January 2007

Happy Birthday to RecTec!

This year marks RecTec's 20th year in business! So much has changed over the past 20 years, click here for a History of Playgrounds (JPEG, 1MB).

Also check out our 20 Facts to Celebrate 20 Years! (PDF, 2MB)

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- The Dangers of a Burned Playground -

Today's Playground (December 2006) recently published an article outlining the dangers of cleaning up playgrounds that have been vandalized by fire. Most playgrounds in North America contain Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) coated decks and other components; when PVC burns it releases toxic dioxins and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB's). These toxins leave a carcinogenic ash to be cleaned up by unaware maintenance workers.

"Dealing with the Aftermath" (PDF, 5MB)

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- Metal Slides Now Available! -

BigToys now offers metal slides on their structures for children aged 5-12. The first BigToy with a metal slide was recently installed in Alberta.

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- "All Work and No Play… Make Kids Fat" -

USA Today comments on the recent banning of recess in American schools. http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2006/11/post_67.html

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- FUNdraiser of the Month -

Hold a La-Z Boy day at your school! Raffle off tickets for a chance to spend your school day in a La-Z Boy recliner. You can repeat this monthly - it never gets boring!