Outdoor Playgrounds | Customer Testimonials

"Tommy Harper and his T.F. Harper Team are an amazing group of individuals. The combination of your Burke products and the T.F. Harper sales, design, installation and service offerings is truly a phenomenal duo! The results we have experienced here in West University Place from our partnership with Tommy and the Burke product line have far exceeded my expectations. I have been in this business for over 32 years and can state with great confidence that I have never enjoyed such a relationship with a playground vendor."

"I have been "singing T.F. Harpers praises" ever since we first began doing business with them in 2007. Lauren James is an exceptional young saleswoman and as I stated yesterday, her extensive knowledge of the product line, possible applications, attention to details and her "soft-sale" approach quickly won me over to T.F. Harper/Burke, as I had almost been exclusively another playground company customer for nearly 30 years! Tommy hires great people and augments that by providing them with outstanding training and the constant benefit of his experience - his business model is extraordinary!"

Tim O'Connor, Director
City of West University Place Parks and Recreation
City of West University Place, TX

"Playgrounds of the Carolinas were the winning bidder on a new playground being built in western Harnett County with Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant monies. John Barrs worked with our project manager and me to give Harnett County Parks and Recreation the best playground within our budget. John was very helpful in getting us all information quickly as we tweaked the proposed structure to get within our budget and add the more popular elements and eliminate others. I was very impressed with Mr. Barrs knowledge of the playground structures and elements and his professional manner in which he conducts his business.

John was very easy to work with during the contractual, ordering, and construction of the playground. He provided all the contact information of his sub-contractors and is always just a phone call away. Our experience with Playgrounds ofthe Carolinas has been top notch and we would not hesitate to call Mr. Barrs when planning our next playground for Harnett County.

Harnett County Parks and Recreation fully recommends John Barrs and Playgrounds of the Carolinas to anyone looking at adding a new playground facility or renovating existing structures."

"We have 36 parks here, and I would say about 27 of them have some kind of Burke equipment in them. I¹ve been here for 21 years, and they were using Burke long before that. We have a lot of Series 2000. We are very happy with the product. no problems."

"I have never had such pleasure writing a check before...Thank you so much for all your time and making this possible for us. Your installation crew was a great group of guys. There were very friendly and very efficient. I was down to the park 2 & 3 times a day, and they were all very courteous and answered any questions I had. On behalf of the Clifford DDA thank you again, and I'm sure we'll be talking in the future in case we decide on any additional equipment."

"The highlight of (our 28 acre) site is the playground climbing aparatus ...in the center of the 8 fields that cater to baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball and cheerleading. This GeoSculpt(TM) Ball in Glove has put a smile on many faces. It has proven to be a fun and challenging sport climbing event (and) a great backdrop for the baseball players coming from miles around taking personal and team photographs. I would highly recommend a GeoSculpture climbing activity for any site that hosts similar sporting events."

"We recently were fortunate enough to have the Intensity play system installed at our park. The children that visit us love to play on this system. It provides great exercise and stimulation. The play features on our unit allows children to play on them in many different ways, stimulating their creativity. The only problem that we have at our park with the system is that everyone wants to play on it. It is a great unit! We love having this new addition at our Recreation Complex".

"It is with pleasure that I provide you with some information regarding our relationship with BCI Burke Company. Sea Isle City is a small seaside community, 2.2 sq. miles, located in southern New Jersey. Our community is a little unusual because our population swells from approximately 2,900 year-round residents to more than 45,000 summer visitors. Our recreation facilities are used to the fullest during the summer season and it is very important that we offer our residents and guest the best facilities available.

Four years ago we were faced with a difficult decision, we had to replace a beloved wooden playground that had been financed and constructed by local residents. The facility had become a maintenance nightmare. The second decision we made was easy; we solicited BCI Burke to help us design the perfect facility. We chose Burke because of the success we had with previous projects and trusted them to help us make the new facility the best at the Jersey Shore.

Together with the design team at BCI Burke we planned the new 'Play By The Bay'. The playground is beautiful and is compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's federal guidelines and meets the ASTM Standards. The equipment was delivered on time, was delivered in perfect condition and was assembled by a certified contractor. The product met our highest expectations. The total cost of the playground project was $435,803; the equipment came in at $159,592. The new playground is the keystone in an amazing recreation facility upgrade that includes tennis courts, basketball courts, hockey rink, walking paths, beautiful lighting and landscaping.

