SOUTHEAST

GEORGIA

Fantastic Fourth Celebration
Celebrate Independence Day at Stone Mountain’s Fantastic Fourth Celebration from July 1–7 in Atlanta. There will be family-friendly activities, fireworks, and lasershow in the evening!

FLORIDA

SENSES Park
Check out the new all-inclusive playground at SENSES Park in Kissimmee. This park was created to fill a great need for a play space designed for children with autism. Enjoy the diverse play equipment and picnic shelters this summer.

ALABAMA

Flicks Among the Flowers
Take the family to Flicks Among the Flowers free outdoor movie event at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Check out the “Field of Dreams” on July 17 at sunset.

SOUTHWEST

CALIFORNIA

July 4th Celebration at the Pier
Bring the family to celebrate the 4th of July at PIER 39 in San Francisco. There will be live entertainment from 3 to 6 p.m. The fireworks show will start at 9:30 p.m.

TEXAS

Five on the 4th
Get a running start to Independence Day with the Five on the 4th race at Klyde Warren Park in Dallas. There will be a kids race, 2-mile walk, 5K run, and 5-mile run options.

COLORADO

Union Station Buskerfest
Bring the family to Buskerfest from August 1–4 at Denver Union Station. There will be world-class street performers doing a variety of acts including comedy, dance, juggling, unicycling, and much more.

MIDWEST

ILLINOIS

Millennium Park Summer Film Series
On Tuesdays until August 20, enjoy free movies at Millenium Park in Chicago. Check out the schedule for the full lineup. The movies start at 6:30 p.m. each night.

MICHIGAN

Summer Sounds Concert Series
Take the family to the Summer Sounds free concert series at Partridge Creek Mall’s outdoor courtyard until September 2. There will be local musicians performing in a variety of genres. Visit their website for the full schedule.

MISSOURI

KC RiverFest
Celebrate the 4th of July at KC RiverFest at the Berkley Riverfront in Kansas City. Enjoy fireworks, live music, food, and family-friendly activities.

NORTHEAST

MASSACHUSETTS

RiverFest
RiverFest is a free family-friendly event at DCR Neponset Park in Dorchester. There will fun outdoor activities including kayaking, canoeing, live entertainment, a rock wall, and much more on July 20.

NEW YORK

Free Summer Movies
Bring the family to see free movies this summer in many parks throughout New York City until September 8. Visit their website for specific movies, dates, times, and locations.

PENNSYLVANIA

Wawa Welcome America
Celebrate the 4th of July in Philadelphia with the Wawa Welcome America event. Enjoy this multi-day festival with fireworks, outdoor movies, block parties, free museum days, and performances by GRAMMY® Award-winning artists!

NORTHWEST

OREGON

Music on Main
Music on Main is a free outdoor concert series in downtown Portland on Wednesday evenings this summer until September 5. Check out their website for the schedule of musicians.

WASHINGTON

Kids Day
Bring the family to Kids Day on June 25 at Les Grove Park in Auburn. There will be lots of children’s activities, food, entertainment, and much more. This free event starts at 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

IDAHO

Outlaw Field Summer Concert Series
Pack a picnic and spend some summer evenings at Idaho Botanical Garden’s outdoor concert series. Visit their website for the full schedule and lineup!

Listed below is the perfect beginner’s tool about how to grill out so you can provide your friends and family a tasty meal in the park.

Supplies you’ll need:

1. Grill brush
2. Tinfoil
3. Charcoal
4. Barbecue lighter or long matches
5. Lighter fluid if it is not already infused in the charcoal
6. Tongs or any other necessary cooking supplies

After you have the necessary supplies needed, just follow these few steps and you’ll be ready to impress your friends and put your grilling skills to work!

Step 1: First thing’s first, you need to clean the grill to avoid any unwanted germs. Start by using the grill brush to scrape off any excess food from the person before you. If you do not have a grill brush handy, crumble up a piece of tinfoil and that will do the trick.

Step 2: Remove the ashes from the bottom of the grill to keep a consistent airflow.

