October 2011

Hello to All Our Members, I hope to see many of you at the NRPA next week in Atlanta, GA (Oct 30th thru Nov 4th 2011). This is the one time each year we all get a chance to see each other as well as get a preview of the latest and greatest advancements in the Playground Industry. This is a Great Network-ing Opportunity for each and every one of us! Right now, I am looking at the future of the NPCAI and I see a changing and ever evolving Playground and Recreation Industry. The truth is that things have always been changing but most significantly since late in 2007 there have been some major changes in Our Industry to-day. For those of us who weren’t born yesterday:

1. Asian Manufacturing Companies are beginning to play a more significant role in the products we see today. How many US Playground Manufacturers can really state that their product is 100% Made in the USA. Are playgrounds still a Brand or have they turned into a commodity?

2. Large US Playground Manufacturers not only offer playground equipment and site amenities but also offer shades, shelters, water parks, surfacing, etc. More Compa-nies Are Now Offering a Complete Line of Products with “Turn-Key” Installation Ser-vice: a concept that is being sought more and more.

3. Repairs and Maintenance of playgrounds will be increasing as customers don’t have the funds to buy new play equipment– customers will be forced into repairing and maintaining what they have for as long as they can.

4. Repairs and Maintenance will be moving into the private sector as customers will be forced into Department Consolidation and/or Reduction in Force, etc.

5. Recreation Equipment Manufacturers (other than playgrounds) need a voice in the Playground Industry from an Installation perspective. More and more non-playground manufacturers are turning to NPCAI Qualified Playground Installers to install their products.

6. Architects and Engineers design entire play areas – not just the Play Equipment. 7. General Contractors are looking for One Company that can do it all!

My question is: what does this mean for the NPCAI? The answer is: The NPCAI needs to change with the times ahead: If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts. Albert Einstein To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often. Winston Churchill If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.

Maya Angelou You must be the change you wish to see in the world. Mohandas Gandhi Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Letter From The Chair

This month's Playground Photo of the Month recipient is Playground of the Landscapes Structures.

If you are interested in submitting your playground for consideration please e-mail us at npca@playground-contractors.org. If your photo is se-lected for the any month in 2011, we will have it published and your will receive recognition for your work and a gift from us, for your participation. Digital Specifications: High Resolution PDF files are preferred. Delivery: Files will be accepted via email UNLESS they are over 6 MB. Formats: Gray-scale / CMYK color images must be TIFF, .PDF, or .EPS format. 400 dpi or higher.

Playground Photo of the Month

Post Office Box 2364 Salt Lake City, Utah 84110-2364

P: 888-908-9519 Fax: 801-355-2788

E-mail: npca@playground-contractors.org

www.playground-contractors.org

October 2011

NPCAI Board of Trustees When you are through changing, you are through. Bruce Barton Without accepting the fact that everything changes, we cannot find perfect composure. But unfortunately, although it is true, it is difficult for us to accept it. Because we cannot accept the truth of transience, we suffer. Shunryu Suzuki As we look at the times ahead of us, I’d like to say “Thank You” to All Our Members: WITHOUT YOU we wouldn’t be here and certainly would not have built all the resources we have at the NPCAI. Many, if not most of us playground guys have experienced the need to be able to “Do It All”. Being everything to everybody may not always be the best solution so make sure you stay within your means. For Example:

The NPCAI Insurance Program now offers you not only General Liability Coverage with Errors and Omissions Coverage but now we have added national Workers Comp Program as well.

The NPCAI Qualified Contractor Program where you prove the qualifications of your company as well as confirm your Professional Credentials.

