According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in every five children is obese. This trend is contributing to increases in childhood cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, and makes it more likely that these children will struggle with obesity as adults.

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Many experts, including Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, contend that this trend is partly attributable to “nature-deficit disorder”—a pervasive lack of experience in the outdoors.

Landscape Structures believes that one answer to this condition is to draw kids outdoors where higher levels of play activity will lead to greater physical, emotional, and social well-being. We call this new playground solution Play Naturally™ and have created several nature-inspired play structures to encourage outdoor play. The new Tree House and AdventureScapes®, along with our Natural Climbers, blend the beauty and wonder of nature with the safety, age appropriateness, and durability of manufactured equipment.

“Countless studies have indicated that outdoor play is becoming a thing of the past and that this is profoundly impacting the health of our children,” says Steve King, FASLA, cofounder and chairman of Landscape Structures. “We believe we have an obligation to turn this trend around and that our Play Naturally solution strikes the perfect balance between natural and man-made. Our nature-inspired products will attract more children outdoors, keep them playing longer, and encourage children to enjoy self-directed, free play in the outdoors—the way kids are supposed to play.”

Every Child Loves a Tree House
The imaginative Tree House play structure looks kid engineered and offers endless hours of fun. Real trees were the inspiration behind the Discovery Tree Climb, the Tree Stump Transfer Module, and the Log Steppers, and their Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) construction provides the most realistic look and texture while offering playground-friendly durability. This unique play structure lets kids discover hidden forest friends, explore the tree's life cycle with an Age Ring Tracing Panel, hold secret club meetings—or just hang out. And the Tree House’s lumber planks, with wood-grained texture, are 100 percent postconsumer recycled material.

Putting New Challenge in the Climb
Landscape Structures also connected its rocklike Natural Climbers with strong climbing cables to create the AdventureScapes climbing system. Now kids build upper-body and core strength as they maneuver around these rugged climbers. Playground planners can choose from nine AdventureScapes configurations, available as freestanding components or as a connection to a play structure, to fit a variety of spaces and budgets.

Bringing Nature to the Playground
Research shows that children who have opportunities to play in natural settings are typically healthier and more likely to become adults who respect and protect the environment.  Our Natural Climbers capture kids’ imaginations with the look and feel of real rock, and they give kids a real-life rock climbing experience.

Play Expands to the Surrounding Environment
Playing outside helps kids connect with nature, especially when inspired by nature-themed play equipment or creative landscaping. Adding just a few natural elements to the mix can make a big impact. The more attractive and comfortable a playground is for children and families, the more time they'll spend there. Every site is different, but with a little planning an average playground is turned into a natural gathering spot.

• The natural landscape can be helpful in designing an attractive and functional play environment.
• Play spaces positioned near existing natural elements increase the fun and kids’ activity levels.
• Interpretive signage detailing local plants and wildlife or the history of the park connects children and families to their natural surroundings.

Learn more about Landscape Structures’ new Play Naturally playground solution by visiting playlsi.com/play-naturally or contact your local Landscape Structures playground consultant.

About Landscape Structures
Since 1971, Landscape Structures has been the leading commercial playground equipment manufacturer in the world. The only major playground equipment company that is employee owned, Landscape Structures encourages outdoor play that develops healthy kids and a sustainable world by creating innovative products that are environmentally responsible. The company’s mission from day one has been to enhance children’s lives by fostering and creating inspiring play experiences while honoring the environment. Stay up to date with Landscape Structures at playlsi.com and find us on Facebook.