outdoor playground equipment at miramar

Education Czar Attends California Marine Corps Air Station Playground Opening

FOND DU LAC, Wisc. (April 8, 2011) –The nation’s education secretary, Arne Duncan, visited the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station in California and celebrated the dedication of a playground installed recently.  An entourage of current and retired military officers and elected officials joined Arne to unveil the playground.

The dignitaries gathered to push for improvements in the U.S. education system.  According to Arne, three out of four young adults are unqualified to join the armed forces, largely because of failures in the nation’s schools.

In addition, the nation's rapid increase in childhood obesity is starting to affect not only kids' health, but military's preparedness. A 2010 report published in the journal Military Medicine stated that, "Failure to meet weight standards is the top reason for medical disqualification for service, with approximately 10,000 enlisted applicants disqualified for this reason in 2007."

Innovative Playgrounds Company, the local BCI Burke representative in California, was on hand to celebrate the play area that they directed the design and installation of as a complement to one that was installed at Miramar in 2010.   The focus is similar to the previous one in that its purpose is to serve families with exceptional needs as well as able bodied kids. 

“Throughout the design process, we received input from the youth center near the park requesting that we combine fitness and fun by challenging the kids,” said Alvino Larios, Innovative Playgrounds President. 

The playground incorporates a ramped Nucleus™ unit that exceeds all ADAAG requirements including a Satellite Dock, Twist 'N Turn Climber, and several spinning events.   Burke Turf™ safety surfacing and shade for sun protection was also added. 

BCI Burke, with headquarters in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, is a premier manufacturer of commercial playground, park and recreation equipment and an avid champion of engaging kids in healthy, challenging and safe play. More information is available at www.bciburke.com.

The Innovative Playgrounds team brings over twenty years of combined commercial playground sales, project management, and installation experience and expertise in the park, recreation, school and childcare industry.  More information is available at www.innovativeplaygrounds.com.