, they picked up postcards, pins, bags, mini backpack charm bags and chocolates. More than once, we heard that it was the best activity counter at the show.

“It was much more of an experience than a product display,” said Megan Andrada, director of marketing at Landscape Structures.

That matters. “People remember how they feel. They don’t always remember how things look,” Sandy said. Our goal is simple: We want a visit to our booth to feel like a visit to a playground.

Tall curved walls framed the booth and drew visitors in from the aisle.

The activity counter, where visitors picked up postcards, pins, bags and chocolates.

Our color wall shared the nature-based palettes behind our designs.

Volo Pico+ was the ⭐

One of the biggest highlights of NPRA 2026 was the introduction of Volo Pico+ to the parks and recreation community. Designed specifically for children ages 2 to 5, Volo Pico+ made its second major industry appearance just one week after previewing at ASLA.

At NRPA, it quickly became the main topic of conversation in our booth. “There wasn’t a lot of explanation needed,” Megan said. “There was just a lot of positivity”. Visitors loved how easy it is for adults to move through the structure alongside children. The die-cast car track sparked plenty of nostalgia, while others pointed out that there is something to do from every angle, not just a slide at the end. The colors drew attention, too. Again and again, visitors stopped to talk about the palette and how inviting the entire structure felt.

The response reinforced an important idea behind early childhood playground design: Thoughtful details can create more opportunities for children and caregivers to play, connect and explore together.

Volo Pico+ at NRPA 2026, designed for children ages 2 to 5.

Visitors stopped to talk about the palette and the thoughtful details, along with our new PLAY Book.

Easy for adults to move through alongside children.

A Spark Award from KABOOM!

NRPA week brought another exciting moment for Landscape Structures.
During the conference, we were honored to receive a 2026 Spark Award from KABOOM!, an organization dedicated to ensuring all kids have access to the play they need to thrive.
The award was a meaningful reminder of why we do what we do.

While innovative playground equipment and inspiring projects often take center stage at industry events, the conversations throughout the week kept coming back to the same thing: Play is life-changing.

Celebrating with our friends at KABOOM!, who believe every kid deserves access to play.

Conversations that stayed with us

Some of the best moments had nothing to do with products. During booth setup, an NRPA show coordinator stopped by to find Sandy. She pulled out her phone and shared photos of herself and her nephew playing on a Landscape Structures playground in Connecticut.
“We had the most fun,” she said.

Another longtime industry professional stopped by simply to reconnect with the team. He shared stories about knowing Landscape Structures founders Barb and Steve King for decades and spent time catching up with David Smith, senior vice president of sales at Landscape Structures.

Everyone knows how to play, and almost everyone has a playground story.
That’s what makes these conversations so meaningful. Behind every playground project are people, memories and connections that extend far beyond the equipment itself.

A book signing in the booth

The Landscape Structures booth also welcomed Jamie Sabbach, founder and president of 110% Inc. for a book signing.

Jamie is the author of The Bison Principle: Clarity, Discipline, and Courage in Local Government Through the Lens of Parks and Recreation. A well-known voice in the parks and recreation industry, Jamie brought new faces into the booth and sparked meaningful conversations throughout the event.

Landscape Structures has proudly sponsored her Financial Sustainability Certification Program for several years. The book signing offered another opportunity to highlight that partnership and connect with industry professionals who share a passion for strengthening parks and recreation agencies.

Book signing at the LSI booth with Jamie Sabbach (far left) of 110% Inc.

Nothing About Us Without Us

The week’s conversations extended beyond the show floor.

Landscape Structures’ Jill Moore, inclusive play specialist, and Scott Roschi, creative director, led a discussion titled “Nothing About Us Without Us”. Their discussion focused on the importance of involving people with disabilities in the playground design process.

The session explored how designers can learn from lived experiences, gather meaningful feedback and create play environments that serve a wide range of abilities. It’s an approach that reflects our commitment to inclusive play and a belief that everyone deserves opportunities to participate.

The takeaway was clear: The most inclusive playgrounds are created with communities, not just for them.

Scott Roschi and Jill Moore, who led the conversation on inclusive play.

A party in a museum made for curiosity

Our customer celebration took over The Franklin Institute, welcoming more than 2,000 guests for an evening of exploration, conversation and celebration. Food and drinks were spread throughout the museum, giving guests the freedom to wander, reconnect with colleagues and discover exhibits at their own pace.

“Usually a party can be an open bar and some tables,” Sandy said. “This was fun for everyone”. The Benjamin Franklin National Memorial glowed purple in the rotunda. Nearby, a large screen nearby displayed a message we believe deeply: Play is life-changing. Guests collected buttons along the way, and the event t-shirts were a hit.

The museum itself felt like a perfect fit. Many of the exhibits are designed to make big ideas tangible through hands-on experiences and curiosity-driven exploration. That’s the same philosophy behind the playgrounds we create.

The Franklin Institute, lit up for our customer celebration.

The Benjamin Franklin National Memorial glowed purple in the rotunda.

Guests were free to wander, explore and discover exhibits at their own pace.

See you at the next one!