A Career Enhancing Playground Construction School where you will learn the Best Prac-tices of Playground Construction. Next School: Tampa, FL Nov 30th thru Dec 2nd. A Na-tional Certification Program for Playground Contractors is Our Goal. The Playground Insider (Monthly Newsletter) where you can find out what’s happening in the playground industry. The NPCAI Members Directory and Buyers Guide – offered exclusively by the NPCAI with fantastic advertising opportunities. Disability Insurance for you and your company is available. The NPCAI Website which offers numerous documents, RFP’s Bids and other useful infor-mation. Networking with the Playground Industry’s Top Playground Contactors. The NPCAI Certificate confirming your Membership status. The NPCAI Offers you a Voice in today’s Playground Construction Industry so you can be heard on your opinions of where we are, where we need to go and any other issues you may want to discuss. I encourage you to spread the word about the NPCAI as we grow Our Organization for the benefit of all! Again, I’d like to say that we are currently seeking New Board Members to serve the on the NPCAI Board. I know most Play Equipment Manufacturers carry most if not all of the prod-ucts mentioned above but I feel the Board is under represented in some specific areas and I am reaching out to you in hope that you will let us know if you would be interested in serv-ing on our Board, especially if you are involved specifically with: Site Amenities, Skate Parks, Shelters, Shade Structures or Aquatic Features. We would also be interested in receiving articles form any of Our Members in regards to their specific fields. The NPCAI exists to serve Our Members of which you are one and as the Chair I feel it is very important that Our Board is broadly represented by all areas of the Playground Indus-try. As always, the NPCAI seeks Qualified Playground Contractors to join our Organization and we are also in search of any Qualified Playground Contractors who may be interested in serving on the Board.

Letter From The Chair (con’t)

CHAIR 2010‐2012 Playground Construction School Chair & Membership Committee Chair Roger Davis Playground

Safety Services. Inc. Po Box 2729 Shelby, NC 28152 P: 704‐487‐7774 F: 704‐480‐7775 E‐mail: rdcpsi@carolina.rr.com TRUSTEE – Chair Elect 2012‐2014 Public Relations Committee Chair James Charles Snider. Snider & Associates, Inc. 10139 Royalton Road Ste # H North Royalton, OH 44133 P: 440‐877‐9151 F: 440‐877‐9159 C: 440‐343‐6420 E‐mail: jcsnider@cvsnider.com  

TRUSTEE – Past Chair 2008-2010 Karen Spears, CPSI Kids‐Play, Inc. 700 Long Horn Pass NW Ste #B PO Box 1008

Hartselle, AL 35640 P: 888‐895‐5437 x 219 F: 256‐751‐9191 E‐mail:kspears@hiwaay.net TREASURER 2008‐2010 Nominations Committee Chair Jeff Barber, CPSI Playground Specialist, Inc. 17352 N. Seton Avenue Emmitsburg, MD 21727 Office: 301‐447‐1890 P: 800‐385‐0075 C: 301‐748‐3056 F: 301‐447‐3556 E‐mail: jeff@playspec.com 

With that said, let’s discuss the Playground Contractors Role with the NPCAI as are the final link in a successful Playground Installation. The NPCAI Mission is: To professionally construct today's pre-manufactured playground equipment. THE NPCAI IS: A worldwide partnership formed to contribute to the advance-ment of the playground building industry by promoting playground installation as a legitimate contracting profession within the playground industry. THE NPCAI LENDS SUPPORT: To all playground safety programs, guidelines, and standards that promote playground safety by assisting the public in identifying the need for a professional playground installation. THE NPCAI SEEKS: Active participation in and contributions from its membership and corpo-rate sponsors for the development and growth of individual members, their contracting busi-nesses, and the playground construction profession worldwide. THE NPCAI OFFERS: MEMBERS A VOICE in the playground industry through leadership opportunity and networking to affect industry changes to address developing needs. MEMBERS ANSWERS to everyday installation questions and immediate access to informa-tion regarding certification, licensing and industry standards.

Remember: The NPCAI Continues to Offer the Playground Construction School. The Next Playground Construction Schools are:

Tool Box Tips: When Performance Is Measure – Performance Improves Insurance Tips - Additional Insured and Verbiage: It may be more cost effective for you to purchase “Blanket” Coverage for Additional Insured and Special Verbiage up front on your Policy rather than to pay as you go! The NPCAI Offers Group Liability Insurance Plan and Errors & Omis-sions Insurance Coverage for Playground Safety Inspectors. Applica-tions are available on the NPCAI member section of the website or call us at 1-888-908-9519. Become a NPCAI Qualified Contractor and Use the NPCAI Quali-fied Contractor Status as A Tool Here at the NPCAI, we have the foundation in place for you to succeed! Now it’s up to you to: Best Playground Contractor You Can Be! Become a NPCAI Qualified Contractor and Continue to Support The NPCAI!

