Downtown Park is the perfect green space in downtown Waxhaw, North Carolina. Barrs Recreations April McLaurin began working with Waxhaw in 2021 to bring the Town’s vision of a nature play playground to life. Downtown Park features not only a playground, but an interactive stream, fitness area, pump track, flex court, walking paths, local art, amphitheater, and a large promenade for town events. Talk about the place to be!

Inclusive play equipment is no longer a trend– it has become a staple of well-designed play spaces. At Barrs Recreation we believe that play is for all! Inclusive playgrounds are integral to our mission as they enhance the lives of all parkgoers by providing equal opportunities for play, social interaction, and physical development.

Bears, foxes, and eagles oh my! These are just some of the animals that are featured at the new playground at Rock Ridge Park in Pittsboro, NC.

When designing a new playground and investing in commercial equipment, thoughtful research and strategic planning are crucial. The right play equipment should be fun and inviting while ensuring safety and catering to the needs of its users and the community. In this post, we offer detailed steps to help you make informed decisions while planning.

Sunshine and childhood fun go hand-in-hand. Clear, warm days are perfect for getting outside and enjoying a park playground! But sometimes, there can be too much of a good thing. Even the brightest smiles will fade under the relentless glare of a hot Carolina sun. As the sun climbs higher in the sky, that initial joy can quickly turn to discomfort if there’s nowhere to escape the heat. That’s why playground shade is a critical component of outdoor play spaces.

When you think of playgrounds, what comes to mind first? Slides or swings? Monkey bars? Maybe a see-saw? While these classics are always popular, there’s another play area element that provides tons of fun and offers a surprising range of benefits: rope playground equipment.

When it came time to design a park with recreational options for all ages, the Apex Parks & Recreation Department in North Carolina wanted something unique. They partnered with BCI Burke Playground Equipment and Barrs Recreation to create a one-of-a-kind experience that combines fun and fitness for all ages and abilities.

Playgrounds are essential for children. They provide a safe place to explore, socialize, learn, and develop. Toddlers have unique needs, and playgrounds built for older kids don’t offer the same benefits. Toddler playground equipment is designed specifically for children aged 2-5, providing a stimulating environment where they can burn off energy and have fun.

Outdoor Musical Instruments Make Your Playground a Hub for Self-Expression The Great Outdoors are even greater when you add music! Playgrounds that incorporate outdoor musical instruments do more than provide exercise for kids; they offer a stage for creativity, self-expression, and social interaction while boosting cognitive development.  Bet that’s sweet music to your ears!  Benefits of Outdoor Musical Instruments Playgrounds have evolved considerably over the years. Once upon a time, you might find a slide, swings, and perhaps a climber. Today’s play spaces are much more diverse; they emphasize variety and accessibility, and include a wide range of commercial playground equipment that stimulates both the body and the mind.

A new academic year is underway, which means schoolkids of all ages are once again filling their brains with knowledge. And, let’s face it, probably grumbling about too much homework. But there’s a light at the end of the tunnel: recess. Taking a short break from learning is essential to keep children active and engaged, and proper school playground equipment is key.  What’s Hot in School Playground Equipment They say the only constant in life is change, and school playground equipment is no exception. Much like everything from fashion and furniture to pop culture, tastes evolve. If they didn’t, we’d all still have avocado green fridges in our kitchens!