Play & Park Structures Selected as 2011 Head Start Body Start Preferred Vendor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) April 19, 2011 -- CHATTANOOGA,TN, (April 5, 2011) -- Head Start Body Start National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play (HSBS) today announced that Play & Park Structures, a PlayCore company, has been selected as one of 28 playground and plays space companies, equipment manufacturers, and other creators of playground and play space-related resources for inclusion on its 2011 HSBS Preferred Vendor Catalog (PVC).

The elite group of vendors have been vetted by a panel of early childhood movement professionals and selected for their offer of discounts and value-added packages of safe and developmentally appropriate products for recipients of the upcoming HSBS 2011 Play Space Grant Awards. Nearly $2 million in Play Space Grants will be awarded to Head Start Centers across the country this year by HSBS to improve their outdoor play spaces. Grant recipients will be able to purchase uniquely designed value-added packages created by the HSBS Preferred Vendors at a minimum discount of 20% off the retail price.

According to Play & Park Structures, “We are pleased to be identified as a 2011 Head Start Body Start Preferred Vendor and to be able to support Head Start programs across the country in developing their outdoor playscapes. Our offering of creative outdoor playground products that combine music, movement, and learning elements provide grant recipients with strong developmentally appropriate options to create fun, engaging outdoor play spaces.”

Play & Park Structures joins HSBS in its efforts to promote healthy lifestyles. Learn more about Play & Park Structure’s participation and the Play Space Grants on the HSBS website at www.headstartbodystart.org.

About Head Start Body Start

Head Start Body Start National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play (HSBS) is a project of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and the American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation (AAPAR), which are associations of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). Funding for HSBS is provided by the Office of Head Start (OHS), Administration for Children and Families, US Department of Health and Human Services. The purpose of HSBS is to increase physical activity, outdoor play and healthy eating among Head Start and Early Head Start children, families and staff. HSBS will assist Head Start programs in creating healthy learning environments, both in and outside the classroom, through structured and unstructured physical activity that leads to the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of young children and reduces obesity and its associated costs. HSBS has three main objectives: (1) to inform and assist OHS in setting national priorities and developing policies; (2) to provide resources, training and technical assistance to Head Start and Early Head Start Centers; and (3) to administer and support grants for construction or improvement of outdoor play spaces at Head Start Centers.

About Play & Park Structures

Since 1976, Play & Park Structures has provided high quality playground products that inspire children's imaginations and creativity through innovation and superior product design. The company continues to advance the concept of play through unique designs, while maintaining a strong commitment to safety and quality across all product segments. Play & Park Structures offers a variety of playground equipment that is versatile in function, offering fun and excitement for children of all age groups. The colorful and innovative products are designed to engage a child's creativity and keep their attention while interacting with their peers in creative yet challenging environments. Learn more at: www.playandpark.com

About PlayCore

PlayCore helps build stronger communities around the world by advancing play through research, education, and partnerships. The company infuses this learning into its complete family of brands – GameTime, UltraSite, UltraShelter, UltraPlay, GT Grandstands, Snug, Play & Park Structures, TotTurf, Everlast Climbing, Spectrum Aquatics, Big Toys, and Swing-N-Slide. PlayCore combines best-in-class planning and education programs with the most comprehensive array of recreation products available to create play solutions that match the unique needs of each community served. Learn more at www.playcore.com.

early childhood     grant recipient     outdoor play     physical education     Play Space     playground equipment     preferred vendor     value added