Series 3000 and Circuit Play - Havana, Ill.

When New Central Elementary School in Havana, Ill., decided to install a new playground, BCI Burke representative Mark Peterson faced a challenge: How to deal with the large hardwood tree right in the middle of the area where the playground was to be built.

Rather than take the tree down, Peterson and the New Central PTO decided to design the playground around it, integrating BCI Burke's Circuit Play and Series 3000 play systems, along with some free standing events to tie the whole playground together.

The result was a playground where up to 136 children at a time can climb, slide and exercise their imaginations. But the centerpiece of the playground isn't for play at all - it's a tribute in honor of the late classmate of many of the children -- Natalie Krohe, who lost her battle with cancer. The "wall" is a reproduction of a picture Natalie drew of herself, and a reminder of one with whom they once shared their playground.

The portion of the playground includes a Monster SlideTM, Rock Climb, Tree Climbers, Satellite Climber, Tri-Stepper, Freestanding Sky Pods, Camel Climber, C-Shaped Horizontal Ladder and other events - all fitting nicely into a playspace of only 62 feet by 57 feet - including the tree, which now provides natural shade and a welcome scenic element.