Resources & Buyers Guides

We all want our communities, parks, and other outdoor spaces to be clean, natural surroundings that welcome visitors and encourage them to stay. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is with trash receptacles. Of course, they serve the important purpose of collecting trash, but that doesn’t mean they can’t also be appealing and coordinate with your outdoor space. 

Getting the most out of your trash cans

While containing waste is the main intention of trash receptacles, they do provide additional benefits when implemented properly. First, clearly marked and visible trash containers encourage people to use them. The more people utilize them, the less litter is likely to end up on the ground. Second, trash receptacles promote environmental responsibility, so even those who normally don’t care if they litter will be more apt to place their trash in the receptacle if it is conveniently located and easy to see. 

To encourage visitors to use your trash containers, it’s important to place them in multiple areas where people have easy access to them. Position them where sidewalks meet, near picnic tables and park benches, as well as at entrance and exit points. In highly populated areas, like amusement parks and schools, place trash receptacles no more than 30 feet apart. The goal is to make them so easily accessible that wherever people are they will see a receptacle close by, leaving them no excuse to throw their trash away properly.

Food and drink containers are typical types of garbage to go into your receptacles. But don’t forget the other kind of trash prevalent in communities and parks: pet waste. According to the 2021-2022 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 69% of US households own a dog. When owners take their dogs for a walk, their pets inevitably relieve themselves along the way. There’s nothing worse than walking and seeing (or, even stepping onto) dog waste on the ground. The best way to prevent this is by installing pet waste stations with supplies for owners to pick up and dispose of their pet’s waste.

At Park Tables, we may be known for our picnic tables, benches, and bleachers, but we also offer a wide selection of commercial trash receptacles with experienced Park Table consultants to help you determine the best receptacles and the quantity you need for your specific space. To give you an idea of the breadth and depth of our trash can products, here are just a few different options to choose from, but we encourage you to shop our site and speak to one of our product experts before you place your order.

Trash containers for every space, purpose, and style

Trash cans have definitely evolved over the years and new designs and materials have been developed to bring more appealing flair to these otherwise utilitarian products.

Recycled plastic trash cans are the toughest disposal containers available for commercial use. These receptacles may have a higher price point, but they save our customers money over time because they don’t require maintenance and last for years – even in the outdoors. Recycled plastic trash cans like our 32-gallon circular trash receptacle resemble natural wood, yet never need to be refinished, stained, or painted over their lifetime. It also comes with a surface-mountable pedestal stand which raises the container off the ground. For bigger outdoor spaces, we have a jumbo 60-gallon recycled plastic trash can with an ashtray top. This heavy-duty receptacle has a stainless steel hinged door for easy removal of the molded garbage liner. Even though this trash can is built for high-capacity loads, it is portable so you can move it based on your needs.

If you prefer a more natural look to complement your outdoor space, consider our natural wood-trimmed trash receptacle that holds 32 gallons of trash. With a choice of yellow pine, white oak, or mahogany slats, these products look great in parks, gardens, and along hiking trails. Both in-ground and surface mounting is available for these portable containers.

Our steel-reinforced concrete trash cans are a vandal-resistant option weighing anywhere from 175 to nearly 650 pounds. Despite their concrete material, these rugged trash cans come in a variety of earth-tone colors and textures to blend naturally into your outdoor environment. We offer different styles including two-way dome-topped concrete trash cans, receptacles with aluminum pitch-in tops, and trash cans with push-door lids that feature top tray holders. All our concrete trash cans ship with liftgate service included in the shipping price, making delivery convenient and inexpensive.

Add a little color to your outdoor space with our plastic-coated metal trash cans. Available in an array of vibrant colors with a smooth and shiny finish, these thermoplastic containers are big sellers for high-traffic areas because they stand up to extreme outdoor elements. We offer several designs – from our attractive 40-gallon sawgrass receptacle with dome top to our plastic-coated steel ring-style trash can with ash top – so you’re sure to find the perfect look and color for your outdoor area.