From innovative playground design and inclusive play conversations to reconnecting with industry friends, NRPA 2026 reminded us why this community matters. We left Philadelphia with new connections, renewed friendships and plenty of inspiration for the playgrounds ahead.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, played, chatted and celebrated with us.
Want to see what everyone was talking about? Explore Smart Play Volo Pico+ and discover new possibilities for early childhood play.

Or find your local Landscape Structures consultant to start planning your next play space.

15 Projects That Show What’s Possible Through Custom Play Space Design

Posted on October 8, 2026 by PlayLSI

Great play space design starts with more than choosing playground, splash play or shade equipment. It starts with understanding the place, the people who will use it and the experience a community wants to create.

That idea is at the heart of the 2027 PLAY Book, our annual collection of standout playground, splash play and shade designs from across the country. This year’s edition features 15 projects that demonstrate how custom play space design and collaboration can transform outdoor spaces into memorable community destinations.

From imaginative custom playgrounds to environments that seamlessly bring together play, water and shade, each project offers a different answer to the same question:

What’s possible when great design leads the way?

Creating custom play space designs with a sense of place

Playgrounds have an important role in placemaking. A thoughtfully designed play environment reinforces the identity of a park, complements the surrounding landscape and helps turn an outdoor space into a destination where people want to gather.

That connection to place takes many forms throughout the 2027 PLAY Book.

At Redwood Park in Apple Valley, Minn., an imaginative ocean-inspired environment transforms the playground into an adventure, complete with a giant Kraken, lighthouse and lifeguard station. Beyond its visual impact, the design combines imaginative, physical and inclusive play opportunities to create a gathering place designed for the entire community.

In Boston, Clifford Playground uses art to become play. Inspired by the tools and imagination of an urban artist, the colorful custom playground carries its creative theme throughout the play space, from oversized paint-inspired elements to vibrant surfacing and opportunities for sensory, imaginative and shared play. The result shows how customization can do more than create visual impact. It can give a playground a distinct identity and turn a community gathering place into an experience all its own.

The results look completely different, and that’s the point. Custom play space design creates opportunities to tell the story of a place rather than simply fill its footprint.

Designing for more ways to play

Great design also considers how children experience a space.

Physical challenge is important, but play can also encourage imagination, problem-solving, sensory exploration. It can create opportunities for social interaction and moments to pause and recharge. Designing for varied experiences also helps more children find their way into play. This includes children of different ages, interests and abilities.

Inclusive playground design is part of that thinking from the beginning. It means considering access alongside the variety, challenge and developmental value of the experiences available throughout the space.

Across the 15 projects featured in the PLAY Book, those principles take different forms. There are spaces to climb high, move fast and test new skills, alongside opportunities for imaginative, sensory and social play. Together, they create environments that invite children to explore in their own ways and return to discover something new.

Looking beyond the playground

Some of the most compelling outdoor recreation spaces happen when playground equipment is considered as one part of a larger experience.

District 1876 Park in Coleman, Texas, illustrates that approach. Contemporary playground equipment works alongside an Aquatix® splash pad and SkyWays® shade to create a cohesive destination for the community. The park demonstrates how playground, splash play and shade can work together to extend the experience and create a comfortable gathering place for children and families.

Landscape architects and park and recreation professionals can consider how each element connects to the surrounding site. Color, materials and landscaping all contribute to the overall experience. Likewise, shade and water can help create a cohesive environment. Together, these elements create a space that feels intentional rather than assembled one piece at a time.

Collaboration turns ideas into destinations

Behind every distinctive play space is a collaborative design process.

Landscape Structures was founded by a landscape architect, and for more than 50 years, we’ve worked alongside landscape architects, designers, park and recreation professionals, and communities to bring their ideas to life.

Sometimes that means collaborating from the earliest sketches to develop a fully custom playground. Other times, it means providing design tools, planning resources, product expertise and inspiration that allow designers to lead the vision. There is no single path to a successful play environment because there is no single community, site or project goal.

That collaborative approach is reflected throughout the 2027 PLAY Book. In fact, the 15 featured projects vary in scale, style and setting, each demonstrates how thoughtful choices can create spaces that support community goals while delivering meaningful play experiences.

Find inspiration for your next play space

The 2027 PLAY Book is ultimately about possibilities.

Explore all 15 custom playground, splash play and shade projects, discover details worth a closer look and find inspiration for your next park, playground or outdoor recreation space. Prefer a copy you can keep nearby as you plan your next project? Request a PLAY Book.

See the 2027 PLAY Book in action.

How to Maintain Fabric Shade Structures Before and After Severe Weather

Posted on October 2, 2026 by PlayLSI

Fabric shade structures are an investment in the comfort, usability and longevity of outdoor spaces. Whether shading a playground, splash pad, sports facility, gathering space or other recreation area, these structures spend their lives exposed to the elements.

Across the nation, severe weather can put added stress on shade structures. High winds, thunderstorms, hail, heavy rain, flooding, snow and ice can all cause damage.

Proactive fabric shade structure maintenance helps protect your investment. Proper preparation can also help keep the people using these outdoor spaces safe.

