Playground Guide - 2024 - 4

SPECIAL
ADVERTISING
SECTION
Access New Heights of Play
GameTime pioneered inclusive outdoor play environments.
In 1974, we developed a range of accessible playground
equipment, and in the 1980s, we created the first
commercially available composite play structure with
ramped access. Since then, we've innovated new ways to
ensure everybody has access to play and recreation, creating
many inclusive
industry
firsts, such as
adaptive swing
seats,
sensory
climbers and
p l a y g r o u n d
nets.
Inclusive
play is our passion
and purpose
because
we believe play
is an equal right.
Addressing the Need
One of the areas that long has been a source of frustration
among accessibility advocates is the playground
tower. For years, GameTime designed custom towers to
meet the needs of our customers, but there was a great
demand for a mainstream product that met the standards
for accessible playground equipment. Innovation in this
area required some fresh ideas.
Expert Opinion
We turned to accessibility expert Bill Botten. Botten recently
retired from the U.S. Access Board. He helped write
portions of the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility
Standards for play and recreation facilities and has
been at the forefront of the accessibility movement in the
United States for decades. GameTime enlisted Botten's
advice on creating a playground tower that's as inclusive
as possible.
Inclusive Innovation
Transfer platforms and systems have existed for decades,
but that doesn't mean we can't improve them. With guidance
from Botten, we designed an innovative transfer system
that makes it easier for users to transfer. It has wider
steps and platforms, built-in handholds on both sides,
and handgrips at three different levels to accommodate a
wide range of users and abilities.
Once users access the structure, they experience a new
way to continue exploring. We added our SureGrip™ textured
surfaces to a curved, ascending climber. Along the
sides are handholds that provide extra grip for users who
want to scoot or crawl along the pathway. We included
handrails at the top and bottom for added support and
assistance, and handgrips at the top make it easier to
transfer to the tower's highest point.
Another innovation found in Aventus is the Inclusive
Play Pocket. These fun, cozy spaces are installed along
the path to the top and out of traffic flow. They're provided
at a transfer height to make it easy for anyone to take
a break or interact with sensory play activities.
These are only a few innovations that make Aventus
Tower an inclusive game-changer. Botten called it " one of
the most inclusive composite play structures [he's] ever
worked on. " Thank you, Bill. We couldn't have done it
without you!
Looking Forward to the Next Century
After nearly 100 years, GameTime has learned the only
thing that stays the same is the need to change, evolve
and innovate. Aventus Tower is our latest endeavor to
bring accessible and inclusive play to communities, but
it won't be the last. Our commitment to you is to enrich
childhood through ever-increasing inclusive and accessible
play, because play is where we all belong.
gametime.com
800.235.2440
4 Parks & Recreation | 2 0 2 4 PL A Y GROUND GUIDE | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G
http://www.gametime.com
Playground Guide - 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Playground Guide - 2024