Looking for a more economical option? With our plastic trash containers, you’ll save money without sacrificing quality. These multipurpose trash cans are designed to collect all types of waste, including recycled paper, aluminum, and plastic. Our Signature 42-gallon trash can has a unique bug barrier lid with an optional pedestal and comes in 13 different colors. For a more unique look, try our smaller 15-gallon polyethylene trash can that features a faux wood-grain finish and patented Grab Bag™ system for quick and easy waste disposal. 

Last but not least, don’t forget those pet waste receptacles! They’re a must for any pet-friendly outdoor space. From our all-in-one pet station to our eco-friendly Dogipot trash can, we help you make it easy for pet owners to properly dispose of their pets’ waste. 

Whether you manage a large park, a small HOA community, or school grounds, be sure you have the right types of receptacles – and the right number of them – on hand for your specific space. Give Park Tables a call at 1-866-330-2388 to speak with one of our commercial outdoor experts; they’ll help you find just what you need, determine how much you need, and stay within your budget!

Agility training is a great way for dog owners to bond with their faithful companions. Not only does it strengthen their relationship, but it's an excellent source of much-needed exercise, both physically and mentally! However, agility is challenging, requiring focus, patience, and consistency to become proficient. If you and your dog are up for this task then using the agility equipment at your local dog park is a fantastic place to start! So put on the leash and get out your dog’s favorite toy and treats! Below are some tips and tricks on how to master obstacles in preparation for completing an agility course. 

Starting with the Basics

Before heading to the dog park, you and your canine must first master some basic commands. Commands such as name recognition, “come”, “heel”, “sit”, “stay”, and “down” are essential before starting. Not only does this get your dog into a learning mindset, but it also strengthens your trust. Once you have honed in on these skills, be sure to practice them in multiple environments for them to really sink in. Basic commands act as a warm-up to prepare you and your dog for the intense agility training ahead!

Dog Table

Agility training starts with a dog table platform. Dogs will jump up and either sit, lie, or stand in preparation for their owners to give the signal and start the dog park’s agility course. This is a great place to test those basic skills you taught earlier. Practice the “sit”, “stay”, and “come” commands until your dog is comfortable leaving the launch. Once he has the procedure down, combine all these steps with a hand signal, such as a point. This will help later as you guide your dog to the next obstacle. 

Run Through Loops

Run-through loops are probably one of the easiest agility equipment to master. Start from the first loop and hold a treat on the other side to encourage your dog to pass through. Once on the other side, continue the process with the remaining loops. Repeat until your dog understands the actions you are expecting of him, reducing the treats as you progress and praising all the way! Treats are great rewards for a dog to focus on the owner and task at hand while being less distracted by surrounding disturbances. Once he has the concept of the action you expect, phase out the treat into a command or gesture. Dogs love food, but they also enjoy praise and understanding from their person. 

Dog Tunnels

Dog tunnels are similar to run-through loops, however, they may be discouraging for some dogs. Run-through loops are open, so dogs are more comfortable passing through. However, dog tunnels include enclosed surroundings and a different terrain from the park’s floor, being cylindrical and made from plastic. Your dog may feel nervous to pass through these uneasy differences, even though the opening is just several feet away. If you are able, the best tactic is to show him how it's done! Crawl into the tunnel and sit halfway and encourage him to follow. This will demonstrate to your dog that there is nothing alarming about this obstacle. Once they are comfortable with the tunnel, persuade them by going through the tunnel with treats or their favorite toy. 

Climbing Ramp

Dog park climbing ramps can be intimidating at first, so it's important to start slow. Keep your dog on a short leash for support and put their front paws on the ramp. Add treats up the ramp about half the distance of the dog's length to guide him up. If your dog is nervous, be sure to give praise as every new slat is crossed to build confidence. Once he makes it to the top, repeat the procedure on the downslope. This may take some time and even repeat visits to get used to, so be patient. With a few successful navigations on the ramp, gradually increase the length between treats until they can walk up and down the ramp without fear. Once your dog is at ease, only give them a treat at the top and bottom of the ramp by hand with a pointing gesture until they can run up and over by themselves with just the gesture.