The key is to prepare before severe weather arrives and know what to look for once it passes.

What should you know about your fabric shade structure?

Effective severe weather preparation starts with understanding the SkyWays® shade structure installed at your site.

Know the engineering specifications and applicable wind and snow load ratings for your specific structure. Ratings and requirements may vary by product, configuration, installation and geographic location, so always reference the documentation for your structure.

Review your warranty and maintenance recommendations, paying particular attention to severe weather, fabric removal, routine inspections and damage reporting. Your maintenance team should know where to find all critical components. These include fabric attachment points, tensioning hardware, cables, turnbuckles and anchor bolts.

If your SkyWays shade structure includes removable fabric or Rapid Release technology, learn how the system works and how to safely remove and reinstall the fabric.

Finally, keep a maintenance log. Record routine inspections and repairs, and take photos periodically to establish a baseline. Having a record of the structure’s condition makes it easier to spot changes after severe weather and can provide helpful documentation if warranty or insurance questions arise.

Not sure which SkyWays fabric or structure you have? Contact your local Landscape Structures consultant. Having this information on hand before severe weather is in the forecast can help your team respond appropriately.

How often should you inspect a fabric shade structure?

Don’t wait until severe weather is approaching to inspect your fabric shade structures. Make fabric shade structure maintenance part of your regular facility maintenance schedule, with additional attention before the seasons when severe weather is most common in your region.

Inspect fabric for tears, fraying, loose areas, damaged seams or other signs of wear. Check posts, cables, turnbuckles, anchor bolts and attachment points for loose, missing, damaged or corroded components. Clear leaves, branches and other debris that could interfere with drainage or put additional stress on the fabric.

Your maintenance plan should assign responsibility for preparing the structure when severe weather is forecast. If your team may need to remove the fabric, make sure they know how to do it safely and have the appropriate tools readily available.

If you do not have in-house staff equipped to inspect, remove or maintain your shade fabric, connect with your local Landscape Structures representative to discuss your options.

How should you prepare fabric shade structures for severe weather?

Severe weather looks different depending on where you live. Your preparation plan should account for the conditions most likely to affect your site and the requirements of your specific SkyWays structure.

Snow and Ice: In colder climates, review the snow load rating and winter weather recommendations for your specific structure before temperatures drop.

Snow and ice accumulation can add weight and stress to fabric, cables and tensioning hardware. Follow the recommendations for your SkyWays structure. Make sure your winter maintenance team understands how the shade structure should be managed during periods of snow, ice and freeze-thaw conditions.

High Winds: Understand your structure’s wind load rating and the wind conditions common to your area. Develop a plan for what your team will do when high winds are forecast, including whether fabric removal is recommended for your structure and anticipated conditions.

If removal may be necessary, decide in advance whether trained staff can complete the work or whether professional assistance will be needed. Waiting until a storm is approaching can limit your options.

Severe Storms: Severe storms with strong winds and hail can damage shade fabric. Knowing the condition of your fabric before storm season makes it easier to distinguish new damage from existing wear.

Review your warranty ahead of time so your team understands any requirements for documenting and reporting weather-related damage. Keep the necessary contact information readily available so you know whom to call if a severe storm affects your site.

What should you inspect after severe weather?

Once severe weather has passed, perform a thorough inspection before assuming the structure is ready for normal use. Post-storm fabric shade structure maintenance should include the fabric, structural components, hardware, foundations and the surrounding site.

Start at ground level and work your way up:

Site and foundations: Look for standing water, erosion, changes in grade or visible movement around posts and foundations.
Posts and anchors: Check for movement, damage or changes from their pre-storm condition.
Hardware and connections: Inspect cables, turnbuckles, anchor bolts, tensioning components and attachment points for looseness, stress or damage.
Fabric: Look for tears, punctures, abrasions, pitting, damaged seams or edges, unusual sagging, or noticeable changes in tension.
Debris and drainage: Remove accumulated leaves, branches or other debris and check that water is draining as intended.

Some flex and movement may be expected as part of a fabric shade structure’s design. However, significant changes in tension, unusual movement or visible damage should be evaluated before the structure returns to regular use.

Document your inspection with photos and written observations, especially if you find potential damage. Compare the results with your maintenance log and previous photos to identify changes. Follow current SkyWays warranty requirements for documenting and reporting weather-related damage.

If you see significant damage, foundation concerns or anything that makes you question the safety of the structure, restrict access to the affected area until it can be properly evaluated.

When should you call a shade structure professional?

Not every maintenance task should be handled in-house. Contact your local Landscape Structures consultant if your team is uncomfortable removing or reinstalling shade fabric, does not have the proper tools or equipment, or does not have staff trained to safely complete the work.

Professional evaluation is also important when you identify potential structural damage, foundation movement, significant fabric damage or changes you cannot confidently assess.

Getting guidance early can help prevent minor concerns from becoming larger problems and ensure your SkyWays shade structure is maintained according to manufacturer recommendations.

