Play equipment
The building blocks of the future Over the past 20 years the outdoor play industry has come full
circle on numerous occasions. This has been evidenced by specialist play companies who supply the industry with new products and services in order to cater for changes in the market. Examples of this include more dynamic play for older children and teens along with electronically interactive pieces of equipment. Founded 10 years ago by company managing director Phil
Pickersgill, Innovative Leisure is the exclusive UK and European distributor of a range of high energy, interactive, family attractions suitable for use in a variety of venues and at shows and events, including amusement and theme parks, water parks, safari parks, zoos, family entertainment centres, farm parks, science centres and schools. “One of the things we feel the sector is trying to do is more for the
over eights,” Pickersgill said. “One of the trends we have noticed is the increasing popularity of high ropes courses for the five to 12 year old market. The installation we did at Go Kids Go, for example, of a mobile high ropes course used inside, has proved very popular for older children, as has the Coconut Tree Climb we did there too. “Our equipment complements the traditional play structures and we’ve seen quite a few operators opening in the past few years
COMPANY SPOTLIGHT:
Hengtaihua Amusement Equipment Company
HENGTAIHUA Amusement Equipment Company is one of the largest inflatable play equipment manufacturers in China. With a strong focus on research and development, the company has a
large-scale manufacturing facility at its headquarters in Zhumadian and also in Zhengzhou, Henan Province. The IAAPA member’s main product line focuses on inflatable play
structures, including castles, slides, bouncing and jumping equipment, climbing walls, promotional cartoons, aquatic toys and water slides, along with inflatable water walking balls, water barrels, pools and rowing boats. Formed in 1992, Hengtaihua’s comprehensive range of products has
passed the ISO:9001 quality management certification and the company maintains strong export links with companies across Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa. “Our goods are made of the highest quality material,” said general
manager ZeHua Yu. “PVC tarpaulin cloth is made of high strengthened Dacron and our workforce has excellent sewing standards so that all equipment can bear immense pressures.”
and being very successful with our equipment with the older kids, as it extends the age range coming through the doors.” Interestingly, despite the plethora of new materials now
available, many manufacturers have noted the general trend away from the non eco-friendly steel and plastic structures, with operators instead opting for bespoke timber designs that suit any surrounding. And while some of the bigger attractions facilities with higher capital spend have helped pave the way for the introduction of theme park style outdoor play equipment, the consensus is that ‘exciting’ does not necessarily have to be budget breaking. The leisure sector is renowned for being a melting pot of ideas
and experimentation, but as many manufacturers point out this does not always simply mean turning to the biggest attractions for inspiration. “One of the greatest benefits of play structures overall in theme parks is that it offers the visitor an attraction that is does not normally involve a queue line and is not passive giving the kids the opportunity to play freely as part of their day out,” Reid said, acknowledging that some of the best outdoor play equipment comes through the realisation of this point of difference, as manufacturers instead choose to work with operators in a celebration of children’s seemingly never-ending imagination.
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