Hurdle

The easiest way to train your dog to jump over a hurdle is literally to start at the bottom and work your way up! First, lower the bar all the way to the ground. With your dog on a leash, walk with them over the lowered hurdle. Then rise to the next level and do it again. If your dog has difficulty, entice them with treats or toys. But don’t push too hard. Be mindful of your dog's limitations and comfort. 

Stepping Stones

Time to take one step at a time on the stepping stones! Start your dog from the first stone that has the least gap (this is usually the one lowest to the ground as well). With your dog on a leash and a treat in hand, hold the treat low to the next step as encouragement and for your dog to see where he is going. If your dog makes the step correctly, give high praise before moving on to the next one. Each step will get progressively harder so keep working at it!

With all these tips, you and your dog will be well on your way to mastering the agility equipment at your local dog park! Every dog is different, with some being easier to train than others. But continue working at it! Feed off each other's energy and maintain focus. The relationship between you and your dog will grow through teamwork, instilling confidence and understanding the more you practice. And remember to have fun with your good boy!

We all know about the standard furniture typically installed at your local park. Picnic tables, benches, trash cans, grills, bike racks, playgrounds, drinking fountains, and sometimes shade structures are commonly placed for park visitors to use for prolonged, comfortable stays. But did you know there are other site furnishings that add more convenience and functionality? Below is a list of park amenities you didn’t know you needed:

Bat Houses

Bats are nature’s nighttime exterminators. One bat can gobble up to 3,000 mosquitoes, moths, and beetles in a single night! This is a welcomed addition to forest and agriculture ecosystems where flying insects spawn out of control. However, bats can become pests themselves if they struggle to find sleeping arrangements during the day. Bats will roast in peoples’ attics, restaurants, churches, schools, or any tall building with a solid roof and a small area to squeeze into. This is problematic when you think of the harmful bat waste and noise these little scamps produce. That is why the introduction of bat houses is so important. One bat box can house up to 200 bats depending on the species. Once a colony takes up residence they will return year after year to the same location, leaving human homes alone for the more favorable accommodations made for them. Bats love options, so try to have at least three bat houses spaced within several feet of each other so these critters can determine the best spot when temperatures are too hot or cool. Bat houses are low maintenance and only need to be cleaned once in the winter when they become vacant. In addition to pest control, bat houses are an absolute asset for nature preserves or parks that focus on educating the public about wildlife. Bats are often misunderstood and with a little help and exposure, positive light can be shed on this nocturnal creature. 

Park Message Boards

Park Message Boards are a great way to display information about the parks’ rules, maps, general information, and events to the visiting public. The waterproof casing allows park rangers to relay information while protecting the paper announcements from outdoor elements. The ability to easily change out flyers is another advantage when updating events listing at the park. Social Media is the most popular broadcasting method when informing citizens of the latest occasions in their local area, but pages can sometimes be hard to find and others may not have an account to see these posts. Message boards are just another way to spread the word by putting it in the public eye!

Bollards

You may have seen an impulsive person wrongfully drive their cars into the park over walkways, bridges, or other restricted areas to better tote belonging to their favorite spot. Not only is this rude and harmful to the grounds, but it's downright dangerous to the other occupancies of the park. In cases where this scenario becomes all too common, bollards can be installed to deter such actions. Unlike gates or fencing, park bollards are a permanent means of crowd control while still keeping the area openly accessible for people on foot. They also can come in fun shapes and different sizes such as basketballs, soccer balls, baseballs, and tennis balls, masking them more as landmarks than actual safety features. 

Planters

Speaking of crowd control, nothing does a more beautiful job than planters. Like bollards, planters can come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. However, planters showcase a more natural display by housing a specific plant or arrangement to create an inviting scene. Planters can be placed on top walkways made from pavement or stone without damaging the path structures. Being freestanding, planters don’t call for broken ground or installation. Gardens and memorial parks really benefit from the natural atmosphere these commercial flower pots provide.