Make fabric shade structure maintenance part of your facility plan

The weather your shade structure faces may look different from one region to the next, but the fundamentals of fabric shade structure maintenance remain the same: Know your structure, inspect it regularly, prepare for the conditions common to your area and evaluate it after significant weather events.

A proactive approach can help protect your investment, extend the life of your shade structure and keep outdoor spaces ready for play, recreation and gathering.

Storm season doesn’t wait. Make fabric shade maintenance part of your facility plan before the forecast changes. Questions about your existing SkyWays shade structures? Landscape Structures and your local consultant are here to help.

Who gets designed in: Notes from the 2026 ASLA expo floor

Posted on September 24, 2026 by PlayLSI

Scott Roschi, creative director at Landscape Structures, spends his days thinking about how design, play and place come together to create experiences people remember. After attending the 2026 ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture in Los Angeles, he shares what caught his attention on the expo floor—and what those observations might say about where playground design trends are headed.

I didn’t make it into a single education session at the 2026 ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture in Los Angeles. I spent the conference on the expo floor, which turned out to be a good place to read where the profession is heading when it comes to playground design trends.

Designing play for more ages

The surprise this year was age range. ASLA has traditionally featured plenty of big play for 5- to 12-year-olds. This year, more manufacturers brought playground equipment designed for children ages 2 to 5, and there was more adult fitness equipment than I remember seeing at past shows. The floor covered more ages at both ends.

By the time Karlye Emerson, president and CEO of Landscape Structures, spoke at the Opening General Session at the end of the first day, I’d been seeing that shift for hours. One line of her remarks named it: “the places we create today will serve communities for years, even generations, to come.”

Serving more ages and serving them together are different design problems. The second one is what we took on with Smart Play® Volo Pico+™, our new playstructure designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2 to 5, which we previewed at ASLA.

What parents and kids taught us about early childhood play

Before showcasing Volo Pico+ at ASLA, we put an early prototype in front of real parents and kids and watched where the design got in their way. Then we changed it.

We removed several barrier elements around the perimeter so a parent or caregiver can get to the LSI Flexx® net and steady a child without reaching over anything. We raised the shade so an adult can stand comfortably on the deck. When the same families came back for the second prototype review, they noticed.

So did one landscape architect at our booth.

Before anyone explained anything, he walked the playground structure and started pointing things out: the spots where a parent could step in and help, the net tying the whole structure together, the fact that it has no front or back, and a height that never felt intimidating even up close.

He has designed and specified plenty of playstructures himself, so he knew what he was looking at. As soon as he left, I found Tory Roff, principal designer on Volo Pico+, and told him it was like the landscape architect had been sitting in our design meetings. He’d covered nearly everything we talked through during design and testing, and he got all of it from the structure itself.

That’s what good design should do. You shouldn’t need someone standing beside it explaining why every decision was made.

Designing for generations, not just age groups

The die-cast car track got the biggest reaction of the week. Almost everyone who stopped had a story about the cars they played with as a kid and what it’s like to hand that experience down to their own children.

One dad told me his daughter plays with die-cast cars shaped like animals. She uses them completely differently than he ever did, building a world of her own, and he gets to watch.

That’s the generational play Karlye was talking about, told by the people living it.

The 2027 PLAY Book works on the same principle at project scale. Every project featured in it was created with a specific landscape architecture firm and a specific community, and the book names them. The playground isn’t treated as something dropped into a site. It is part of a larger vision for the place.

Aaron Skogen, general manager at Aquatix®, and Heidi Stengel, sales design manager at Aquatix, made a version of the same case for splash play in their ASLA Learning Lab presentation. Universal design isn’t about designing an experience for one group of people. Done well, it creates environments that work better for everyone who shows up.

What color trends tell us about design

Then there was the pink.

More of the industry is developing its own colors now, and that’s good to see. What caught me was how many site furnishings companies arrived with the same family of pink. It felt out of left field.

Hot pink was everywhere at the World Cup this summer, showing up on boots from nearly every footwear brand and standing in sharp contrast to the green field. That convergence had a reason.

At ASLA, I’m less sure what the reason was.

When a color shows up everywhere at once, I want to know where it started—and whether it started with anyone’s site.

Curiosity as a design method

Later in the week, I spent time at San Diego Design Week, and the thing that connected both events was curiosity.

Every landscape architect and designer I met at either one was doing what I was doing: watching for what’s next and figuring out how to use it on the next project.

That curiosity is also a method.

Volo Pico+ got better because someone watched a parent struggle to reach their child and went back to change the design. That observation became a different barrier, a higher shade and a better experience for the adults and children using the space together.

Playground design trends will change. Colors will change. The equipment on the expo floor will change. But the question worth carrying into the next project is more enduring:

Who gets designed in—and who might we be unintentionally designing out?

Play Grows With Us: Inside the Neighborhood Ninjas NinjaFit Grand Opening

Posted on September 3, 2026 by PlayLSI

On Aug. 22, teens and adults in Lee, Mass., found themselves climbing, swinging, reaching and occasionally falling short before getting right back up to try again thanks to a new outdoor fitness playground.

