Washington, D.C. (September 16, 2009) – Children in a suburban Washington D.C. community now have something to sing about. Playworld Systems, a global provider of commercial recreation equipment, has donated a $75,000 “green” playground to help revitalize Marvin Gaye Park with the help of the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA).
In a community once known as “Needle Park” because of the heavy local drug usage, the park’s goal through this playground donation is to increase activity with the surrounding residents as playgrounds are historically believed to bring community members together through exercise and outdoor play. Following the August 20 ribbon cutting, Playworld Systems is teaming up with NRPA and the experts from George Mason University to conduct an 18-month study on the true effects play has on children and adults alike.
This 18-month study will measure the current fitness levels of residents young and old and compare them to what is found at the end of the study. Crime statistics and overall neighborhood wellness will also be monitored with the hope of a positive end result, generated through the transformative effects of play through a powerful playground donation.
“At Playworld Systems, we believe play is vital to the health and fitness for people of all ages, and has a way of bringing a community together,” said Matt Miller, president of Playworld Systems. “We are thrilled the experts at George Mason University share in this thinking and are spotlighting our playground in their study to monitor the rebuilding and strengthening of this urban neighborhood.”
The main component of the donated play space is a piece of equipment known as Activo. Activo is 100 percent PVC-free, which means not only is it good for the health of the community, but it is also good for the health of the environment. With up to a 60 percent lower carbon footprint than traditional post and platform playgrounds, Activo is the most sustainable play system available..
About Playworld Systems, Inc.
Headquartered in Lewisburg, Pa., Playworld Systems, a family-owned company, has offered a variety of recreational solutions for more than 30 years. Because Playworld Systems believes the world needs play, it strives to produce the most innovative, creative, and imaginative recreational products through its PlayDesigns®, Playworld™, and LifeTrail® brands. With the invention of NEOS, Playworld Systems is the first playground manufacturer to bring electronic gaming into the outdoor play space.
Additionally, in an effort to tangibly reduce its carbon footprint, Playworld Systems is the first major U.S. playground manufacturer to remove 99.999 percent of PVC from products. For more information, visit www.PlayworldSystems.com.