Swing Sets Recalled by Adventure Playsets due to Fall Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Adventure Playsets Wooden Swing Sets
Units: Approximately 240,000; a number of these products were recalled in November 2009 for a similar hazard, which listed 275,000 playsets in the U.S. and 6,800 in Canada.
Importer: Adventure Playsets, of Pittsburg, KS
Hazard: The wood in the posts of the fort sections on the swing sets can weaken due to rotting, posing a fall hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: Adventure Playsets has received more than 500 complaints reporting concern over the weakened wood in the 2x4 plastic-coated uprights. One report of a fall was received when the ladder failed resulting in bruises and scratches.
Description: The swing sets come with swings, slides and ladders. Each set has a fort structure that uses green or cranberry colored plastic coated 2"x 4" wood upright posts and a green nylon fabric covered shade. The sets were sold under the following names: Bellevue, Bellevue II, Belmont, Durango, Durango II, Sedona, Tacoma, Tacoma II, Ventura, Venture II and Yukon,. The name is printed on the manufacturer's instructions that came with the play set. The recalled swing set name, model number, name of the retailer and year sold follow:
SwingSet Name
Model No
Retailers
Years Tacoma or Tacoma II
1-AP017, 1-AP017-06, 1-AP051-07
Walmart
2005, 2006, 2007 Bellevue or Bellevue II
1-AP012, 1-AP012-06, 1-AP048-07
Toys-R-Us
2005, 2006, 2007 Durango or Durango II
1-AP016, 1-AP018, 1-AP016-06, 1-AP018-06, 1-AP016-07
Walmart
2005, 2006, 2007 Yukon
1-AP052-07
Academy Sports
2007 Sedona
1-AP002
Walmart
2004 Belmont
1-AP003
Mills Stores
2004 Ventura or Ventura II
1-AP008, 1-AP011
Mills Stores and Menards
2004
Sold at: Academy Sports (the Yukon); Mills and Menards (the Ventura/II) all from 2005 to 2007; Mills (the Belmont) in 2004; Toys-R-Us (the Bellevue/II); and Walmart (the Tacoma/II, Durango/II, and Sedona). The units sold for $300-$600.
Manufactured in: United States
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled swing sets and contact Adventure Playsets to obtain a free repair kit. Repair kits will include the appropriate angled or vertical upright posts for each model with instructions for dissembling and reassembling each set.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Adventure Playsets toll free at (877) 840-9068 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, visit the firm's website at www.recall.adventureplaysets.com or email the firm at custservice@adventureplayets.com
To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11262.html
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Tired of Watering Your Lawn?
Tired of watering your lawn? Tired of the annual mulch replenishment in your flowerbed? Consider rubber mulch in landscape grades to do the hard work.
In some parts of the country where heat is high and humidity is low, watering the lawn is out of the question. Landscaping includes generous amount of rock rather than grass. Consider colors of rubber mulch to make your lawn and landscape more attractive. Typically only 1-3 inches of rubber is used rather than the 4-6 inches seen for playground surfacing.
In your flower beds, rubber mulch isn't only visual or curb appeal. It helps to regulate the soil's moisture and temperature. The mulch prevents the soil from drying out as quickly. The groomed look is a wonderful bonus. Even more valuable, a decrease in the number of weeds you have to pull! The weeds have a harder time rooting in the soil. During the winter months, or at least for cold areas, much will help perennial plants to survive. With less rot and decay, insect population is reduced. It resists mold, mildew and general decay better than its organic counterparts.
Around trees, a mulch ring serves a lot of the same purpose as a garden. When mowing the lawn, a mulch ring around the tree will help protect some of the roots that form around the tree and surface.
On the playground, mulch is non-toxic. This is also important in your garden when looking at pH sensitive flowers and plants. Acidic pine bark mulch and needles on your carnation bed isn't a good idea. The prefer alkaline soil. Forget pH testing and matching the mulch to your garden. Rubber mulch isn't decomposing, so you have saved a step and time on gardening day.
Rubber mulch is a little more heavy and dense than typical mulch materials. This helps keep your mulch in place, rather than blowing away or floating away in a rain. Although heavier than organic materials, it won't sunk into the soil as easily and last longer, even years.
In some parts of the country where heat is high and humidity is low, watering the lawn is out of the question. Landscaping includes generous amount of rock rather than grass. Consider colors of rubber mulch to make your lawn and landscape more attractive. Typically only 1-3 inches of rubber is used rather than the 4-6 inches seen for playground surfacing.
