Resources & Buyers Guides

Whether hanging from the jungle gym bars, navigating through tunnels, or jumping rope, when children engage in sensory play, they learn through curiosity, exploration, creativity, and problem-solving.

In a 2021 Kids Activity and Learning Study by Research Triangle Institute, children aged three to five years old gained significant gains in mental processes and mathematics after they participated in a motor skills program for 30 minutes twice a week for eight weeks. They also performed better than the children who were part of the study’s waitlist control group on all activities.

Sensory play is crucial for a child’s cognitive, emotional, and physical development, and school and park playgrounds provide an ideal environment for this type of engagement. Even children with sensory processing disorders can make great strides when introduced to sensory play because playgrounds provide a safe space for them to explore, discover, and define their needs, and learn how to regulate their responses. Let’s discuss some of the senses and motor skills that benefit from playground activities and the types of equipment and games that help strengthen them. 

HEARING
The sounds of children laughing and playing are typical of a playground environment but, when compounded with traffic and other outdoor sounds, it can become overwhelming and distracting to some children. Consider adding musical equipment and instruments on the playground to help children focus on new sounds while still being immersed in the everyday playground noises. Instruments like xylophones, bells, and drums can be stand-alone pieces or incorporated as part of playground equipment, like a Space Playhouse that features bongos along with other sensory and tactile play amenities, including a slide, climber, and spinners. 

SIGHT
The summer sun can create intense heat and glare, making it hard for children to enjoy the outdoors. One solution is to add shade over the playground area. Shade structures offer protection from the harmful effects of the sun and can keep equipment from getting too hot to enjoy. And while relief from the bright sun is one way to help the sense of sight, so can colors. Consider adding visually stimulating elements like colorful murals, sculptures, and interactive light displays to engage children’s senses and create a cheerful, positive environment.

TOUCH
Sensory processing skills help children learn to perceive sensations on the skin, like temperature, pressure, pain, and vibration. They also allow them to discover how different substances and textures feel through touch. Integrate playground equipment that offers movable parts, shapes, and tactile pieces. From riding toys with steering wheels to activity panels with geometric shapes and letters, playground equipment with tactile offerings keeps children engaged and happy. 

MOTOR SKILLS
Along with developing their senses, playground equipment does a great job of building children’s motor skills. Practicing hand-eye coordination and skills, and body movements can benefit children in building their fine and gross motor skills and gaining better information retention.

Fine Motor 
Fine motor skills incorporate the use of small muscles in the hand and fingers to complete tasks such as writing, scissor cutting, tying and tool usage. On the playground, children can build their fine motor skills with activities that require holding, squeezing, and grasping – such as climbing ladders and stairs. 

Gross Motor
Gross motor skills involve more of a child’s everyday physical activities. Large muscle actions associated with gross motor include walking, running, kicking, throwing, and lifting. And while the playground offers plenty of developmental exposure for these gross motor tasks, children can also benefit from learning balance. Better balance not only strengthens key muscles and motion but also reduces injury by quickening reflexes and reaction times. Balance beams, steppers, climbers, and spinners are examples of children’s outdoor fitness equipment that develop stability and equilibrium.

SPATIAL AWARENESS
Spatial Awareness involves understanding the whereabouts of objects in proximity to the body. A playground set coupled with climbers or stepping stones can create a fun obstacle course for children to navigate through. They can practice moving around certain play activities to develop a sense of self-location in relation to the vicinity. Also, you can change up the step for more eye, touch, muscle, and reaction development. 

Sensory development is foundational to a child’s learning as they grow and learn about the world around them. By integrating sensory-rich activities and equipment throughout your outdoor playground area, you’re helping children develop while having fun at the same time. At Park Tables, we love to see children learn and thrive while having fun, which is why we offer some of the best multi-sensory playground equipment and games for children as young as two years old and up to 12 years old. Peruse our extensive online catalog of commercial recreational equipment and contact one of our expert Park Tables consultants via live chat, phone, or email for help building a sensory-rich atmosphere at your school, park or facility. 

If you want to help your parkgoers and guests stay cool this summer, outfit your seating and play areas with a commercial park pavilion shelter. A more stable and mounted option that offers ample shade and protection from the elements, park pavilion structures are popular amenities at parks, HOA communities, and many other locales with outdoor amenities. 

Shade structures are essential to any outdoor environment where people gather to play and socialize. When it comes to providing shade, Park Tables is your source for shade products – from canopy tents and pergolas to umbrellas and gazebos. If you’re looking for a more permanent shade solution for your outdoor space, our commercial pavilions are a great choice. 