They had some expert help. American Ninja Warrior®, a registered trademark of Tokyo Broadcasting System Television, Inc., competitors Jessie Graff, Ginny McColl, Alyssa Beird and others were there to offer encouragement and coach attendees through the obstacles at the grand opening of the Neighborhood Ninjas NinjaFit Playground.

Community members cut the ribbon on the new outdoor fitness playground — Members of the Lee, Mass., community come together to cut the ribbon on the new Neighborhood Ninjas NinjaFit Playground

Neighborhood Ninjas is a nonprofit organization that uses the sport of American Ninja Warrior to help youth build active lifestyles, confidence, connection and resilience. The Lee playground is its second NinjaFit location, following the first in Wilmington, Del.

Nobody had to tell the adults to play. Give people an interesting enough challenge, and play happens naturally.

The new NinjaFit Playground, featuring Landscape Structures’ FitCore™ Extreme equipment for ages 13+, offers a reminder that playgrounds don’t have to be something we leave behind as we grow older.

We Don’t Outgrow Play

Play changes as we grow. The activities that captivate a preschooler aren’t necessarily going to capture the attention of a teenager. But the desire to challenge ourselves, connect with others and experience the satisfaction of accomplishing something difficult doesn’t disappear.

Maybe we don’t age out of play. Maybe the way we want to play simply evolves.

“Obstacles are a metaphor for life,” said Alex Katz, executive director of Neighborhood Ninjas and an American Ninja Warrior competitor. “We’re helping young adults get stronger, work on growth mindset and resilience, and learn how to overcome obstacles, not just on the course, but in real life, too.”

For teens and adults, play might involve physical challenge and perceived risk. It can mean competition one minute and cooperation the next. It’s trying, failing, laughing and trying again. And when movement feels like play rather than a prescribed workout, being active can simply be fun.

Designing for the Ages We Often Overlook

Traditional playgrounds provide important opportunities for children to move, explore and socialize. But as children enter their teenage years, there can be fewer spaces intentionally designed for the ways they want to gather and be active.

Teenage girls climb the FitCore Extreme Cargo Net, part of the newest outdoor fitness playground in Lee, Mass. — Teenage girls navigate the Cargo Net of the outdoor fitness playground

“Teens in Berkshire County are looking for spaces that they can be more social in, that help them become better members of society,” said Stacy Parsons, director of community engagement and juvenile diversion.

Designed for ages 13+, FitCore Extreme provides progressively challenging obstacles that encourage strength, agility, balance and coordination. Outdoor fitness playgrounds can make physical activity more accessible and engaging while providing opportunities for teens and adults to challenge their fitness.

They can also help parks serve the whole family.

“Many communities are searching for ways to create multigenerational spaces, and FitCore Extreme equipment allows for that,” said David Smith, senior vice president of sales at Landscape Structures. “Outdoor fitness equipment can be installed near a traditional playground so the entire family, including teen siblings and parents, can stay active while younger children play.”

Challenge Meets Community

That sense of connection was on full display during the NinjaFit grand opening.

The American Ninja Warrior competitors weren’t there simply to demonstrate what they could do. They coached attendees through obstacles, celebrated successes and encouraged people to try again when they didn’t quite make it.

Ninjas and community members test out the NinjaFit Playground obstacles

The Wheel Bridge made to look easy by this ninja. — Ninjas and community members test out the NinjaFit Playground obstacles

It reflected something at the heart of ninja culture: Challenge may be individual, but overcoming it doesn’t have to be.

And sometimes the encouragement you need is simple.

“If I can do it, you can do it,” said Ginny McColl.

At 74, McColl knows something about refusing to put an age limit on challenge. The mother of Jessie Graff, McColl began her own strength journey at age 61.

“My motto is ‘strength is ageless,’” McColl said. “You’re never too old, and you’re never too late to start.”

Ginny McColl, 74-year-old American Ninja Warrior competitor, shares her motto for health with the grand opening crowd

After falling early in her first American Ninja Warrior competition, McColl remembers her daughter reminding her not to let one fall define her and instead recognize how far she had come.

It’s a lesson that works on and off the course.

Play at 3 might look like navigating a wiggly ladder, and at 8 it might mean climbing to the top of a playground tower. At 15, it might be racing a friend through an outdoor fitness playground. At 40, it could mean wondering whether you can still make it across the monkey bars.

And at 74? It might mean looking at the next obstacle and thinking, “Why not?”

Building Confidence Through The Outdoor Fitness Playground

Physical challenges can also create opportunities to practice persistence, problem-solving, confidence, healthy risk-taking and resilience.

Beird sees that connection from two perspectives, as both a ninja athlete and a teacher.

“Physical challenges are often easier for middle schoolers and teenagers to try versus a difficult subject in school,” she said. “If they can build their confidence completing these obstacles, they may have more confidence heading into the classroom.”

American Ninja Warriors pose in front of the new Neighborhood Ninjas outdoor fitness playground. — American Ninja Warrior competitors are ready to help Lee, Mass., take on the outdoor fitness playground

That’s what makes spaces like the NinjaFit Playground more than outdoor fitness equipment. They create opportunities to discover what our bodies can do, experience failure in a supportive environment and build the confidence to try again.