Roger Davis – CPSI – NPCAI Chair. rdcpsi@carolina.rr.com

October 2011

NPCAI Board of Trustees

Letter From The Chair (con’t)

SECRETARY 2009‐2010 Brad Rhoads, CPSI Playmatta 1135 West 9th St. Upland, CA 91786 P: 888‐346‐2882 F: 877‐949‐2585 C: 909‐519‐0574

E‐mail: brad.rhoads@mattaproducts.com  TRUSTEE Tom Norquist GameTime 150 PlayCore Drive Fort Payne, AL 35968 P: 256‐845‐5610 F: 256‐845‐9361 thomasnorquist@me.com

TRUSTEE Randy Atchison GPI Outdoors Designs, Inc. 32140 Township Rd. 243A Calgary, AB Canada T3Z 2M7 P: 403‐242‐8740 C: 403‐874‐7745 F: 403‐242‐8796

E‐mail:randygpi@telus.net TRUSTEE Research & Development Committee Chair Marylou Iverson Iverson & Assoc. P.O. Box 1387 Kingston, WA 98346 P: 360‐297‐8887 C: 360‐908‐3479 F: 360‐297‐8220 E‐mail: ml.iverson@gmail.com

TRUSTEE Dr. Joe Deutsch, CPSI Imagination Play, Inc. PO Box 452 Moorhead, MN 56561‐0452 P: 888‐788‐9504 F: 888‐788‐9546 C: 701‐799‐4923

E‐mail: joe@imaginationplay.com

• November 1-4, 2011 NRPA Congress & Expo - Atlanta, GA

• November 2, 2011 NPCAI Social Event, Atlanta, GA

• November 30- December 2, 2011 Tampa, FL Playground Construction School

• March 21-23, 2012 Dallas, TX Playground Construction School.

October 2011

Networking Throughout the School Systems Never underestimate the importance of networking throughout the school systems. As a former public school physical education teacher, I have seen several playgrounds pur-chased and installed from the school side. Often times the PTA or PTO are the first to get involved with the purchase of a new playground. While they will ultimately do the fundraising and/or grant writing to purchase the equipment, the preliminary stages are the most impor-tant part that may ultimately land you the job. After the PTA or PTO decides they would like to pursue a playground project, they may contact their school’s principal, other schools in the area who have purchased playgrounds recently and of course other parents of children attending their school. The project may ultimately never go out to a public bid if they find a company they feel com-fortable working with and that has been recommended by any of the people listed above. Some ways you can network throughout the schools that may land you a job before you are even contacted include: 1. Make sure that you treat the school playground not only as a job, but as an educational

tool for its children. Try and complete the project on weekends (if possible) to minimize the risk to children at play during recess.

2. Be in constant communication with everyone at the school during the installation proc-ess. While the PTA or PTO may be your contact people, the building principal will be very involved and appreciate your regular updates.

3. Make any repairs necessary in as quick a fashion as possible. The school playground can have hundreds of kids use it a day and the quicker the repairs are made the less risk of injury to occur.

4. After the work is complete and you have happy, satisfied customers, ask them to rec-ommend you to others in the future. They may not think of it on their own, but all school employees are in the business of caring for children and if they feel you care about the wellbeing of the children too, they will be more than willing to spread the word.

5. Follow-up with your customers. School playgrounds receive a lot of use and even abuse and often times needed repairs can be overlooked by school personnel. By do-ing a volunteer playground edit, bringing needed repairs to light can not only give you more business immediately, but will go a long way with future recommendations.