At Park Tables, we know that the look of commercial outdoor furniture is just as important as its purpose, which is why we carry the best and broadest lines of products from the highest quality manufacturers for our customers. Our pavilion structures are no exception, as they provide both style and practicality to meet your venue needs.

Let’s delve into the advantages commercial park pavilions offer: 

1. Extremely resilient
 Go commercial or go home! For outdoor spaces, only structures made with industrial-grade materials will cut it. From galvanized steel posts and pressure-treated wood beams to high-density, fire-resistant polyethylene shade material with UV stabilizers, our products are built to last. Plus, all our commercial park pavilion shelters have a standard wind rating of 90 mph, and our metal pavilions feature a 20 PSF snow load rating for harsh winter-prone regions. Structurally sound and nearly indestructible, our pavilion structures will provide years of use. 

2. Aesthetically attractive
Clean lines, contemporary designs, and vibrant color schemes make pavilions a guest magnet. And while they protect guests from the elements, they still have an open and airy feel. 

Whether you’re looking to create a casual respite with a wooden pavilion build kit, an attention-getting gathering spot with a bright-colored rectangular shade structure, or a more elegant retreat with a double-tiered metal park shelter, Park Table has a pavilion to fit the bill!

 3. Completely customizable
We help you make your pavilion shade structure fit your color scheme and surroundings by letting you choose from over 20 different shade colors, nearly 30 frame colors, and multiple structure sizes to accommodate your specific space. 

The customizations don’t end there. We offer add-on options such as glide elbows, ornamental features, a cupola, and an electrical package that enables you to install lighting, ceiling fans, and more. Our consultants are always on hand to help you put together the best pavilion size and configuration for your venue needs. 

Order your pavilion now to be summer-ready!
Summer is almost upon us, so don’t delay in ordering commercial park pavilions and shade structures for your park and playground areas. Rely on our Park Tables experts to help you find the perfect solution for your outdoor space. If you have any questions, need any help placing your order, or simply want an expert opinion, call us toll-free at 1-866-330-2388. We’re here to serve you!

It may still be cold outside, but that doesn’t mean you should stop taking your pooch to your local dog park. Like humans, dogs need regular physical exercise, socialization, mental stimulation, and pent-up energy release from being inside for an extended period. Dog parks tick all these boxes for our canine friends, making them a great destination for year-round recreation. 

Dog parks provide many advantages for canines:
⦁    As a safe space for dogs to burn off their energy, dog parks help maintain their physical health, preventing weight gain and alleviating joint pain.
⦁    Outdoor activities, such as jumping hoops, climbing ramps and even playing in the snow, provide mental stimulation and variety and combat boredom.
⦁    Interacting with other dogs helps strengthen social skills and prevent behavioral issues.

Even in cold weather and snow, dog parks provide a great way to keep your dog active and happy. All you need is a little preparation and a few supplies to make your local dog park an exciting and worthwhile outing for you and your pet this winter. 

TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR DOG IN COLD WEATHER
Once a dog sees their leash, they intuitively know they’re going outside. But before you get your dog too excited, ensure your pet’s outdoor dog park adventure is a safe and memorable one by following these simple guidelines.

 1. Dress for the weather
⦁    Bring insulated jackets: For smaller breed dogs or dogs with short coats, dress them in an insulated jacket to keep them comfortable.
⦁    Check for cold stress: Monitor for signs your dog is in distress – such as shivering or lifting his paws frequently – so you can take him inside your vehicle to warm up.

2. Protect your dog's paws
⦁    Use booties or paw wax: Protect your dog's paws from ice, salt and other impediments on sidewalks or parking lots by using dog booties or applying paw wax before heading to the park.
⦁    Avoid metal surfaces: Try to keep your dog away from objects with metal surfaces like manhole covers or smooth planks, as they can be extremely cold and slippery for animals.

3. Take safety precautions
⦁    Avoid thin ice: If the dog park is near frozen bodies of water, keep your dog clear of the area to prevent slips, falls or breaks through the ice.
⦁    Keep them hydrated: Always have water on hand for your animals, as they can still get dehydrated in cold weather.

4. Maintain cold-weather protocols
⦁    Limit exposure: Limit your and your dog’s exposure to extreme cold to prevent hypothermia or frostbite. If you’re experiencing any symptoms, your dog probably is as well.
⦁    Wear reflective gear: Fashion yourselves in reflective gear for walks in low-light conditions to make sure you and your dog are visible to others.