Katz hopes that spirit becomes part of the new playground’s identity. A year from now, she wants to see teens gathering, families challenging one another, people building confidence and strength, and community members encouraging each other.

Playgrounds don’t have to be places we leave behind as we grow up. By creating experiences that evolve with our abilities, interests and desire for challenge, we can invite more generations to keep moving and playing.

Because play is life-changing, no matter your age.

Making a Splash Together: The Jr. Play Team Builds Friendships Through Inclusive Play

Posted on August 6, 2026 by PlayLSI

Last week, the Landscape Structures Jr. Play Team gathered at the Central Park Splash Pad in Delano, Minn., for an event with one simple goal: to have fun together.

As children chased beach balls and splashed through various spray features, something meaningful was happening: new friendships were forming. And not just among team members, but between family members as well.

A Place Where Everyone Belongs

Sometimes the best examples of inclusive play happen when kids simply get to be kids.

The Central Park Splash Pad offered more than a way to cool off—it provided a welcoming environment that helped everyone feel comfortable from the moment they arrived.

A fenced perimeter gave caregivers added peace of mind while children explored independently. The splash pad’s hard, flat surfacing made it easy for children using mobility devices to move throughout the space, and water-friendly wheelchairs were available for families who needed them. Together, these thoughtful details created an environment of ease and safe exploration.

girl smiles while standing among spraying jets on a splash pad

One parent shared what many families were feeling throughout the evening: the event felt like a safe space where their children could simply be themselves.

That sense of belonging—without needing to modify who you are—is what inclusive play is about.

Splash Play Welcomes Every Child

Splash pads offer an inherently inclusive play experience. Without elevated decks, transfer points or stairs, children can move freely throughout the space and engage with water in ways that feel comfortable to them.

a child holds onto the twisting elements that create water spray on a splash pad interactive feature

a boy in a wheelchair leans in to the stream of water coming from a frog-themed spray park feature

Many gathered under the powerful splash of the FlashFlood dumping bucket. Others spent time at interactive spray features like the SprayStacker, twisting knobs and exploring water at their own pace. One father-daughter team enjoyed a laughing piggyback ride that went from feature to feature.

The variety of experiences reflects how children choose their “just right” fit for play. Some children seek excitement and powerful sensation. Others prefer gentler, calming interactions. Inclusive splash pads create opportunities for both, and everything in between.

One child initially felt overwhelmed by the excitement and activity, but the water became a calming, grounding element. With encouragement from a parent, they gradually joined the fun at their own pace.

Leading by Example

The evening began with a welcome from Jr. Play Team President John Buettner, who encouraged everyone to think beyond inclusive playgrounds and imagine a more inclusive world.

Boy in wheelchair reacts as water from an interactive splash pad feature sprays him — John Buettner, President of the Jr. Play Team, reacts when sprayed with a jet from the interactive SprayStacker

Then, leading by example, John started the splash play fun, encouraging others to join. Soon the splash pad was one big community, laughing, splashing and playing together.

At one point, when Rihanna’s “Dancing in the Dark” came through of the speakers, the whole group started dancing.

Pizza and ice cream were a hit at break time, and Jr Play Team towels were a much appreciated party favor and badge of team membership.

two orange towels with the words "Jr Play Team" on them on the back of white pool chairs

More Than a Summer Outing

For many families of children with disabilities, attending community events can require additional planning and come with added uncertainty. Creating opportunities where everyone knows they’ll be welcomed—where children can make friends while parents connect with others who share similar experiences—can make all the difference.

The Jr. Play Team continues to shape the future of inclusive play by sharing their lived experience, but events like this remind us that inclusion is about more than play space design.

It’s about belonging.

Find an inclusive splash pad near you, from Aquatix® by Landscape Structures.

A Fresh Look for a Classic Favorite: Meet the Refreshed PlayBooster® Panels!

Posted on May 22, 2025 by PlayLSI

It all started with a simple, curious question from a child on the playground: “Why is there a fish in my treehouse?”

That moment made us smile. And made us think. Sometimes, the best innovations are sparked by the most unexpected questions. And in this case, it inspired us to reimagine some of the most beloved parts of our playground legacy.

So, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. The result? A new look and feel for our refreshed PlayBooster panels and climber and handhold combinations. These are now designed to be more inviting, imaginative and aligned with today’s play needs.

Thoughtfully Redesigned. Endlessly Fun.

We know that PlayBooster has been at the heart of our playgrounds for years. That’s why this update is more than just a visual refresh, it’s a purposeful evolution.

The refreshed Permalene® panels now feature soft curves and friendly forms, creating a more welcoming experience for kids. Updated shapes, playful artwork, and modern color accents make each panel a feast for the eyes and the imagination. Every design choice reflects the signature style you expect from Landscape Structures with a playful twist.

“We wanted to keep the spirit of PlayBooster alive while giving it a fresh, modern voice,” said Scott Roschi, creative director at Landscape Structures. “And of course, we made sure the updates add even more opportunities for kids to play and explore.”