These among other ideas are great ways to get your name out within the schools. Also think of creative ways to market to these schools that promotes the goals and objectives of schools today. With a National emphasis on childhood obesity, marketing your playground to the physical education teacher as a form of fitness would be an example. Be creative! Remember, networking through the school systems is the key to not only re-peat business but potentially obtaining contracts to do new schools. How you handle the project and how you communicate with the everyone involved in the project will ultimately determine their recommendation or lack thereof. Submitted by:

Dr. Joe Deutsch, CPSI Imagination Play, Inc. joe@imaginationplay.com

Feature

NPCAI Board of Trustees

TRUSTEE Tom Peeples Peeples Play-ground Safety Consulting, LLC. Po Box 745657 Arvada, CO 80006‐5657 P: 720‐351‐7309 F: 303‐421‐6675

E‐mail: playgroundsafety@live.com TRUSTEE Matthew F. Walsh, Vice‐President Precision Play-grounds, Inc. 5120 Damascus Road N. Jacksonville, FL 32207 P: 904‐636‐5106 F: 904‐636‐5177 C: 904‐607‐0445 E‐mail: matt@precisionplaygrounds.com

NPCAI Administration

NPCAI Office Sylvia Salazar, Executive Director. PO Box 2364 Salt Lake City, UT 84110‐2364 USA

P: 1‐888‐908‐9519 F: 801‐355‐2788 npca@playground‐contractors.org www.playground‐contractors.org sylvias@playground‐contractors.org

The NPCAI offers many benefits to its members. Such benefits include • NPCAI embossed membership

certificate. • NPCAI membership card • A monthly E-zine • Free Listing on the Online Directory • Free Website Listing • RFP Listing • Playground Wiki • Free Access to over 200 forms. • Aflac Discount Program • Imprint Plus Name Tags • General Liability Insurance Program • Free copy of the Playground

Magazine. • Free Classifieds • Your company information is given

out to any interested individual seeking your services

• $100 savings on the Playground Construction School.

• Errors & Omissions Insurance Coverage

• Annual NPCAI Social Event • Sponsorship Opportunities • Qualified Contractor Credentials. Most Important NPCAI will support you every step of the way.

October 2011 Feature

Playground Contractor Compliance? Hello to All Our NPCAI Members, This month we’ll talk about the importance of “Playground Contractor Compliance”. As I mentioned before and as we all know, the Playground Contractor is the Final Link in the Playground Project. I am seeing more and more Playground Projects being Bid requiring that the Play Equipment be installed by a “Certified Playground Contractor.” Notice I didn’t say a “Qualified Playground Contractor”. So what does a “Certified Playground Contractor” really mean? I think as Members of the NPCAI we know the meaning of such a phrase but there are many instances when the best answer to that question lies in the mind of the per-son or persons who wrote the specifications. First let’s establish some clarification of Specifications: the definition of Specified is: 1) to state something explicitly: to state or identify something in detail or explicitly or 2) to stipulate something: to state something or make it a condition or 3) to include or state something in a specification Next let’s discuss another word: Congruent being defined as: 1) in agreement: corresponding to or consistent with each other or with something else. The Noun Congruence and the Adverb Congruently reference you back to the Adjective Congru-ent. Here is where we as Playground Contractor’s can confirm our qualifications in regards to meeting or even qualifying the Bid Specs on Installations. I really believe that the person or persons who write the specs have good intentions but in the hustle and bustle of things don’t successfully transfer the definition of their thoughts onto the written bid sheet. This can lead to confusion and more importantly can allow things such as: (1) “I Am Mr. Playground Company and I Own a Pick-Up” to Win a Bid when the Company is really not actually qualified for the Project. (2) “Exclude many Playground Contractor’s” who are actually qualified for the Project but have not secured the proper documentation confirming their qualifications. (3) Put the Children (Intended Users) of the Play Equipment in a High Risk Situation which could have been easily been avoided with a properly written Bid Spec where the Required Qualifications of the Playground Installer are concise and clear! For Example let’s look at (5) three recent Bids Our Company has seen: 1)