By following these helpful tips, you can ensure a fun and safe winter outing for your dog at the dog park.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DOG PARK 
Dog parks come in many sizes, with different settings and offerings. Some provide a variety of dog park equipment while others simply offer an open space for dogs to run around. To make winter outings more enjoyable for visitors, look for outdoor parks that offer covered areas, cleared pathways, and plenty of lighting, as well as heated water features for the animals. For a more interactive experience, you can find dog parks with added amenities like raised platforms and decks, play and agility equipment, and park benches for their owners. 

If you want the ultimate in comfort and fun, dog parks like Paws 4 Fun in Lincoln, NE, and Wags ‘n Paddle in Naperville, IL, provide both outdoor and indoor spaces for dogs to run and socialize. These safe, friendly, and climate-controlled dog parks have it all – from pools and ramps to tunnels and toys. Check your local area to find a dog park that best suits your needs and makes your pet genuinely happy. 

DOG PARKS – GOOD FOR THE SOUL
Dog parks do good for canines and their owners, giving you both a chance to unleash, unwind, and socialize with friends. Don’t let the cold winter weather keep you and your pet from the mental stimulation and physical exercise you both need; get out to a dog park today!

Looking to fire up some excitement at your campground or park? Consider adding commercial fire pits to your camping areas and gathering places. These outdoor amenities are not only popular with today’s park-goers and campers – they are also economical and easy to maintain. 

A fire ring is a simple steel structure that keeps campers warm, offers a place to cook meals, and creates a safer environment by containing fires. Add some accent materials and seating around the fire ring and it becomes an idyllic gathering place where people can socialize, relax, and take in the natural surroundings. If you’re interested in adding a fire pit to your outdoor environment, read on as we review the types of commercial fire rings best suited for parks and campgrounds and share simple design ideas to enhance your fire pit area. 

Commercial fire pit fundamentals

With our country’s love of the outdoors, state and national parks, campgrounds, and RV parks are host to guests year-round. With so many visitors to these outdoor places, only commercial-grade fire pits can withstand daily use, not to mention the impact of being in the harsh outdoor elements. 

Construction
Campground and park fire rings are constructed of thick, welded steel with a rust- and heat-resistant black enamel finish. The heavy gauge, rolled steel can take a lot of use and abuse, making it an ideal material for outdoor park and campground use. 

Size
Commercial fire rings generally come in 30-inch diameter round or square designs and are anywhere from 6 to 11 inches tall, providing plenty of room for firewood or charcoal briquettes. Wheelchair-accessible fire rings are a little wider and taller, spanning up to 18 inches in height for easy reach and operation. 

Features
Because commercial fire rings are designed for parks and campgrounds, they come with cooking grates that are either removable, swivel to the side or flip up for guests who choose to grill at your outdoor site. Some fire rings feature spade anchors for those who want to permanently mount them to the ground, while others have anchors with tilt-back hinges on one side. This enables campground visitors to lift up one side of the ring to remove ash, used logs and debris more easily. 

Campground fire pit design ideas

When installing a fire pit at your park or campground, be sure you place it at least 10 feet away from structures and tree lines. To create a safe and stable environment, add a stone or paver barrier around the fire pit. These materials protect the surrounding area from stray embers and sparks, but also create a great aesthetic feel. Flat pavers can also be used to form a level surface top for guests to place items. 

To create a dedicated fire pit area, level the ground extending out from the fire pit and add a layer of pea gravel, sand, concrete or pavers to provide guests with a cleaner, weed-free place to sit and enjoy the fire. While pavers and concrete are easy to maintain and clean, crushed stone and gravel can help prevent water from pooling around the fire pit. 

Accessorizing your fire pit area

Another way to attract visitors is by adding seating to your fire pit area. Depending on the size of your outdoor space, you can install stationary benches, Adirondack chairs or picnic tables near the fire pit. Be sure the seating is constructed with commercial-grade materials like concrete, recycled plastic, aluminum, or thermoplastic that are resilient in outdoor conditions. To create a safe and comfortable seating area near the fire pit, situate chairs or benches a minimum of 2 or 3 feet from the fire pit’s edge.

Lastly, don’t forget to place cleanup receptacles nearby – trash cans as well as ash and charcoal bins. Trash cans should have at least a 32-gallon capacity to accommodate guests and include a dome top, bonnet, or swing lid to keep out the critters. Likewise, place a dedicated ash and charcoal receptacle close by to encourage park visitors to clean out the fire pit and dispose of their ash safely and securely. 

Start working on your fire pit now to give visitors another reason to spend quality time at your park or campground. A well-constructed and accessorized fire pit guarantees comfort and good times for all!