What’s New (and What You’ll Love)

Here’s what’s included in this exciting refresh:

27 redesigned Permalene® panels
An updated combination of handholds and climbers with updated forms that integrate seamlessly with existing structures
Visual compatibility with previous designs, so mixing old with new is smooth and stylish

We’ve made sure that upgrading your existing playground is simple and stress-free. Whether you’re updating a single element or going for a full refresh, the new pieces blend beautifully with what’s already in place.

Updated Symbol Communication Sign: More Inclusive Than Ever

We didn’t stop with panels and climbers. We also gave the Symbol Communication Sign a thoughtful makeover.

Now featuring a modern round post, a GeoPlex®-style clamp and a lower-to-the-ground design, the updated sign is easier for all children to access. Plus, it’s now available in English/English or English/Spanish, supporting even more inclusion on the playground.

Inspired by Kids. Designed for the Future.

This PlayBooster refresh reminds us that play is always evolving, and so are we. Whether it’s a question about a fish in a treehouse or feedback from kids on the playground, we’re always listening, learning and creating with intention.

These updates reflect our commitment to inspiring joyful play, nurturing imagination and designing with inclusion at the heart of it all.

Ready to refresh your playground? Explore the refreshed PlayBooster panels and climber and handhold combos and see how a small update can make a big difference.

Meet the Jr. Play Team: Champions of Inclusive Play

Posted on April 24, 2025 by PlayLSI

At Landscape Structures, inclusion isn’t just a goal—it’s a promise. It’s a mindset that drives everything we do from design and development to the fun that happens on the playground. At the heart of this mission is a group of kids we call the Jr. Play Team, and we’re thrilled to introduce you to them!

This group of kids from the Twin Cities are helping us create a more inclusive world of play. They bring their lived experience and insight to help us build playgrounds that welcome everyone.

Designed by kids, for all kids

The Jr. Play Team is made up of children with a range of physical, cognitive and sensory disabilities. They bring invaluable feedback to our product development process. Through real-time play and honest conversation, they help us uncover what works, what needs improvement, and—most importantly—how play can feel more inclusive for every child.

“It’s not just about watching them play,” says Jill Moore, inclusive play specialist at Landscape Structures. “It’s about listening, observing, and learning from the kids and their caregivers. They show us what true inclusivity looks like in action.”

Playground testing, the Jr. Play Team way

Throughout 2024, the Jr. Play Team gathered to test prototype equipment, share their experiences and have a lot of fun. We invited the kids and their caregivers to engage with new designs while our team observed their movement, reactions and comfort levels.

Sometimes it was clear where the kids gravitated naturally. Other times, we watched closely as they struggled or hesitated, and we turned those moments into opportunities to do better.

Take our new product, Volo Aire™. During testing, some children who needed assistance climbing up to the second level loved lying on the net and feeling the movement of others around them. But when it was time to go, parents found it difficult to help them climb back down. The solution? Add slides at the second level, offering a fun and easy way out for anyone—regardless of ability. This thoughtful fix didn’t just support accessibility, it made the experience better for all kids while also providing a more comfortable and feasible option for the caregivers as well.

A president with a purpose: Meet John Buettner

In our latest video, you’ll meet John Buettner, president of the Jr. Play Team, as he shares what inclusion means to him. With wisdom and warmth beyond his years, John gives voice to the power of designing with—not just for—children with disabilities. Watch the video and see how the Jr. Play Team is shaping the future of play.

More than a team—a movement

The Jr. Play Team is more than just a group of play testers. They’re leaders, innovators and advocates for the kind of playgrounds we all want to see in our communities: welcoming, adventurous and truly inclusive.

Their ideas spark innovation. Their feedback helps shape our products. And their joy reminds us why we do what we do.

Know a kid who would love to help shape the future of play? We’re always looking to add to the Landscape Structures Jr. Play Team. If you know someone who’s passionate about inclusive play and making a difference, fill out this form and let the fun begin!

Meet Our Guest Blogger: Ariel Mansholt—An Advocate for Inclusion, On and Off the Playground

Posted on April 10, 2025 by PlayLSI

We’re excited to introduce our guest blogger for Autism Awareness Month, Ariel Mansholt. She is an inclusive play specialist at Landscape Structures and a practicing occupational therapist in a Kansas school district. Ariel brings a rare and powerful dual perspective—professional expertise and personal experience—to the work of inclusive playground design, which welcomes children of all abilities.

Ariel’s passion for inclusive playground design is deeply rooted in her own childhood. She grew up with her older brother, Derek, who has autism, and her early experiences with him shaped not only her understanding of neurodiversity but also her career path. From swinging in the backyard—the place where Derek communicated most freely—to navigating local parks that didn’t meet his sensory needs, Ariel saw firsthand how the built environment can either open doors or create barriers for kids like her brother.

Now, through her work in both occupational therapy and inclusive playground design, Ariel helps shape play environments that support every child. Her story, Derek & Me, is a heartfelt reflection on family, inclusion and the power of thoughtful design. We’re honored to share her voice and vision with you.