The above Bid Specified “Playground Contractor” and “Fully Code Compliant”. Hmmmm………. What Codes? Codes not mentioned 2) This is a great example of Non-Congruence. Factory Certified is okay but NPSE Certified Contractor (who is this?) – Could just be a typo? Google it and see what you get! – Then, NPSI Certified Supervisor? Hmmmm…………………. 3) By the way, this one is a Federal Project: Contractor/bidder shall be a certified playground installer in accordance with the 2008 Con-sumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) “Handbook for Public Playground Safety”. I think I know what they mean but. what do they really mean…? My favorite! 4) Current Bid

A good start but what about Insurance, License, etc? Needs more qualification

Benefits Available to Members! Making us

October 2011

Playground Contractor Compliance? (con’t) 5) Community Build The County of ______ is seeking a qualified playground equipment vendor to design and assist with the installation of a universally accessible playground. The installation of the playground will utilize a Community Build process with a minimum of 2 days of installation supervision. You can plan on seeing more of these – but the scope should be more definitive With that said, let’s get back to being Compliant as a Playground Contractor. At the NPCAI we recommend the following Specifications to those wanting to Specify/Qualify a Play-ground Installer/Contractor: Specifying/Qualifying a Playground Installer • Must be a NPCAI Qualified Contractor (Third Party Verification of Credentials) • Licensed to contract in state (if needed see State Listings) • Liability Insurance: $1 mil per occurrence / $2 Mil Aggregate (NOTE: Manufacturers

Product Liability Insurance is NOT the same as General Liability) • Project Owner to be stated as additional insured • Worker's Compensation: State Minimum • On-Site NPSI Certified Installer • Factory Certification with Equipment to be Installed, if Available • References of Completed Work of Similar Scope • 1 Year Installation Warranty So how should we respond when we see the incorrect verbiage? Your success rate in win-ning the Bid is 75% higher if you are in front of the customer BEFORE the Bid goes out. If that is not the case, and the Bid is already out, we should try our best to contact the Actual Bid Source and simply ask just what it is they are requiring or wanting. What exactly is their Vision? In my experience most Bid Requesters are very cooperative and are very happy to do an addendum to the bid to clear up any confusion. Many are quite “Thankful” for your questions and will be the first to tell you that, “Hey, I have never Bid Play a Playground or Any Play Equipment before and I really appreciate you contacting me about this”! Then there are those few who aren’t quite as willing to do the addendum but in either case being an NPCAI Qualified Contractor should satisfy an overwhelming majority of the Bid Situa-tions. Next is a little information on what CPSC states about Playground Installation Tool Box Tips: CPSC 325 2008 – Section 2.6 Assembly and Installation

* Strictly follow all instructions from the manufacturer when assembling and installing equipment. * After assembly and before its first use, equipment should be thoroughly inspected by a person qualified to inspect playgrounds for safety. * The manufacturer’s assembly and installation instructions, and all other materials col-lected concerning the equipment, should be kept in a permanent file. * Secure anchoring is a key factor to stable installation, and the anchoring process should be completed in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

ASTM F-1497-ae1 11. Installation * 11.1 Designer’s or Manufacturer’s Responsibilities: * 11.1.1 The designer or manufacturer shall provide clear and concise instructions and procedures for the installation of each play structure designed or provided, as well as a complete parts list. * 11.2 Owner’s/Operator’s Responsibilities: * 11.2.1 The owner/operator shall follow the designer’s or manufacturer’s instructions and procedures to install all play structures provided.

The owner/operator shall install protective surfacing within the use zone of each play structure in accordance with Specification F 1292 appropriate for the fall height of each structure and Specification F 1951 where applicable.

