Playground World offers next-level outdoor fun
By Patricia Nugent
Swinging, sliding, soaring, flying, dunking, jumping and climbing. By the time summer hits, your family could be having the time of their lives right in your own backyard—on a playset, trampoline or home basketball court by Playground World.
“The traditional swing set we had as kids has undergone a transformation,” says owner Tony Adamic, who mentions they are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. “What used to be two swings and an aluminum slide is now a modular wood system that can grow as your children grow, and provides fun for the whole family.” Joining all sorts of swings and gliders are monkey bars, enclosed slides, straight slides, wavy slides and spiral slides, rock climbing walls and nets, even an inverted pogo stick. Not to mention a pirate boat, which is a netted wide basket swing for two. The playset of your dreams starts with a free-standing deck and evolves from there. Most units have customizable canopies over the deck to lend that secret clubhouse vibe.
Tony reports that when parents bring their kids to the showroom to shop and play on all the playsets, they almost always end up buying something different than what they thought they needed.
“Parents are so accustomed to buying toys for their kids that are specifically made to fit their age or size. It can be challenging to think about shopping for a playset that will fit them for many years to come,” says Tony. “Since this is a long-term investment, we usually recommend they go with a higher deck height that kids will grow into. The accessories—like swings and monkey bars—can be reconfigured as the kids grow.”
He says that getting kids playing outdoors is more than just fun—it also builds gross motor skills and strengthens hand-eye coordination.
Since safety is always their first priority, the conscientious folks at Playground World also offer a variety of surfaces, from soft landing rubber mulch to rubberized timbers, shredded wood fiber, pea gravel and a rubberized playbase.
These guys are full-service. In addition to in-ground basketball hoops that are removable and can move if you move, they also can put down flooring to create an outdoor basketball court, which would make you the envy of every neighbor.
The Difference Materials Make
The playsets here are made from the best quality redwood and cedar.
“We work only with sustainable premium lumbers that are naturally decay-resistant,” says Tony. “You might save a few bucks going to a big box store, but the product will probably be made from inferior woods that are not decay-resistant, so it will deteriorate and might pose safety problems.”
Rethink Everything You Thought You Knew About Trampolines
Safety concerns about traditional trampolines are a thing of the past. Now with the spring-free designs, Tony says every surface that created an opportunity for blunt impact has been taken away. Here’s what else is unique:
• There are no springs on the jumping surface, and they are safely positioned about a foot underneath the mat.
• The flexible net enclosure actually prevents jumpers from falling.
Gear Up for Party Central
Since this massive playland offers so many configurations in the showroom, they decided to open it up for free open play as well as kids’ parties.
“We offer multiple party rooms where people can have pizza and cake, and two hours of playtime for the kids,” says Tony. “We also offer open play days where kids can come in for a nominal cost. Coming in to play is a great way for parents to bond and explore with their children in a “screen free” environment. ”
Playground World has locations in Warrensville Heights*, Avon* and Medina. Anyone who purchases a playset, trampoline or basketball hoop, receives a free weekday birthday party and can upgrade to a weekend for a nominal fee. Visit PGWorld.comfor more information. *Indicates indoor showroom and party room location.