Park Games

Parks are notorious for hosting outdoor social gatherings, friendly meetups, and birthday parties. It makes sense to have a wide range of interests for all ages and physiques to enjoy, more so than the typical sports and playground activities. Commercial park games are beginning to make their debut by bringing common fun backyard and household games to public parks. Many create one-on-one competitions that can easily turn into tournaments against other park guests. For more information on the available game options, please visit Bring People Together with a Variety of Park Amenity Games.

Pet Waste Stations

Pet waste stations have become increasingly popular over the years, but it is surprising how many parks still don’t have them. People love their dogs and take them everywhere they go. But owners may not always be prepared for when their pooch goes number 2. Without any supplies to handle the situation, pet parents will abandon ship leaving a smelly mess for potentially someone else to step into. Pet waste stations don’t just give you a safe place to discard the poo, but the means to do it with a plastic baggie from a dispenser. This gives pet owners everything they need to clean up their dog’s defecation, leaving a safe, clean park for all to enjoy!

That is our list of park amenities you didn’t know you needed! Do you think any of these commercial outdoor furnishings would benefit your local park? Are there any amenities that you feel need to be on our list? Let us know in the comments below! For more information about these or other products call 1-866-330-2388 to speak with a Park Tables expert!

People of all ages yearn for the outdoors, due in part to the pandemic that kept everyone indoors and secluded. Craving for fresh air and open space, locales like campgrounds, parks, community centers, and other gathering places saw a huge spike in visitors during COVID.

According to the 2022 KOA North America Camping Report, campgrounds achieved record-setting occupancy during the COVID-19 outbreak, and glamping and RVs became more popular than ever. As of 2021, seven in 10 households identify themselves as at least occasional campers or glampers, which equates to almost 94 million people. Today, these trends are still continuing as even more leisure travelers opt for the outdoors. 

At home, people desire nearby recreational amenities and parks. In the 2021 National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Engagement with Parks Report, four in five adults said they look for high-quality parks and recreation within close proximity when choosing a place to live. Why? Because parks provide a refuge for people. Nearly 50% of those surveyed visit parks to spend time with family or friends, 45% frequent them to take a break from day-to-day stress, and 43% use the outdoor space for physical activities and exercise.

It's clear that spending time outdoors is essential to Americans. As such, parks and outdoor spaces at campgrounds, RV parks, universities, and community centers can draw more visitors and repeat guests when they include a range of outside amenities. Tables, benches, and play equipment are a nice start, but if you really want to bring people together, consider offering outdoor games that provide hours of enjoyment for people of all ages.

At Park Tables, we carry a host of commercial-grade park amenity games built specifically for outdoor use. Our quality-built boards, tables, and games include both permanent and movable structures to fit your space and needs. Take a look at these timeless games that have been revamped for your outdoor venue:

Regulation-size Recreational Games

Let the competition begin! Our choice of regulation-size games are a popular draw for adults – regardless if they are recreational players or serious competitors.

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  Cornhole: Our American Cornhole Association (ACA) regulation cornhole boards are made with heavy-duty commercial concrete to withstand harsh weather conditions and rot. They are installed as permanent outdoor fixtures and require a distance of 27 feet between the front edges of the cornhole boards to maintain ACA standards. These regulation size and sloped cornhole boards are a favorite among college students and adults. and will get continual use. Proudly made in the USA, our concrete cornhole boards can also be customized with your logo. 

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  Foosball: Our concrete foosball table is built to last! The regulation-size table is reinforced with a heavy-duty, 4-inch I-beam and features a high-performance, green concrete field for extra durability and dependability. Stainless steel rods hold the red and blue players in position and easy-to-grip handles allow players to snap or flick the ball into the goal. As an added bonus, our foosball table includes a tamper-resistant assembly and anti-theft construction with a graffiti-resistant Lithochrome® finish. This concrete foosball game is made in the USA and comes with a one-year commercial warranty.