In your flower beds, rubber mulch isn't only visual or curb appeal. It helps to regulate the soil's moisture and temperature. The mulch prevents the soil from drying out as quickly. The groomed look is a wonderful bonus. Even more valuable, a decrease in the number of weeds you have to pull! The weeds have a harder time rooting in the soil. During the winter months, or at least for cold areas, much will help perennial plants to survive. With less rot and decay, insect population is reduced. It resists mold, mildew and general decay better than its organic counterparts.
Around trees, a mulch ring serves a lot of the same purpose as a garden. When mowing the lawn, a mulch ring around the tree will help protect some of the roots that form around the tree and surface.
On the playground, mulch is non-toxic. This is also important in your garden when looking at pH sensitive flowers and plants. Acidic pine bark mulch and needles on your carnation bed isn't a good idea. The prefer alkaline soil. Forget pH testing and matching the mulch to your garden. Rubber mulch isn't decomposing, so you have saved a step and time on gardening day.
Rubber mulch is a little more heavy and dense than typical mulch materials. This helps keep your mulch in place, rather than blowing away or floating away in a rain. Although heavier than organic materials, it won't sunk into the soil as easily and last longer, even years.
Visit us for more information on RUBBER MULCH.
Copyright 2011 DunRite Playgrounds
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Serving in the Military can be a CUSHY job...
At least training can be cushioned. Rubber mulch is a perfect ground cover for use in obstacle courses, training pits, and rope courses. Because of the amount of training injuries in the military, rubber mulch is the ground cover of choice. This can be the proper intervention needed to prevent injuries to our men and women while in training. Rubber mulch when applied at the correct depth will cushion their fall. Using rubber mulch in obstacle courses, training pits, and rope courses will help prevent those time and money prohibitive injuries. For more information on RUBBER SURFACING
Copyright 2011 DunRite Playgrounds
Friday, March 4, 2011
Scorer's Table
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Escalade Sports Recalls Oasis Playsets
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 8, 2011
Release #11-120 Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 742-6009
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Escalade Sports Recalls Oasis Playsets Due to Fall Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Outdoor Playsets
Units: About 4,600
Manufacturer: Escalade Sports of Evansville, Ind.
Hazard: The swing seats on the playsets can crack and break in half, causing the user to fall to the ground.
Incidents/Injuries: Escalade Sports has received 24 reports of the seats breaking, no injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves belt-style swing seats on four models of Oasis Playsets: PG01W, PG02W, PG03W and PG04W. Model numbers are located on a plate on the swing's horizontal beam. The green plastic seats are about 26 inches long and are hung from green, plastic-coated chains. The swing seats have rounded ends with black grommets on each end. Printed on one side of the seat is:
MADE IN CHINA
GUARANTEED FOR ONE YEAR
ADULT SUPERVISION REQUIRED
DO NOT INSTALL IN AREAS WHERE
TEMPERATURES EXCEED 120DEG F
Printed on the other side of the seat is:
WARNING
IMPROPER USE
MAINTENANCE INSTALLATION OR VANDALISM
CAN DAMAGE SEAT AND LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY
FOR RESIDENTIAL
USE BY ONE CHILD
Sold by: Oasis distributors and dealers nationwide from April 2008 to December 2010 for between $1,500 and $2,200.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these swing seats and contact Escalade Sports for free replacement swing seats.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Escalade Sports at (800) 742-6009 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.escaladesports.com. Consumers can also e-mail the firm at safetyinfo@escaladesports.com
February 8, 2011
Release #11-120 Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 742-6009
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Escalade Sports Recalls Oasis Playsets Due to Fall Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Outdoor Playsets
Units: About 4,600
Manufacturer: Escalade Sports of Evansville, Ind.
Hazard: The swing seats on the playsets can crack and break in half, causing the user to fall to the ground.
Incidents/Injuries: Escalade Sports has received 24 reports of the seats breaking, no injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves belt-style swing seats on four models of Oasis Playsets: PG01W, PG02W, PG03W and PG04W. Model numbers are located on a plate on the swing's horizontal beam. The green plastic seats are about 26 inches long and are hung from green, plastic-coated chains. The swing seats have rounded ends with black grommets on each end. Printed on one side of the seat is:
MADE IN CHINA
GUARANTEED FOR ONE YEAR
ADULT SUPERVISION REQUIRED
DO NOT INSTALL IN AREAS WHERE
TEMPERATURES EXCEED 120DEG F
Printed on the other side of the seat is:
WARNING
IMPROPER USE
MAINTENANCE INSTALLATION OR VANDALISM
CAN DAMAGE SEAT AND LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY
FOR RESIDENTIAL
USE BY ONE CHILD
Sold by: Oasis distributors and dealers nationwide from April 2008 to December 2010 for between $1,500 and $2,200.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these swing seats and contact Escalade Sports for free replacement swing seats.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Escalade Sports at (800) 742-6009 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.escaladesports.com. Consumers can also e-mail the firm at safetyinfo@escaladesports.com
Monday, November 29, 2010
Age Appropriate Play
What is Age-Appropriate?