Feature

CPSI Course Calendar

October 17-19, 2011 Morristown, NJ 732-568-1270 October 18-20, 2011 Chicago, IL 630-376-1911 October 30—November 1, 2011 Atlanta, GA 770-760-1403 October 31-November 2, 2011 Green Bay, WI 414-423-1210 November 9-11, 2011 Bellevue, WA 360-459-9396 November 9-11, 2011 Salt Lake City, UT 801-491-9867 November 15-17, 2011 Rockwell, TX 512-267-5550 November 29– December 1, 2011 Worchester, MA 413-568-8356 November 30 - December 2, 2011 Clearwater, FL 850-878-3221 December 5-7, 2011 Harrisburg, PA 814-234-4272 December 6-8, 2011 Corbin, KY 502-696-9834 January 11-13, 2012 Landover, MD 301-352-7203

October 2011 Feature

Playground Contractor Compliance? (con’t) 3) Job Documentation Compliance Letters:

Be Sure to Include a Customer Job Acceptance Form Signed by the Customer which confirms acceptance of your work and also protects the Customer as you are con-firming that you have Installed the Play Equipment In Compliance with: * ADAAG as required * Manufacturer’s Specifications * ASTM F1487-07ae1 * The CPSC 2008 Handbook

In closing, I’d like to get some feedback from Our Members and I would like for you to respond to the following questions: 1) How many of you keep the most current copy of CPSC with you at all times? 2) How many of you keep the most current copy of ASTM and CPSC with you at all times? 3) How many of you keep the most current copy of ASTM, CPSC and the ADAAG with you at

all times? 4) How may of you are interested in keeping the most current copy of ASTM, CPSC and the

ADAAG with you at all times? Please respond by sending me your e-mail response to rdcpsi@carolina.rr.com See You in Atlanta November 1-4, 2011 NRPA Congress & Expo - Atlanta, GA FYI – The Playground Construction School is right around the corner. November TBD 2011 Tampa, FL Playground Construction School Nov 30-Dec 2 As Always, Be The Best Playground Contractor You Can Be!

Roger Davis – CPSI President – Playground Safety Services, Inc. www.playgroundsafetyservices.com rdcpsi@carolina.rr.com Thanks To All Our Current and Renewing Members! Become a NPCAI Qualified Contractor and Continue to Support The NPCAI The Playground Contractors Role with the NPCAI As we come to the final link in the chain in becoming a True Playground Contractor. The NPCAI Mission is: To professionally construct today's pre-manufactured playground equipment. THE NPCAI IS: A world-wide partnership formed to contribute to the advancement of the playground building industry by promot-ing playground installation as a legitimate contracting profession within the playground industry. THE NPCAI LENDS SUPPORT: To all playground safety programs, guidelines, and standards that pro-mote playground safety by assisting the public in identifying the need for a professional playground instal-lation. THE NPCAI SEEKS: Active participation in and contributions from its membership and corporate sponsors for the development and growth of individual members, their contracting businesses, and the playground construction profession worldwide. THE NPCAI OFFERS: MEMBERS A VOICE in the playground industry through leadership opportunity and networking to affect industry changes to address developing needs. MEMBERS ANSWERS to everyday installation questions and immediate access to information regarding certification, licensing and industry standards.

The Playground Contractors Role with the NPCAI!

The Playground Contractors Role with the NPCAI

As we come to the final link in the

chain in becoming a True Playground Contractor.

The NPCAI Mission is:

To professionally construct today's pre-manufactured playground

equipment.

THE NPCAI IS: A worldwide partner-ship formed to contribute to the ad-

vancement of the playground building industry by promoting playground

installation as a legitimate contracting profession within the playground

industry.

THE NPCAI LENDS SUPPORT: To all playground safety programs,

guidelines, and standards that pro-mote playground safety by assisting

the public in identifying the need for a professional playground installation.

THE NPCAI SEEKS: Active participa-tion in and contributions from its

membership and corporate sponsors for the development and growth of

individual members, their contracting businesses, and the playground con-

struction profession worldwide.

THE NPCAI OFFERS: MEMBERS A VOICE in the playground industry

through leadership opportunity and networking to affect industry changes

to address developing needs.

MEMBERS ANSWERS to everyday installation questions and immediate access to information regarding certi-

fication, licensing and industry standards.