Step 3: Cover the grates with tinfoil for added protection for your food, or wrap the food in tinfoil. Depending on what you’re cooking, wrapping it in tinfoil enhances the flavors and results in a savory meal.

Step 4: Place the charcoal in the bottom of the grill and light it using your barbecue lighter or long matches. Let the charcoal heat up for about 10–15 minutes before grilling.

You are now ready to begin the cooking process! The only thing left to do after you’re done grilling is to clean the grill grates one more time so the next person to use it can enjoy their experience as well.

Park grills are a great way to bring your group together and enjoy a flavorful meal while enjoying the outdoors. Superior Site Amenities offers an outdoor Rotating Grill if you do not have access to a charcoal grill near you. They are the perfect tool for bringing friends and family together, especially now that the summer season is upon us and these outdoor holidays are sneaking up!

How to use an outdoor grill was originally published in SuperiorRecreationalProducts on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Outdoor pavilions are common structures created to protect ourselves from the beaming sun and messy weather. Superior Shelter provides a wide variety of versatile structures that accommodate the needs of different markets and environments. Whether it is to add character to your facility or to protect amenities from weather, outdoor pavilions have many uses.

Square

Square pavilions provide a simple solution for protecting amenities such as picnic tables, rest areas, and many other recreational settings. They provide shelter from the weather, and can simply be used for entertainment purposes. Common sizes include 16' x 16', 20' x 20', 24' x 24', 28' 28', and 30' x 30'.

Rectangular

Rectangular pavilions, commonly known as Hip End shelters, are a must when it comes to large venues and outdoor areas. There are many design options to choose from which allows the buyer to add character to the space it is designated for. Rectangular-shaped shelters are great for shading everything from picnic tables to portable restrooms.

Hexagon

Hexagon shaped pavilions provide a unique style to any environment, and are commonly used near bodies of water like lakes and ponds. This style portrays an elegant look as it often resembles a gazebo. Popular sizes are 9', 16', 18', 20', 24', 28', 30', 32'.

Octagon

Octagon shaped pavilions are a way to make bold statements. They are often seen in natural settings close to water. Adding accessories to this shelter often times makes it more alluring and captivating. Ornamental accessories like handrails and lattice make this a popular choice for weddings venues, gardens, and theme parks for covering carousels.

When choosing an outdoor pavilion, it is important to take into consideration what the purpose of the shelter will be, and the location where you are wanting to build it.

Common Outdoor Pavilion Shapes and Uses was originally published in SuperiorRecreationalProducts on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

There are many things that contribute to safety on the playground. From choosing your equipment to years after it’s installed, keeping your playground safe for children is an ongoing process.

1. Proper Layout

When you’re ready to create or update your playground, it’s important to work with a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) because they are trained to design safe playgrounds. They’ll create a site plan that includes possible design and layout options for your play equipment, surfacing, and more.

2. Expert Installation

Another important key to playground safety is proper installation. No matter if you choose to do a community build or not, it’s necessary to use CPSI certified installers to ensure your playground is installed correctly and safely. Nothing is more important than the safety of the children playing on the playground equipment. To learn more, check out our tips for a successful community-build playground!

3. Age-Appropriate Equipment

It’s important to provide children with play equipment that’s catered to their age group. As they age, children develop important physical and mental milestones. Because of this, it’s important to incorporate age-appropriate playground activities for each of the three age levels on your playground: 6–23 months, 2–5 years old, and 5–12 years old.

4. Safety Surfacing

In addition to safe play equipment, it’s important to have proper surfacing within your play area. Since safety is our top concern, we only recommend using surface materials with proven track records. From bonded rubber to loose fill options, there are are a variety of options to choose from. Check out our surfacing guide to determine which type is best for your playground.

5. Supervision and Maintenance

Throughout the life of your playground, it’s important to make sure it’s properly maintained. Conduct regular safety checks instead of waiting for a complaint by a guest. In addition, having adequate supervision is important in making sure children are being safe while having fun on the play equipment. Download our free maintenance and supervision guides to kick start your playground safety plan!