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  Ping pong: We offer two options for this classic game – choose from a weather- and corrosion-resistant steel frame with laminate top or a powder-coated metal frame with concrete top. Our steel-framed ping pong table measures 108 inches long by 60 inches wide and stands at 30 inches tall. The thick, laminate top features a matte coating that reduces sun glare and provides optimal ball bounces. The fixed steel net is sturdy and stands up to high-impact play. Underneath the table is a convenient ball dispenser and paddle storage. Available in either a blue or gray top, our steel-framed ping pong table comes with a 10-year tabletop warranty.

If you want your ping pong table to be a permanent fixture at your location, try our concrete-topped ping pong park game table. This regulation-size game table is the same size as the steel-framed table, but weighs a hefty 1,400 pounds and includes 3/8-inch threaded inserts on the feet for easy anchoring. The sealed concrete top comes in a choice of natural or stained concrete top colors and can be customized with your own logo or design. The reinforced metal frame is powder-coated and has convenient leveling feet to ensure a perfectly flat play surface. Assembly is required for this fixed ping pong table, so contact one of our staff to learn more. 

Oversized Classic Games

Everyone loves the games we all grew up with. At Park Tables, our classic games are not only fun and familiar, they are also oversized! We guarantee they’ll bring laughs and smiles. 

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  Dominoes: Bring an added level of fun to your outdoor space with this giant dominoes park game. Our unique, 28-piece dominoes set features white tiles with light blue dots, and each tile measures 5 inches wide by 11 inches long. The domino pieces are constructed of high-density polyethylene with UV inhibitors that resist mildew and fading. When people are done playing, the tiles can be stored neatly and compactly in the included storage stand with a carrying handle. Everyone – young and old – can learn and play this classic game! This must-have outdoor game comes with a two-year commercial warranty. 

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  Connect 4: Feature one of America's favorite board games, Connect 4 park edition, which is nearly four times bigger than the one you have at home! Made of stainless steel and concrete, this structure weighs 350 pounds and is ready to stand and play all day in any weather. The oversized game set includes 42 total red and blue plastic discs with customizing options. Have neighbor tournaments in your HOA community or a casual game for the kids at their favorite playground. Bring your best strategies and don't forget to check diagonally! This all-American game includes a one-year commercial warranty.

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  Checkers and tic-tac-toe: For hours of fun, choose our two-sided giant game board that gives players the choice of two all-time favorite games – checkers and tic-tac-toe. The reversible game board measures a huge 43 inches by 43 inches and has two handle cutouts for easy portability. Along with the game board, you get 24 checker discs and 10 tic-tac-toe pieces. The polyethylene material stands up to all weather conditions and won’t split, rust, rot, or warp. Our two-sided game board is manufactured in the USA and includes a two-year commercial warranty. 

If you want to include built-in seating with your checkers game, try our ELITE Series checkerboard picnic tables . Perfect for parks, schools, and community centers, our game board picnic tables are made of US-sourced steel coated with polyethylene and feature 1-inch round tubing and flat steel cross braces with Xylan®-coated hardware for added durability. The tabletop has a solid, flat square center with an outdoor-grade vinyl decal checkerboard. Choose from our checkerboard table with two benches (four-person seating capacity) or checkerboard table with four benches (eight-person capacity). Both styles come in a choice of colors and either 3/4-inch expanded metal or 1/2-inch perforated metal for the top and seats. Our ELITE Series checkerboard tables offer a relaxing and comfortable option for players. These portable tables are in stock and available for Quick Ship in 1-3 business days.

Games for All Ages

Accommodate a wide range of players and skill levels with our easy-to-learn toss games. They are a wonderful way to bring family and friends together!

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  Ladder toss: Challenging for both kids and adults, our popular ladder toss park game is addictive! Available in either reinforced concrete or steel I-beam supports, this waterproof game features three powder-coated steel rungs that players try to wrap bolas around. The concrete-constructed frame is virtually maintenance-free and comes in a graphite color finish, while the steel ladder option is powder-coated with a black finish. Measuring 32 inches long, 32 inches wide, and 42 inches high, our ladder toss game doesn’t take up much room but offers lots of fun. 

