Take play beyond on the Global play structure. Completing a small circle, the entire structure is basically climbers. Starting at the most simple, there is a Single Disk Cable that requires balance for kids to remain upright. As they move in a clockwise motion, they next move to the Challenge Climb. Essentially, it is a vertical wall with molded grips like on a climbing wall. Kids can go up and over or climb on one side at a time. As they move onward, they will reach the X-Climber. Unlike twisted climbers, this one is a literal “X” shape. At the center are a pair of curved handle forming a circle. The challenge in this climber comes from the hour-glass configuration. As climbers move on, they’ll come to the Explorer Wall. Curved to meet the center post, the climber is made up of solid panels and open spaces. As children near the end of the structure, the Double Disk Cable can be climbed up or simply sat upon. The last piece is the NaviClimb. This boomerang shaped structure has little frilled shapes to grip. When gripping, children will be forced to use their fingers rather than their full hand working on their finger strength.
The benefits to challenge style courses are innumerable. Oftentimes, older children do not feel challenged on the more traditional style structures. With the multiple free-form shapes and unusual climbers, children have to find a way to play. This encourages imaginative play the narrative is no longer forced by themed pieces. Children have to become their own authors of the story. Finally, while obstacle structure typically don’t have decks, they encourage more full body weight work. When there is a surface under their feet on classic structures, they don’t have to balance and support themselves. Moving up a ladder, or climbing up suspended components requires more strength and constant balance.
For a similarly sized play system, check out the North Star, Magellan, Nina, and Columbus. If you are more interested in something a little bit larger, the Seeker, the Pinta, the Voyage, the Santa Maria, and the Expedition. For an even larger system, check out the Trek and the Peak Adventure.