BCI Burke also stands by their product and honors the warranty. We ordered our equipment with the 'Seashore' protection package to help stop and stall rusting. Approximately one year after delivery we encountered a problem with a few pieces of equipment. BCI Burke responded to the problem with an immediate solution, replacement of the parts and all necessary hardware.

The Sea Isle City Recreation Department had provided information about this facility to many other communities from all over the United States because we are satisfied with the quality of product and professionalism of the people at BCI Burke".

"We are a new customer for BCI Burke and the two playgrounds we ordered will be delivered and installed this summer. The interaction, service and responsiveness provided by BCI Burke has been excellent and we are excited about the install."

Child and Youth Programs Division
Naval Station Rota Spain

Schools

"Service, Safety, Quality. Three words I would use to describe the people, business model, and overall organizational standards that inspires the BCI Burke Company. Every organization has a unique set of challenges and goals when it comes to building an educational environment - and from our experience, BCI Burke came to the table ready to work with us as partners to meet those challenges and goals head on.

We chose to work with BCI Burke because we needed a reliable company that would be able to provide nothing less than the highest quality product with our own time limitations. As with most other businesses, we did not have the luxury of making an investment into a project of this magnitude and not feel 100% certain that we had gotten the very best of our dollar. We also had to assure our stakeholders that we would see that investment last the test of time.

BCI Burke offered us superb and consistent customer service, the ability to achieve our goal on a fast timetable, and the confidence that our playground is genuinely the very best in design and safety. This is something that we will showcase in our school for many years to come.

After working with the company, I know personally they are committed to go the extra mile to satisfy your needs. BCI Burke is a master in their field but also provide the customer with an intuitive understanding of service".

"My name is Wendy Tsubaki, and I am the Buyer for the Wiseburn School District here in Hawthorne, California. While we are one of the smallest school districts in Los Angeles County, we have the distinction of having rebuilt three of our four school campuses. Our most recent project, Juan Cabrillo School, was outfitted with BCI Burke play structures.

I cannot begin to tell you how impressed we are with the quality of your workmanship. We thank you for building a product that we are proud will take our students into the future providing fun and safety.

I write this letter to tell you how equally impressed we are with the local vendor who installs and maintains your product. Alvino Larios and his team at Innovative Playgrounds provide superb representation of your product. The entire project from start to finish was done professionally. Every aspect of Alvino's team from his sales to his office staff to the actual installers made me proud we chose his team and your product.

We recently had an issue of concern after the completion of this project. Not only did Alvino's team first check with your engineering department to make sure a fix was within compliance, but Alvino himself came to visit our site to address the issue. The initial sale is complete, and yet he continues to provide us with the same professional courtesy and passion for his product. Every aspect of Alvino's passion for the professional installation of safe play structures comes across when he visits.

If and when Wiseburn requires any future play structure work, we will be sure to use Innovative and Burke products. We will always be happy to refer other school districts to your team in California. Thank you for providing such a wonderful product for students and kids."

"The kids are LOVING their new playground. We have a slideshow on our website eraisd.net (go to Mr. Hardy’s page) and click on the “pictures” link to the right, scroll down the page and you will see a slideshow of our new playground! Thanks again!"

"Wanted to let you know we are so very pleased with our new playground equipment. Your workers did such a good job and were very effective with the time when they were here. They did an exellent job cleaning up after themselves. They also went the extra mile to help us with some existing equipment that needed to be moved. Our kids think they have Six-Flags at their school...there were smiles from ear to ear.

Thanks again for all ya'll and the workers did. We certainly will keep you in mind in the future for both our school and our neighbors".

"I have enjoyed a very professional and ethical relationship with Ben Shaffer over the last twenty years. Ten years during my tenure at the Princeton Regional School District, and now in my twelfth year with the Hopewell Valley Regional School District.

Ben Shaffer associate, Ms. Jaye Joyce freely offers playground code guidance, design services and warranty claim assistance when asked. She has even worked side by side with me during playground safety inspections of her equipment. Once, to her credit & my amazement, knee deep in the snow.
Her assistance has helped me enjoy statewide recognition for the playground safety programs here in the Hopewell Valley.

As a result of my Playground Safety Inspections, requests for parts and warranty claims are quickly processed.

Her presentations to PTO’s for new equipment are comprehensive, interesting and thorough. As a result, when choosing new play events, Ben Shaffer products are frequently chosen.

The playground products Ben Shaffer represents have earned a deserved reputation for FUN, safety and durability. A couple examples quickly come to mind:

Norman Torkelson
Director of Facilities
Hopewell Valley Regional School District, Pennington, New Jersey

"We are very pleased with the equipment and design of the playground...I've worked in schools for almost 30 years and haven't seen kids as focused on playground equipment as they are here. The equipment provides a lot of age-appropriate challenge because it's so developmentally designed."

