Do more than play hide and seek on the Seeker play structure. Forming a four pointed shape, the play structure offers a lot of play value for the relatively small number of components. Starting at the Double PlayShell Climber, kids can take a walk up the steps or comfortably sit holding onto the curved arch. Once they are done, they can jump down and head over to the Swoop Climb. This slightly hourglass shaped ladder brings a bit of whimsy into play. On the opposite side of the structure the whimsy continues with the Twisted Trident. Once children are sick of climbing they can head over to the Helix Spinner. Once they are too dizzy to continue, kids can take a moment to rest up in the Suspended PlayShells in the middle.
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 similar system, the Pinta, the Voyage, the Santa Maria, and the Expedition are excellent choices. If you are interested in a larger system, check out the Peak Adventure and the Trek. For a smaller play system, check out the North Star, Global, Nina, Columbus, and Magellan.