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  Ring toss: Portable and versatile, our ring toss park game with docking station is more challenging than it looks. This high-density polyethylene game set includes 3 ring stands, 12 rings, and a convenient docking station for storage. The rings come in two sizes, giving players of all ages and skill levels an opportunity to compete. This game is made for any outdoor environment and won’t splinter, warp or swell. It also comes with a two-year commercial warranty. At Park Tables, we can even customize your ring toss game with your own accent colors and personalized engravings. Call our office for more information and a quote. 

Make your outdoor space a favorite hangout with a variety of games that encourage people of all ages to join in in the fun. Speak to a Park Tables expert at 1-866-330-2388 to help build your outdoor entertainment oasis.

Thank you Eagle Scout Jason Osborne II, for allowing us at Park Tables the opportunity to assist in the realization of your Eagle Scout Project. Not only did you fulfill your promise of two ADA picnic tables for the Welin Community Center, but you also went above and beyond to install recycling bins to protect the local wildlife. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you and we wish you all the best in your upcoming endeavors as a future leader in our great country. Job well done!

Every dog has its day. And with more owners taking their beloved canine companion to their local dog park, that day can be once a week or more! Dog Park has been growing in popularity since 2011 with over a 30% increase within the US. This rise has intrigued many communities in possibly starting up one of these pet-friendly amenities for their residential pet parents to enjoy. 

Dog parks are a great way to improve pet health and temperament by letting them run freely, play with other dogs, and just have the opportunity to be themselves. Dogs are highly social and active animals. Negative behaviors can develop within a pooch whether it be stress from loneliness, depression, or boredom when they are confined. Behaviors can include excessive barking, biting, scratching, accidents, or chewing up pretty much anything. For this reason, dogs require routine exercise and opportunities to play. Many dogs need more room to run than what their homes have to offer and would benefit greatly from a visit to the local dog park.

Dog Park can also benefit inner-species bonding. It’s a great place for animals and animal lovers to interact within their own social groups. As dogs play a game of chase within their off-leash pack, their humans can break the ice by starting conversations with their common canine interests and develop friendships of their very own.

When you're in charge of deciding which kind of commercial trash can lid is best for your business location, you're likely keeping in mind aesthetic features such as size, color, the overall shape and how well the receptacle will blend into its environment. These are important things to think about, but it's also critical to ensure that the industrial garbage can lid you're selecting can hold up to the rigorous demands of daily use.

All commercial trash receptacles ostensibly serve the same function: To collect garbage. However, different patterns of the foot and vehicle traffic should be considered when choosing a lid.

If the garbage can is for outdoor use, its lid must be able to withstand extreme weather conditions such as gusty winds, snow, and ice or constant, penetrating sunlight. Lids that are too complicated to use or that look dirty are unappealing and discourage individuals from using them at all, which can increase littering habits. That's why it's so important to select the right type of lid to guide the public into using the trash receptacle the way you want them to use it.

Buddy benches are a great way to foster more positive interactions at schools. And with research indicating a growing issue of loneliness and isolation in children, these benches do more than look cute on playgrounds. They're a simple, practical tool in the fight against issues as big as child loneliness, social anxieties, or environmental changes like school transfers.

At Park Tables, our Commercial Grade Park BBQ Grills are made to last! Most of our grills will rarely need replacing and will serve thousands of families and friends over its long life. An important first step to ensure this longevity is to prepare the park grill in a process often called “curing”.  Before taking out the hot dogs and hamburgers, the grill needs to go through this curing process to prevent any manufactured materials from contaminating your food. By following these simple steps, you will successfully break-in your new grill for many safe and tasty future barbecues!

If you’re designing a public outdoor space or recreational area, this means you should be aware of the specific requirements for ADA compliance as it pertains to your park and picnic space. Many tables can be sold as “wheelchair accessible,” but this doesn’t necessarily mean they are also ADA compliant. In case of an audit, there are a few important distinctions to be aware of when choosing your outdoor picnic tables.