October 2011 NPCAI Social Sponsors

NPCAI members are encouraged to participate in the National

Recreation and Parks Association Congress & Exposition

This year’s event will be November 1-4, 2011

Atlanta, Georgia

November 1-4, 2011 NRPA Congress & Exposition Atlanta, GA November 2, 2011 UPDATED NPCAI Social Event, Atlanta, GA Now Seeking Sponsors! November 30– December 2, 2011 Tampa, FL Playground Construction School. March 21-23, 2012 Dallas, TX Playground Construction School

NPCAI Calendar of Events

October 2011 Social Sponsors

www.customplaygroundsinc.com

 

October 2011 Social Sponsors

October 2011 Message from the Executive Director

Join us on these social networks

New & Renewed Members!

Doug Gourley Playground Designs Who Built Creative Builders Southern Contracting Company Horizon Concepts, Inc. Improved Property Services, Inc. City of Commerce Parks & Recreation Dept Kleen Play Play Ground Construction T.F. Harper & Associates LP. Playsites + Surfaces, Inc. PlayGuard Safety Surfacing National Playground Construction, Inc. Walk in the Park Construction, Inc. Play Foundations, Inc. Pioneer Sales & Installation, Inc. John Fitzgerald, Inc. Precision Playgrounds, Inc. Hofnecht Horticultural Services, Inc. KidzzPlay Installation Services, Inc. Precision Playgrounds, Inc.

Below you will find interesting items that are important during your visit to NPRA in ATLANTA, GEORGIA. I hope you enjoy the show and if you have any ques-tions, please don’t hesitate to contact me! We look forward to seeing you in At-lanta! The 2011 NRPA Congress & Exposition will be held at Georgia World Congress Center located at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30313. Registration Date and Times: Monday October 31, 2011 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Hours: Tuesday, November 1, 2011 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 2, 2011 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Thursday, November 3, 2011 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Promote yourself as a Member of NPCAI. During NRPA stop by the NPCAI booth #1614 to pick up your Qualified Contractor Ribbon to add to your name badge and promote your company as a Qualified Contractor!

NPCAI Social Event - You are invited to attend the International Playground Con-tractors Association Social Event of the Year during the 2011 NRPA Congress and Expo in Atlanta, GA. Come and network with your fellow playground profes-sionals. Wednesday, November 2, 2011 Omni Hotel at CNN Center Cottonwood Room 100 CNN Center Atlanta, GA 30303 Time: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This event is co-sponsored by: Playground Safety Services, Inc. Partner Specialty Group & Western Heritage R.J. Thomas, Mfg, Inc. Playguard Playground Safety Surfacing & Custom Play-grounds, Inc. 2 tickets available per member, for pick up tickets visit booth #1614 The Omni Hotel at CNN Center is less than a block from the convention center.

See you in Atlanta! Sylvia Salazar NPCAI Executive Director

NEW PRODUCTS BCI Burke Swings Kids of all ages will flock to the exhilarating new BCI Burke swing options—Tot Swing, T-Swing, 3 1/2” Arch Swing and Single Post Adaptive Swing Bay and Seat. Swings promote important developmental skills including movement and perceptual, spatial awareness, gen-eral fitness and sensory integration, including vestibular stimulation (inner ear development). More importantly, Burke swings create tons of fun. The swing options are offered in an array of colors and are the perfect addition to any play area. As with all Burke products, swings are protected by the Generations Warranty™. Visit www.bciburke.com for more information.

October 2011

Random Funny Playground Picture

WARNING: Deer Cricket on the lake! This month's Random Funny Playground Picture recipient is Mon-sterRama. If you are interested in submitting your playground for consideration please e-mail us at npca@playground-contractors.org. If your photo is se-lected for the any month in 2011, we will have it published and your will receive recognition for your work and a gift from us, for your participation. Digital Specifications: High Resolution PDF files are preferred. Delivery: Files will be accepted via email UNLESS they are over 6 MB. For-mats: Grayscale / CMYK color images must be TIFF, .PDF, or .EPS format. 400 dpi or higher.