To learn more about playground safety, check out our Q & A on the evolution of playground safety with our own playground safety expert!

The Keys to Playground Safety was originally published in SuperiorRecreationalProducts on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

SOUTHEAST

WASHINGTON, D.C.

National Cherry Blossom Festival
Visit the beautiful cherry blossoms at our nation’s capital this spring from March 20 to April 14. It’s predicted that peak bloom will be April 3–6! In addition, there will be many events happening throughout the duration of the festival. Check out their website for more details.

GEORGIA

Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Head to Piedmont Park in Atlanta from April 12–14 for the 83rd annual Dogwood Festival. Enjoy an artist market, children’s activities, disc dogs, rides, live music, and much more. Go to the Dogwood Festival’s website to help plan your trip.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Bunny Brunch
Bring the family to The Children’s Museum of the Upstate on April 13 for Bunny Brunch. Tickets include hot breakfast, photos with the Easter Bunny, egg hunt, and crafts. While you’re there, also check out the cool three-story outdoor playground!

SOUTHWEST

CALIFORNIA

Bike to Work Day
Join many in San Francisco on May 9 for the biggest biking day of the year. There will be energizer stations throughout the city, neighborhood rides, and a bike challenge. Visit their website to learn more about how you can get involved.

TEXAS

Dallas Blooms
See the beautiful flowers at the Dallas Arboretum during Dallas Blooms this spring. From now until April 7, you can enjoy many events during this festival including live music, entertainment, children’s activities, tastings and cooking classes, Easter events, and much more.

COLORADO

Cañon City Music and Blossom Festival
Held annually during the first week of May, the Cañon City Music & Blossom Festival is the ultimate celebration of the spring season. Festivities begin on May 1 with the Wright’s Amusements Giant Carnival and last until May 5. In addition to the Giant Carnival, the festival offers a selection of several different bands, a 1/2 marathon and 5k, and a Kid’s Zone. Refer back to the Cañon City Music and Blossom Festival website and Facebook page for more detailed information.

MIDWEST

ILLINOIS

Food Truck Social
Do you love grilled cheese, doughnuts, pierogis, and tacos? We thought so! That’s why you should plan to spend May 11 from 7:30–10 P.M. enjoying the spring season while experiencing Chicago’s finest food trucks located in the Lincoln Park Zoo. Entry into the zoo is just $10, and the Zoo’s website provides the complete list of the food trucks planning to attend.

MINNESOTA

Maple Syrup Day
That fresh spring air has made its way back around, which means it’s time to awake from that wintery slumber and enjoy pancakes and the great outdoors. What better way to welcome spring than by participating in Maple Syrup Day at the Audubon Center of the North Woods on March 23 from 10 A.M. — 2 P.M. Reservations for this pancake brunch and hands-on maple syrup program are required, so check out the website now to claim your spot!

INDIANA

Spring Out to Sunset Festival
Load up your car and head to Sunset Hill Farm County Park on May 18 at noon for an afternoon of family activities including bounce houses, vintage baseball, food vendors, music, and more! Admission to the park is only $5 per car. In addition to the afternoon fun, the post-festival blues concert will take place at 4 P.M. at the amphitheater. Tickets to the post concert are $10 per person while children 12 and under are free.

NORTHEAST

NEW YORK

9/11 Memorial & Museum 5K
Sign up for the 9/11 Memorial and Museum 5K on April 28. This event pays tribute to those who took part in rescue and recovery efforts. Participants can walk or run the route that begins in lower Manhattan and ends adjacent to the Memorial Plaza where Community Day will take place. Community Day is a free event that features fun entertainment and activities for those of all ages.

Massachusetts

ArtWeek
With activities like behind-the-scenes art tours and numerous artistic opportunities for kids, ArtWeek features unexpected, creative, and interactive experiences. Live on April 1, the ArtWeek website will give you an inside look at the event calendar. Mark your calendars now for the next ArtWeek festival taking place from April 26 — May 5.