“When it came time to purchase playground equipment for three Head Start preschool sites, Colorado Burke rep Les Ermold and his team were the best option to assist us in the entire process—planning, design, installation and follow-up. We required that the playground company chosen for this project make site visits to each location to verify that existing conditions were adequate for the playground equipment we wanted to purchase and other playground companies wanted us to gather this information ourselves. Les took it upon himself to travel to the locations and verify site details and requirements. He also made arrangements for shipping and installation of the equipment with one of his certified Burke playground installers. The new playground equipment meets all of our requirements and is greatly appreciated by both staff and students at the three sites. Overall, the project was handled in an extremely professional and efficient manner by Ermold Park & Recreation.”

Louis M. Gonzales, FMA, FMP
Facility Operations Specialist
Otero Junior College
Child Development Services
La Junta, Colorado

"Our PTO was becoming frustrated with other playground representatives and their products, then your rep came to work with us. He took the time to find out what we wanted in a playground, then showed us options that were fun for kids and that we could afford. He volunteered to take the extra time to help us unload our equipment, as well as spending over 12 hours supervising the installation. He made sure we were pleased with every step of the construction and final product. We feel we got a bargain, especially with all of his help."

"Best of all, our Burke representative was so helpful. When you¹re going through playground planning and building for the first time, it's nice to have someone help you along and listen to your needs and wants and then match it up."

"It's a wonderful playground. The kids just love it, but the main thing is the great service we received from our Burke Rep during the install process. He always took care and made sure everything was just right. That's the main thing....the great service we received."

Priscilla Doris, Principal
Kingston Springs Elementary School
Kingston Springs, TN

"Just a note to let you know how much we appreciate the way your rep handled our account...We chose the Burke product line because of the past experiences with the product, especially the low maintenance and durability of the product. She met with our committee on several occasions and discussed our needs and the options available to us...and helped us design a structure that best fit our needs and the space available to us. Our meetings went smoothly and were enjoyable experiences due to her pleasant personality and professional demeanor."

"I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know how wonderful it was to work with you on our project...You stuck with us for over a year and several re-designs, came to all the committee meetings that you were asked, always offered extra advice and came through every time we needed you! You really helped us put together the "park of our dreams."

"The project truly would not have been possible without your help. A huge selling point-- besides the 'awesome price'-- was the fact that you were going to oversee the installation. No other company offered that. Thanks so much for answering my many questions and helping so much (the weekend of the community build)."

"There are no behavior problems on the playground anymore. Nobody wants to lose playground time since we got the equipment. They all want to be out there playing. I thought the newness would wear off, but it hasn't all year."

"We just received our playground equipment, and I would like to tell you that it was a great experience from start to finish. During the bidding process, my questions were always answered in a friendly, timely manner. All materials I received were done professionally and in a format that was easy to understand. You went the extra mile to make sure our equipment was delivered to fit our schedule and you did it all with a smile. Thank you for a professional and positive experience!"

Child Care

"When our childcare center, United Methodist Children’s Center at Arroyo Grande, needed a new playground, we contacted several playground companies and found Innovative Playgrounds to be outstanding in service and timely in answering questions and concerns that we had. The knowledgeable consultants at Innovative listened to our needs, helped us stay within our budget, and brought our dream playground to life. They even went the extra mile and helped us install our Burke playground. We were impressed with the Burke playground quality and value of their products. The playground we designed with the assistance of Innovative Playgrounds will encourage imagination, foster relationships and challenge the physical developmental needs of our children for years to come. We look forward to working with Innovative Playgrounds and BCI Burke on our next project."

"I am writing to tell you how much I enjoyed and appreciated working with your local representative...Through the years, I have worked with a number of playground companies, but never with anyone with the professionalism, commitment and follow-through of (your Burke Rep). We are all so excited about our children having the opportunity to play on your wonderful equipment; of course, we want everything! We are so impressed with the many, many possible designs. Thank you for the quality of your equipment and your local representatives."

On September 1, 2010 the YMCA Child Care Center opened their newly remodeled center. Although our new building is wonderful the best part of the center is our new playground. Our old playground was covered in gravel and rarely did a day go by that someone did not fall or put gravel into an ear or nose. Now our new playground is covered in the most amazing turf ever! The children can fall and not get hurt.

