There's little argument that people are highly connected to one another from a tech standpoint. But the need—and desire—for connectivity goes beyond scrolling trending TikToks into the physical world.
Indeed, 55% of adults recently polled said that being an active part of their communities was important to them. Interestingly, this represents a substantial increase over the past two decades. In the early 2000s, under one-third of Americans felt likewise.
This is a step in a positive direction since feeling tied to a community is vital to stronger physical and mental well-being, not to mention stress reduction. As one study showed, people with weak community bonds experienced poorer health than those who felt like they "belonged" in their communities.
That said, it can be challenging to encourage people to unplug and interact within their communities. Often, they need a compelling reason to engage with friends and neighbors. AAA State of Play is delivering that reason across the nation with its innovative and inclusive lineup of commercial playground equipment products.
Turning Unused Spaces into Community Environments
For nearly 20 years, AAA State of Play has been on a mission to enhance community health and engagement. By equipping schools, parks, and businesses with high-quality playground equipment, the company has helped transform outdoor spaces into safe, welcoming environments where people of all ages can connect through the joy of play.
The success of AAA State of Play lies in its commitment to four core principles:
1. Inclusivity Is Paramount
No two people are exactly the same. Some require special accommodations to make it possible for them to participate in playground activities. This is why AAA State of Play offers dozens of accessible equipment pieces as part of its extensive catalog.
The commercial playground equipment company states that incorporating inclusive features into modern playgrounds prompts engagement and supports a sense of community. When all kids and families feel comfortable visiting a playground, they can improve their and their community's overall wellness. Additionally, inclusive equipment fosters organic diversity; a playground is meant for all, including those who are differently abled.
2. Support Is Key
Rather than just being a seller of playground equipment, AAA State of Play has set itself apart as a supportive asset for its commercial clientele. That way, its employees can pass along their expertise to clients who want playgrounds but are unsure where to start.
To achieve a high degree of support and service, the company has added many specially certified individuals to its team. For example, several members of AAA State of Play are certified playground safety inspectors. Accordingly, they can assist clients in designing one-of-a-kind community spaces that are both exciting and safe. Again, this spills over into the development of playground areas that families feel secure about patronizing.
3. Sustainability Is Top of Mind
Today, our society understands the importance of having an eco-friendly mindset in all that we do. With sustainability being a growing priority, AAA State of Play provides eco-friendly playground solutions to help reduce environmental impact. The company offers equipment and outdoor furniture made from recycled plastics, as well as recycled rubber mulch for long-lasting ground cover. These green options make playgrounds healthier and cleaner spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Do kids, families, and groups realize that they're playing within an environmentally friendly playground? Perhaps not at first. But down the road, they'll feel the positive "green" impacts of being able to engage with a cleaner, healthier community space.
4. Adult Needs Are Considered
Playgrounds are not just for kids. The AAA State of Play recognizes that adults often spend time at playgrounds with their children and that time is typically spent sitting at a bench to watch them play with friends. While supervision is necessary, it's not conducive to helping an adult stay active.
To promote movement and fitness for all ages, the company includes adult-focused equipment like stationary hand bikes, lat pull-down machines, and outdoor gyms in its offerings. This approach encourages adults to stay active and improve their fitness while their children play, promoting health and well-being for the entire family.
Communities are only as strong as the people within them. With the help of forward-thinking companies like AAA State of Play, leaders can create outdoor spaces where individuals of all ages can connect, stay healthy, and build lasting relationships in the real world. All of which helps to build not only healthier people but a stronger sense of community for any area.