Connecticut

Flashlight Egg Hunt
Hop on over to the Town of Windsor on April 12 for the flashlight egg hunt in the dark. Festivities begin on the town green at 6:30 P.M. for children ages 1–12 years old. Don’t forget to bring your camera for a free photo with the Easter bunny!

NORTHWEST

WASHINGTON

Apple Blossom Festival
Freshly picked apples, apple pie, apple butter… you can find all of these yummy treats at the Apple Blossom Festival in Wenatchee from April 25 to May 5. Enjoy delicious apples, parade, entertainment, food, and more!

OREGON

Reigning Roses Walk
Celebrate your mom, grandmother, daughter, or friend by participating in the Reigning Roses Walk on May 12. The community walk takes place throughout northwest Portland and showcases local businesses and supporters.

MONTANA

Roll and Stroll Downtown
Commute (bike, run, walk, stroll) downtown to receive discounts from participating downtown businesses! Coincidentally following National Bike Month, the Roll and Stroll is an annual event organized by Downtown Helena, Inc. and co-sponsored by the Business Improvement District to contribute to the vibrant biking community that Downtown Helena has to offer. The mission of this event is to promote health and fitness in the community, encourage downtown vibrancy, and establish a commuter-friendly atmosphere in our downtown district.

Spring Bucket List was originally published in SuperiorRecreationalProducts on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

From umbrellas and sail shades to cantilevers, there are so many types of shades available. When looking to shade your outdoor area, consider the cantilever shade and how it can benefit your space.

Cantilevers provide shade with both flexibility and style. They are designed with off-centered posts in order to allow for unobstructed open space without the interference of a column.

Types of Cantilever Shades

While the main design feature of the cantilever is the same, there are a variety of cantilever shades to consider including standard, hanging, suspended, t-cantilever, dugout, and custom cantilevers.

1. Standard Cantilevers
Standard cantilevers are great for covering areas that require a lot of open space including car parking shade, walkways, bus stop seating, bleachers, and more.

2. Hanging Cantilever
Hanging cantilevers can cover great distances. They are designed with a max width of 18', but they can be configured with multiple bays in order to cover any distance.

3. Suspended Cantilevers
Suspended cantilevers are designed for areas that need more shaded space. They utilize suspension braces at the top of the structure in order to support the extended shade canopy.

4. T-Cantilevers
T-cantilever help keep the number of posts to a minimum. They typically feature a single column per beam up to an 18' width. When a beam length exceeds 18', an additional support column will be needed.

5. Dugout Cantilever
The raised design of the Dugout Cantilever allows the shade canopy to cast a direct shade on your intended area. What’s more, it’s easy to install! It can also be customized with fabric panels between the columns to block the wind.

6. Custom Cantilevers
If you have a unique space, our talented team of designers and engineers can work with you to create a custom cantilever shade solution. A great example of this is our project at the USSSA Space Coast Complex.

Features and Benefits of Cantilever Shades

1. The cantilever design allows for considerably more usage of the space below the canopy.
2. Many of our cantilevers are equipped with our Glide Elbow™ mechanism, which allows you to easily attach and remove the shade fabric.
3. Because the cantilever allows for great flexibility, it can be utilized in many different types of spaces from parking lot shades to outdoor dining areas.

Uses for Cantilever Shades

There are many types of spaces that would benefit from a cantilever shade including:

• parking lots
• bus stops
• walkways in schools and retail centers or malls
• dugouts in sports venues
• bleachers and stadium seating
• shaded seating in parks and outdoor dining spaces

If you think a cantilever shade is right for you, contact us to get started!

What is a cantilever shade? was originally published in SuperiorRecreationalProducts on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

We are always hard at work to bring you the latest outdoor recreational products on the market. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, we’ve curated a list of 14 products we love and that we think you will too!

1) Themed Playgrounds

There’s no limit when designing themed playgrounds! We create one-of-a-kind playground themes that fit within any space on any budget. From battling pirates to exploring outer space, we offer themed playground equipment that helps children explore the magic of imagination.