Many people commented on how green our grass is and how do we keep it looking so good. They are shocked when I tell them it is artificial turf. This winter the children had fun making snowmen and snow angels. But the spring brought our best surprise. Normally as the snow melts the children would be wet and covered in mud, but the new turf drains most of the melting snow away. The children are still wet but they can dry their snow pants and jackets in the dryer because they are clean. Parents were thrilled!

The equipment that BCI Burke placed on the playground is like having a classroom outside. There is a music area that you can play drums and songs on. The children have even tried to copy the neighborhood church bells. There is a raised sand and water table that the children can play in for a sensory experience. The house has been used for a fast food drive through or even the "Three Bears House". We have to clear art easels. We can have children use regular tempera paint to make their masterpieces. Then cleanup is as easy as a bucket of soapy water. On the inside of the bike track is an obstacle course so the children can challenge themselves by balancing, climbing or hanging fom the bars for upper body strength. Then there are the climbing structures. Our one-year-olds can use 90% of the structures. I often see a teacher up on the structure for a clear "aerial" view of the playground. By far the most popular pieces of equipment are the spinners. The children will play on them all day and all seasons.

The open turf area allows teachers to play games and for children to just run without running into anything. Many of our teachers have used the colored Burke sign as they would the carpet area in the classroom. The children will listen to stories or sing songs.

The one part we were missing in September was an area for our one-year-old and under group. The people at BCI Burke really listened to what we had to say and a few months later they brought three new pieces of equipment to the playground just for that age group and the children love it.

We cannot thank Tim Ahern, Mark Sondergard, John Hansen and all of the great people at BCI Burke enough for the wonderful addition to our center.

"We have several pieces. Your equipment is the sturdiest, wears well, is well-built. I have an extensive playground and more on order. Other manufacturers are good too, but not as well-built as Burke. Even our installer said that too."

Church

"I am so so thrilled with the playground equipment. It just looks wonderful. The men worked on it 12 hrs. today and it is nearing completion. Beautiful! I haven't actually talked to the men who are putting it together but for myself I couldn't be more pleased. I would certainly recommend you to anyone. Thanks and God Bless."

"I really appreciated your help when we needed to adjust the size of the play structure to fit our budget. We ended up right on budget with a beautiful structure that our kids are thrilled with. Your extra effort confirms my belief that we made the right choice with Burke equipment."

Jim & Nancy Mohni
Playground Committee Chairs
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
Marion, IA

"The Children love our new playground. Recess is not only more fun for the kids, but it makes recess duty much less stressful. There are less accidents and everyone has something to keep them busy and having fun. I so appreciate Ermold Park & Recreation Products hard work and dedication to a costly and time consuming project. Thanks for making our community and school a great place to be!"

Neighborhood

“I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed working with you on the replacement of our tot lot at Georgetowne. You were helpful from the beginning of the process until the end: with the proposed drawing of the new Burke playground; to the qualified installers and finally coordinating our marching bench and litter container purchases. I would recommend Ben Shaffer & Associates to anyone looking for a professional company with great products. As you know we are very happy with Ben Shaffer and our playground equipment from Burke. It was a great experience and working with you made it easy.”

Julie Spinney, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
RCP Management Company
Georgetowne Condominium Association
East Windsor, NJ

GSA/Military

"I wanted to thank you and your staff for all the assistance and pre sales support. Your expertise, not just by you, but also your engineering staff, combined with the overall package presented and value proposition made BCI Burke our first choice for playground equipment.

We found Burke to be responsive, yet flexible enough to meet our time table and scheduling needs.
Once the equipment was received, your design support staff gave us the necessary information to properly install the Burke playground equipment in a timely manner, including a design change which became necessary to meet our safety distance requirements.

Burke is the Best! You guys are the pros needed to support our technical staff of geeks with power tools. We are used to construction for education and technology implementations; all the parts were there and were top quality American made with instructions printed in English. You couldn't ask for more!

We will be standardizing on Burke equipment for our future needs as we roll out the next 20 schools".

Avery Martinez
El Dorado Preschool
Fountain Valley, CA

Other

"Of all the equipment we have installed, I can say with confidence that Burke equipment has the least amount of problems of any manufacturer that we have dealt with."

Mitch Burley
Owner of a playground installation company
Mitch Burley Enterprises, Inc.
Otisville, MI

"We went with Burke Products represented by All About Play in Lake Orion, MI. They are a local business. That was important in our search process, as I'm sure you could understand with us living in Michigan. We compared a variety of vendors, but this vendor/company was competitive and local. We have been in touch regularly regarding little details and we are glad to have this knowledgeable resource so close."

customer testimonials