Derek & Me—A guest post for Autism Awareness Month

Growing up things in my house looked a little different than that of my friends. My house was filled with binders that had pictures on them used to communicate, visual schedules, way more toy garbage trucks than one could ever possibly play with and very detailed routines. As I grew up, some of these items changed. The garbage trucks turned into K’NEX then into computer games. The one thing that did not change was the structured routines.

Every day after school, my mom and Derek would show us the new pictures added to his book with the accompanying sign. As we continued to grow up, Derek began communicating verbally. Following this shift, our after-school family time migrated to outside on our backyard swing set, which was always the place my brother was the most verbal. I then came to the age of wanting to learn how to ride a bike and so did Derek.

My path to occupational therapy

This was my first introduction to the world of occupational therapy. Our new routine included many activities outside that I later came to know worked on bilateral coordination and motor planning. It was after this preview to occupational therapy that I began to question more of the why behind the differences between my family and others. That’s when I learned about my brother’s diagnosis of autism and that his brain worked differently than mine did.

I had access to resources and books that allowed me to learn more about this diagnosis and become an advocate of Derek’s. The way that Derek’s brain works allows him to be super detail oriented and great at remembering specific things, skills that he has used to pursue a career in the culinary industry. My desire to pursue a career in occupational therapy came largely from my experiences with my brother. However, now being in my career for nearly 2.5 years, I can say that it truly is my dream career.

Bringing my perspectives to inclusive playground design

As an occupational therapist, I have worked in an outpatient setting as well as a school district helping children with a variety of diagnoses learn and acquire new skills. Additionally, I have been working with Landscape Structures Inc. to use my professional and personal lenses to create spaces where kids of all abilities and their families can connect.

From backyard joy to public spaces

These opportunities have challenged me to think back to Derek on the swing or our backyard pool and remember how much joy these experiences brought to not only Derek but my family. However, if we navigated to the local park or pool all of the joy was lost from these experiences. It often turned into heightened emotions and hurriedly getting back into the car and driving home. A lot of the difficulty was largely due to the increase in sensory stimulation within the environment. Reflecting on those experiences and seeing how far we’ve come brings a smile to my face. We are seeing an increase in neurodivergent affirming practice and designing our environment to support the needs of all, rather than a few.

Why inclusive playground design matters

Someone asked me recently about my thoughts on how designing an environment to support children of all abilities has impacted kids’ learning and overall growth. I think the impact has been tremendous—more social connections, more play opportunities and more physical activity. A child’s main occupation is to play. It’s how they learn! Designing spaces that support emotional regulation—especially for children with autism—helps them stay and engage longer. Staying longer gives children more chances to engage with peers and build social connections—something my brother has recently taken an interest in. Because the environment didn’t support his regulation, Derek missed out on core moment to engage with friends. Today, with more intentional design this is an opportunity we can create for today’s kids.

Having a range of complexity in our designs can also speak to the varying skill levels when it comes to motor skills for the autism population. The incorporation of climbers and net structures challenges motor planning and allows kids to work on that brain and body connection. When design has intentionality behind it and allows children of all abilities to play, the outcome is truly great. I have seen this with kids that I currently work with. When providing treatment on an inclusive playground, I see the joy and autonomy it brings along with social connections and opportunities for skill acquisition.

As an adult who enjoys the playgrounds as much as the kids, thanks for always wanting to inspire the fun that is at the heart of play. I know that younger Derek and Ariel would’ve had the BEST time at all of the playgrounds we’re designing today.

Inclusion Makes the Playground: A story that redefines play

Posted on March 27, 2025 by PlayLSI

At Landscape Structures, we believe a playground is more than slides and swings—it’s a place where every child feels seen, valued and included. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our newest video: Inclusion Makes the Playground.

This powerful, heartwarming story captures our deepest purpose: to transform the landscape of play so that every playground is a space of belonging and connection.

More than a destination—a place to belong

We don’t see playgrounds as just structures or destinations. We see them as community cornerstones, places where kids of all abilities come together to explore, imagine and grow.

“Is it a playground if someone like me, my body, my unique self wasn’t included in the design from the start?” asks the child’s voice in the video. And that’s the heart of our message.

Inclusion isn’t a feature. It’s a philosophy.

A vision worth sharing

In Inclusion Makes the Playground, we invite viewers to rethink what a playground really is. A playground is not just a structure or destination, but a place that reflects everyone. The video shows what happens when designers create playgrounds with and for every child, starting with who they serve rather than what they include. In the end, it reminds us that a playground isn’t just a place to play—it’s a symbol of belonging.

Whether you’re a parent, planner, educator or advocate, this video is an invitation to reimagine what a playground can be. And who a playground can be for.

Every child, ability and playground.

We believe that every child deserves to play, laugh, take risks and find their place in the world—starting on the playground. Because when you lead with inclusion, you create more than a fun space. You create a place of unity, discovery and limitless potential.

Watch the video. Share the message. Champion inclusion.

Ready to be inspired? Watch Inclusion Makes the Playground below. Then see how together, we can build places that reflect the best of what play—and community—can be.