2) Delta Climbers
We’re excited to introduce our new collection of Delta playground climbers! With 8 different designs and configurations available, you’re sure to find the one that best completes your play structure. The unique design of our Delta climbers adds great architectural interest while leaving a visual impression on parkgoers. What’s more, they also add play value. Children will enjoy conquering these challenging climbers while they develop coordination, growing muscles, confidence, and more!

3) Rockin’ Glide

This is the perfect time to introduce this new product in celebration of North American Inclusion Month as it’s 100 percent inclusive! Children of all abilities can gently glide on the Rockin’ Glide as they work together to shift their weight or push the outside to achieve momentum. It has seating for six plus one mobility device. This is a fun product to complete your new or existing playground.

4) Arches Site Amenities Collection
Our new premium collection of site furnishings features a classy and functional design. The Arches collection includes tables, benches, and a trash receptacle at a price everyone can afford.

5) Tractor and Trailer Slide

Fuel up and put fun into gear with the Tractor and Trailer Slide! This independent slide will bring the fun of the farm to your playground. It features a tractor seat and steering wheel, tractor engine, lily pad steppers, pipe wall with wheel panel, and a double wall slide. It’s developmentally appropriate for children ages 2–5 and 5–12. For surfacing purposes, it has a use zone of 35' x 18'. We recommend using a yellow and green color scheme, however, you are welcome to choose your own colors!

6) Freestanding Net Climbers
Net Climbers add play value and architectural interest to any playground. With several different designs available, you’re sure to find the one that best fits your space.

7) Component Net Climbers

Add a net climber to your new playground structure for added play value and architectural interest. With several different designs available, you’re sure to find the one that best fits your play space.

8) Halo Disc Shade
Many communities are seeking unique designs to add a signature and iconic element to their space. The design of our Halo Disc Shade combines eye-catching aesthetics with durable and long-lasting construction. This shade features a modern, slim design with a unique architectural look. A slim fabric disc is securely laced to a steel ring, which is supported by two curved columns that create a bold architectural statement.

9) Pinwheel Shade

This unique patent-pending layered design provides full shade coverage as well as the opportunity to select multiple colors. This Pinwheel Shade is available in a square or hexagon shade. Use it as a freestanding shade or as a modular playground shade.

10) Trellis Swing
Not only does our Trellis Swing make a decorative statement, it also provides two inviting swings. It’s perfect for many locations including public gathering spaces, parks, and more.

11) Flower Shade

Our themed, all-steel flower creates a bold and fun statement for schools, parks, pools, splash pads, and more. Customize your flower structure with your choice of powder coating colors and finishes. Add several to your environment with several different colors.

12) Tenor Tree
All children enjoy exploring the sounds of music and we are thrilled to introduce the Tenor Tree! It features 12 notes that make up a C-Major Diatonic scale and are divided into three harmonically pleasing chords.

13) Newly Designed Roofs

We’re excited to introduce our new collection of playground roofs! These modular roofs are designed to be unlike any other in the industry, which will help give your playground an iconic look. The new designs include the Arched Gable Roof, Arched Hexagon Roof, and the Arched Split Hexagon Roof.

14) Daisy Dash™
In the first-ever shaded electronic playground game, the Daisy Dash™ is designed to get you moving! Play against the clock to touch each daisy sensor as it lights up. See how many lights you can touch before the 20-second clock runs out. Simply turn the rotator on the leaf panel to begin.

14 Products We Love was originally published in SuperiorRecreationalProducts on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The Big Game kicks off on February 3 as the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots travel to Mercedes Benz Stadium (home of the Atlanta Falcons) in Atlanta, Ga. With hopes of securing the Lombardi Trophy, these two teams will battle it out in what constitutes as America’s most-watched sporting event — also known as Super Bowl LIII.

