union, kentuckyLittlest Angels to Cut Ribbon on New Intensity® Playground
When Littlest Angels day care center decided to install a new playground, the leaders sought more than just a place where children could have fun. They needed a playground that would promote critical thinking skills as well as fitness and recreation for both preschool and school-age students.
And they were able to meet all those objectives with the new BCI Burke playground on which they'll cut the ribbon in a grand opening celebration Saturday, April 24. The event, which begins at 1 p.m., also will provide opportunities for children to enroll in summer programs.
“I’ve always wanted Littlest Angels to be a place where kids could learn and have fun,” said Carrie DePue, owner of Littlest Angels. “But even more than that, I want to offer a place where kids can really grow, develop, and gain experiences they might not gain otherwise. This new playground is taking us a step beyond the norm, enhancing our center and giving these kids a great developmental experience through play.”
The play area combines Burke's Intensity fitness play system with its Circuit Play® Beginnings playground, which is designed for preschool children. Both Intensity and Circuit Play Beginnings emphasize fitness, according to Aaron Vicars, president of Burke Playgrounds of Kentucky and Tennessee. “Intensity is all about getting parts of your body moving that don’t normally get moving, and that’s what Littlest Angels was really interested in. They believe, like we at BCI Burke believe, that physical exercise and play are key elements in a child’s life,” says Aaron.
In addition to its focus on physical exercise, Intensity requires children to use critical thinking and problem solving skills as they navigate their way through the playground’s structures. It includes a timer, which allows children to track their progress and attempt to better their performance over time.
“I think there’s a lot to be said for the old fashioned ways of learning and playing,” said DePue. “I remember going outside as a kid and playing with the neighbors, imagining and playing make believe and getting exercise. I really think that’s what Burke has sort of resurrected through the Intensity structure. Kids can think and play, use teamwork, and challenge their minds and bodies.”
BCI Burke, headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wis., is a leading manufacturer of high quality playgrounds.
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