For those that didn't go to school and get a degree in working with children there may be help. For those of us that learn by experience, we have found that children don't come with a user's manual. Mom taught me to use common sense. What is common to one may be a foreign concept to another. Where do you turn for information on what is "right" for the playground? Children need different activities and events based on their abilities. Using broad age groups is a good direction to look, but the key is that the equipment should be in line with the children in terms of their size, ability and developmental level. This will certainly be hard to achieve with a large audience of potential attendees. Any group of more than ONE is certain to have different skill levels and a variety of needs. The CPSC in their Handbook for Playground Safety describes some specific items for different age groups. BROAD guidelines are used for a reason. This list isn't meant to be everything. Common sense, training and supervision go a long way to enhance the big picture.
CHILDREN 2-5 The focus for this age group is social interaction; activities that make for great group fun, with just the right level of physical challenge. The 2-5 age group requires guard rails and barriers at much lower deck heights than older children. Deck heights for horizontal ladder launches may not be higher than 18", and the horizontal ladder itself cannot be higher than 60" above the surfacing.
Consider: Ramps, rung ladders, single file step ladders, slides, spiral slides up to 360 degrees, spring rockers, stairways, swings, ground level play events, panels
CHILDREN 5-12 Here our focus is more on physical challenge. Major muscle development is the source and inspiration for component and play equipment design. We've zeroed in on this group with challenging horizontal ladders, climbers and slides. Horizontal ladders may launch from decks up to 36" high and may be as high as 84" off the ground.
Consider: Arch climbers, chain or cable walks, horizontal ladders, slides, swings, sliding poles.
CHILDREN 2-12 Sometimes separate playgrounds for different age groups are not an option, so play structures must be created and designed to meet the needs of both age groups. To accommodate the needs of both age groups, both sets of guidelines must be met. It is best to limit use of the play structure to one age group at a time or, if not possible, you need to ensure that there is enough supervision to create a safe play environment for all the children. This age group tends to conflict with certain standards, so consult local, state or federal guidelines that may apply to your particular situation. The CPSC suggests that the layout of a playground should show distinctly separate areas for different age groups.
Copyright 2010 DunRite Playgrounds
Monday, November 22, 2010
What is ADA Compliance and why it is important for playgrounds?
What is ADA Compliance and Why it is Important for Playgrounds
Playtime contributes greatly to a child’s physical, mental, emotional and social growth. Until recent years children with disabilities have missed out on this very important aspect of development due to inaccessible playgrounds. In 1992, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 became effective. This federal law prohibits disability-based discrimination by states, local governments and private entities (such as restaurants or child-care centers) that provide public accommodation. The law expands and helps clarify Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It applies to new and existing play areas – meaning that you must bring all playgrounds into ADA compliance.
Since guidelines for bringing playgrounds into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) were issued in the year 2000, playgrounds have become more than swings and slides. Newly built and altered playgrounds are now accessible to children of all abilities.
Designing a playground that provides an integrated play experience for children of all abilities is a real challenge. Involving users with disabilities is perhaps the most important step in creating a successful playground. It’s important to note that many amenities intended for users with disabilities will contribute to an overall improvement in safety and “user-friendly” design.
Access to at least 50 percent of the elevated play components is required. Minimum requirements are based on the number and type of ground level components and elevated play components provided. Access to ground level components is required to at least one of each type provided and in a number proportionate to elevated play components provided. Ramps, shorter step heights, roomier decks, hand rails and grab bars can enrich the play experience for children of all ages and abilities. Playground features are designed to promote imaginative, inclusive and interactive play.
An accessible playground means that it is as easy as possible for everyone to play, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Now, more than ever, to meet ADA guidelines and due to community pressure, playgrounds are being built with an eye towards accessibility and usability. Our certified playground designers will be able to assist you with these and many other design requirements.
Sherri M. Pope
Engineering Manager
Playland, International
Copyright 2010 DunRite Playgrounds
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