You don’t have to be a huge football fan to love the Super Bowl, but the Big Game brings a spectacle that you will not want to miss. In addition to these two teams competing for the number one spot in the National Football League (NFL), the day consists of family-friendly games, tasty recipes, community companionship, and much more. In order to help you celebrate, we’ve curated a list of outdoor activities to make the day memorable.

1. Visit your local park.
   Pack a picnic and head to your local park for some fresh air and a fun afternoon outdoors. If you’re in the Atlanta area, visit Cumming City Park to take advantage of the pavilions and picnic tables right next to the playground! Don’t forget to bring a football to toss around.
2. Host a tailgate party.
   Gather outdoors with friends, family, and neighbors for some yummy food and drinks and fun tailgate games like a corn hole tournament. Grill out and prepare festive tailgate foods such as pizza, wings, burgers, veggie plates, etc.
3. Start a game of touch football.
   Spark some game-day spirit with your own football game. Planning a game of touch football in a local park or your very own backyard will definitely get the whole family active, involved, and in the game-day spirit. You can even use face paints to gear up for the big game.
4. Play Super Bowl trivia.
   Test your knowledge of previous Super Bowls in a friendly game of trivia. Check out this blog post from Good Housekeeping for some ideas on how to drive your Super Bowl trivia game. Trivia topics include questions such as “which Super Bowl had the most-watched halftime show ever?” or “where was the coldest Super Bowl played?”
5. Take the dogs for a pre-game walk
   Grab your dogs and head outdoors. If you have pups and are in the Atlanta area when Super Bowl festivities are taking place, you and your dogs should check out Fetch Park & Ice House. This trendy spot is Atlanta’s first full-service dog park bar and restaurant and quite the place to check out.

Outdoor Activities before the Big Game was originally published in SuperiorRecreationalProducts on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Because shelters are one of the most versatile structures, they’re the perfect centerpiece to design your outdoor space around. In particular, developers, homeowners associations, and apartment complex owners turn to us to create shaded spaces for their community to enjoy.

A must-have for any multi-family community, our shelters provide the perfect spot for group picnics or community events. Strategically place it next to your pool or playground area for easy access. Here are some more ideas for utilizing a shelter in your community:

Areas to use shelter:

• picnic areas
• outdoor cluster mailbox area
• leasing office entryway shelter
• kiosks with lockable display cases and internal cork boards
• trellis to provide a unique design to open areas

In addition to being functionally useful, shelters will help impress prospective residents and attract families. Shelters can complement the existing landscape throughout your community.

Complete Your Space

Pair your shelter with a couple of picnic tables and trash receptacles to create a complete outdoor gathering space. You can customize amenities with your community logo, which is a great way to market your brand

Give your residents the amenities they need to relax and live. Get in touch to work with Superior on planning your outdoor shelter.

Planning Your Outdoor Shelter Space was originally published in SuperiorRecreationalProducts on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The Importance of Playground Maintenance and Supervision

Did you know many playground injuries can be easily prevented? With active supervision and frequent maintenance, you can help ensure children are safe while having fun on properly working play equipment.

We‘re all trying to help children become happy, healthy, and well-adjusted adults. Preventing playground injuries is a step in that direction, which starts with maintenance and supervision on the playground at the park, school, or even at home.

To help foster safe play spaces, we partnered with two CPSI certified experts in playground safety to create two in-depth guides on maintenance and supervision — both are FREE!

Keeping your playground maintained and establishing supervision processes is really easier than you think! That’s why we created a Playground Inspection and Maintenance Guidebook to ensure your playground stays in stellar condition for years on end. After all, commercial playground equipment is a big investment so you want to make sure it’s safe for children to play on and properly maintained.

The Playground Supervision Guidebook emphasizes the need for proper supervision processes of children while they’re having fun to keep them safe. It ranges from reasons why it’s not a good idea to include benches on your site to mobile device distractions.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to prevent behavioral and environmental playground hazards
• Effective ways to be a playground supervisor
• How to create a successful maintenance and inspection program

Download your free playground safety guides!

Free Playground Safety Resources was originally published in SuperiorRecreationalProducts on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.