ONLY A CLICK AWAY!

www.playground-contractors.org

Playgrounds And The Science Of Recess By Rebecca Jones Aurora, CO - With 770 students squeezed into a school building designed to ac-commodate just 425, classroom space at Aurora’s Elkhart Elementary School is at a premium. But Elkhart principal Katie Hartenbach has started viewing the school’s newly re-furbished playground as the most valuable classroom space of all. The reason: “Recess really allows students to focus for the rest of the day,” said Hartenbach. “It’s very important. They need to get out, get that fresh air, get their wiggles out.” Beyond offering a place where youngsters can burn off youthful energy, the play-ground is more and more becoming an extension of physical education class at Elkhart. Like schools across Colorado concerned about meeting the new state mandates for physical activity time for students, Elkhart is leveraging recess into something more than just a break from academic studies. Since receiving a $4,800 grant from Lowe’s to install a Peaceful Playground last month, the school has aligned its P.E. curriculum to teach students games and skills they can readily put into practice on the playground during recess. For the rest of the story, go here: http://www.ednewscolorado.org/2011/10/16/26496-playgrounds-and-the-science-of-recess

Feature

October 2011

Member Discount Programs NPCAI General Liability & Errors and Omission Program

The NPCAI Group Liability Insurance Plan and Errors & Omissions Insur-ance Coverage for Playground Safety Inspectors. Steve Carraway Cooper Insurance Services, Inc. PO Box 638, Lapel, IN 46051 (800) 252-3153 steve@cooperindiana.com http://www.cooperindiana.com

~ NPCAI Worker's Compensation Program

Resources to Keep Your Business in Play. A Tailored Approach for NPCAI Members. Mille Wood Ascension Insurance Agency, Inc. 222 North Lafayette Street, Ste 11 Shelby, NC 28150-4450 (800) 482-3461 MWood@ASCENSIONNC.COM http://www.ascensionnc.com

~ NPCAI Supplement Insurance for Individuals Program

Aflac policies are 100% employee-paid and area available on a volun-tary basis. Many companies choose to make AFLAC policies available as a cost effective solution to help em-ployees with the raising cost of out-of-pocket health care expense. Member Discount Rate - 5% to 10% Discount over direct rate. Steffanie Staples 8833 S Redwood Rd, Ste D, West Jordan, UT 84088 801-674-6310 Steffanie.staples@gmail.com www.aflac.com

Mark your Calendar Upcoming Conferences and Workshops

October 30 - November 2, 2011 American Society of Landscape Ar-chitects Annual Meeting and Expo San Diego, CA http://www.asla.org/contentdetail.aspx?id=10770

November 1 - 4, 2011 2011 Congress NRPA Congress and Exposition. Atlanta, GA www.nrpa.org

Blueprint By State

The statement and opinions express in the foregoing articles are those of the author, and not those of NPCAI. Copyrighted © 2011. International Playground Contractors Association. The Playground Insider is a registered trademark owned by the International Playground Contractors Association. All rights reserved. This is members ezine.

Blue Print for Becoming and OREGON Licensed Contractor

Oregon Construction Contractors Board  Post Office Box 14140 • Salem, OR 97309 

Telephone: (503) 378‐4621 or Fax: (503) 373‐2007 

E‐mail: ccb.info@state.or.us Website: http://www.oregon.gov/CCB 

 According to Oregon law they require anyone who works for compensation in any construc‐tion activity involving improvements to real property to be licensed with the Oregon Con‐struction Contractors Board (CCB). This in‐cludes roofing, siding, painting, carpentry, concrete, on‐site appliance repair, heating and air conditioning, home inspections, tree ser‐vice, plumbing, electrical, floor covering, manufactured dwelling installations, land de‐velopment and most other construction and repair services.    To become a licensed contractor in Oregon you must complete the prerequisite training and pass CCB’s statewide test, file your as‐sumed business name, corporation or LLC at the Oregon Corporation Division, submit a CCB surety bond, provide proof of general liability insurance,  Provide evidence of worker’s com‐pensation and other employer account num‐bers if applicable.