We Speak Playground

Community and commercial playgrounds are designed and built to last for years and years of enjoyment, but all playgrounds must be assessed annually for equipment that needs to be upgraded or replaced.

Miracle Museum is the aptly named new-to-the-playground-industry children’s museum experience that can turn any space into a sensory rich play area. Children touch, listen, see, and play their way through the fantastical collection of products.

“When we were designing Miracle Museum, we were really focused on universal design … that means design for all, for all users,” said Craig Mellott, Innovation Manager, Miracle Recreation. “It’s approachable design, it’s fun design, it’s engaging design, it’s safe, it’s secure – it’s designed for all.”

The playground you set up for children at your daycare center should be designed to meet a wide range of needs for growing kids. Of course, you want to create a fun place that will encourage children under your care to play and get exercise (and enjoy plenty of fresh air and sunshine), but it also needs to encourage learning and socialization. That’s what’s best for promoting early childhood development.

Making up the world’s largest minority, some 1 billion people worldwide currently live with a disability. This number means one in every seven people on earth is impacted by a disability. This number means one in every seven people on earth is impacted by a disability. The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was created to raise awareness of the social, economic, political and cultural aspects of disabilities and how they affect the lives of billions of people worldwide.

Perhaps few groups of children have struggled with inclusion as much as people with sensory issues, and of course, parents who care for them. So many community activities provide an amount of stimulation that people with sensory disorders find overwhelming, uncomfortable, or even painful. The good news is that the Houston Metro Area has begun to provide some sensory-friendly opportunities for community and family fun.

When companies market their products and services, they may target a certain market sector that is more inclined to make purchases, such as marketing recreational equipment to outdoorsy people or vacation resort packages to people with families. To successfully market their operations, companies often hire employees that encompass the mindsets and backgrounds of their target audience so that they can better connect to potential customers. Yet many businesses are finding that by focusing on only one subset of individuals can create a workplace culture that excludes employees and potential customers based on their disabilities. Instead, these businesses are making the switch to becoming more inclusive operations that welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, races, genders and disabilities.

Children are naturally inquisitive, and they are sure to notice differences between themselves and other people they meet. When a child comes into contact with someone who has a significant difference from them, such as a disability or different skin color, it is normal for the child to have questions. However, if you hope to raise responsible, caring adults, you need to teach your child to be kind, respectful and welcoming to all people, regardless of their differences. Below are some tips to help you teach your child how to be inclusive. 

You want a playground that gives everyone a chance to learn and have fun outdoors. However, some children with physical or intellectual limitations have a harder time navigating a traditional play structure than others. That’s why it’s important to make a few simple changes to ensure all children have a great time at recess. Check out these five tips for making school playgrounds more inclusive.

Have you ever traveled through a neighborhood and found an outdoor fair, block party or local festival? The sights and sounds feel welcoming to both the residents, tourists and people who are simply passing by. Such events and recreations do more than just allow people to sell food and products. They allow neighbors to build relationships and provide a venue where everyone can come together to enjoy new arts, culture and entertainment.

April is World Autism Month. Now is the best time to increase awareness of this condition that affects so many children. The Centers for Disease Control reports that one in every 59 children is diagnosed with some form of autism. Autism can affect children from all ethnic and socioeconomic groups, but males are four times more likely to be diagnosed than females. Awareness of the prevalence of autism is the first step toward helping children and their families who suffer from this issue. One place that everyone can help kids with autism is on the playground.