user`s manual and play associate`s guide
Contents
1. Imagination fn d read carefully eaa user s manual and play associate s guide important safety information Please Copyright 2011 Imagination Playground LLC All Rights Reserved table of contents introduction part 1 e user s manual 6 16 25 26 Getting Started Before installing Imagination Playground in your facility Components The Storage Units Imagination Playground Indoors Maintenance and Replacement part 2 e play associate s guide 28 29 30 34 35 40 Now You re Ready to Start Playing What We re All About Play and Play Work The Role of the Play Associate Play Sessions Join the Community of Play Associates reference material limited warranties welcome from david rockwell and darell hammond Thank you for supporting Imagination Playground and our effort to give children more opportunities for free play With Imagination Playground our goal is to give all children the ability to create their own stories games and explorations in a fun safe environment Imagination Playground is just the first step to inventing worlds and games beyond your imagination So come join our community of play advocates Reach out to our online community or write us we d love to hear about your experiences with Imagination Playground Welcome to the movement to promote free play for all children Dew Reed Mham David Rockwell Darell Hammond about imagination playgr2. Setting the initial stage for children to play Observing children s play and identifying needed resources or problems by listening to the children themselves Sometimes animating play ideas by mod estly demonstrating possible different play possibilities and uses of materials from the sidelines Building relationships with children and parents Promoting fair and caring behavior by their own demonstration and by gently interven ing in conflicts when necessary Encouraging choice and presenting oppor tunities for children to extend their play Encouraging teamwork Ensuring a safe and hygienic environment Play Associates must take part in Imagi nation Playground training sessions for an introduction into the concepts behind Imagination Playground their daily respon sibilities ways in which they can foster free play experiences for children as well as the importance of unstructured play in a child s development play sessions As a general guideline we recommend a Play Associate to child ratio of no less than one Play Associate to twenty children for ages five through twelve years old With children under five years old we recommend a higher Play Associate to child ratio crowding and age groups Imagination Playground was intended to appeal to a broad range of ages and we find that children of mixed ages enjoy collabo rating with our loose parts In some cases however when there are a larg
3. MATERIALS OF THE MANUFAC TURER FURTHER NO REPRESENTATION WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN OF A MANUFACTURER S REPRESENTATIV MAY BE SUBSTITUTED OR ALTER TH EXCLUSIVE LIMITED WARRANTY mi tH EXCLUSIVE REMEDY To make a valid claim under the terms of this Warranty the Pur chaser s written statement of claim including a specific description of the defect along with a copy of the original invoice maintenance records and supporting photographs must be received by the Manufacturer at the following address Imagination Playground LLC Attn Customer Service 5 Union Square West 8th Floor New York NY 10003 USA on or before the end of the Warranty Period Should the breach of this warranty occur within the applicable warranty period the Manufacturer shall upon proper notification in writing of the defect correct such defect either by repairing the defective block or by making available a replacement block at the Manufacturer s option within sixty 60 days of receipt of such written notification The Manufacturer shall deliver the repaired or replacement part or parts to the Purchaser free of charge Any replacement block shall be subject to this warranty for the balance of the original applicable warranty period but not thereafter LIABILI
4. channel bend 4 square block 10 arch chute 2 plug 4 p plug 4 squeaky hinge 4 little cheese 5 small plug 5 nickel 5 long block 4 chute 2 noodle 15 14 primary block 8 clover gear 2 plus gear 2 found parts The set of parts provided in your Imagination Playground is just a starting point You may add items that children can use in multiple ways For example a bucket can be used to water a garden as a drum in a parade and as a crown for a king or queen Make sure you only use materials and items that are age appropriate Reclaimed objects and material remnants such as plastic cups planters fabrics scraps and empty boxes are ripe with possi bilities for open ended play Be sure that they are non toxic free from sharp edges and age appropriate Local businesses and resources may have suitable materials to donate The Reusable Resources Association for example is a non profit organization that distributes overruns and used educational materials For more information visit http www reusableresources org or call 321 984 1018 15 16 the storage units imagination playground in a box your storage unit the box If you are using Imagination Playground Indoors or Imagination Playground in a Cart and you do not have an Imagination Playground in a Box storage unit you can skip this section The Imagination Playground in a Box storage unit is made up of two weather re
5. date of purchase and terminate at the end of ONE 1 YEAR from the date of purchase the War ranty Period The warranty stated is valid ONLY if the prod ucts are used in conformity with the 49 50 Manufacturer s user s manual maintained and inspected in accordance with the Manu facture s user s manual for normal use for the purpose for which the goods were designed not subject to abuse vandalism misuse neglect or accident not used near sharp objects or abrasive surfaces not stored in areas that are above 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit and are not modified or altered This warranty does not cover any small varia tion in block color which is normal and will not affect the function of the blocks minor color fading caused by extended exposure to sunlight over time which is normal and will not reduce functionality and small surface voids that may be present which is a normal part of the manufacturing process THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER REPRESEN TATIONS AND WARRRANTIES OF ANY KIND WHETHER EXPRESS IMPLIED OR STATUTORY INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY OF CONDITION DESCRIPTION MERCHANT ABILITY FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON INFRINGEMENT OR ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WAR RANTIES MADE IN ANY BROCHURES MANUALS CATALOGS LITERATURE OR OTHER
6. installing a concrete pad For temporary sites and events you may also be able to install temporary flooring as long as it meets the requirements specified on pages 6 and 7 We suggest that you contact a local bonded contractor who can give you a legal guaran tee for their services In these cases you will need to make special arrangements through your contractor for unloading and placing the Boxes on site with a forklift limited warranty Imagination Playground in a Box and Imagination Playground in a Cart Imagination Playground LLC the Manufacturer provides the following Limited Warranty to the original purchaser the Purchaser of Imagination Playground in a Box or Imagination Playground in a Cart This warranty covers the Imagination Playground Box or Cart storage unit and the Loose Parts Foam Blocks only 48 box and cart storage unit limited warranty Imagination Playground LLC the Manufac turer warrants its products to be free from structural failure due to defect in materials or workmanship during normal use and installa tion in accordance with the specifications as provided by the Manufacturer The warranty shall commence on the date of purchase and terminate at the end of ONE 1 YEAR from the date of purchase the Warranty Period The warranty stated is valid ONLY if the products and structures are erected properly and in conformity with the layout plan and or ins
7. s Manual _info imaginationplayground org and taken our on line training session youre ready to start the fun We d love to hear about Imagination Playground LLC your experiences with Imagination Playground Atin Customer Service nd your efforts to encourage free pl 5 Union Square West 8th Floor and your efforts to encourage free play New York NY 10003 We invite you to join us as we work to bring free play to kids and communities across the nation and around the world Become www imaginationplayground org a part of our community of Play Associates and participate in our on line forum at http playassociates org For login information and any questions about Imagination Playground please contact us at 866 986 5551 references 42 British Adventure Play www adventureplay org uk The Alliance for Childhood www allianceforchildhood net index htm The Free Play Network www treeplaynetwork org uk Imagination Playground www imaginationplayground org Child Development Institute at Sarah Lawrence College www slc edu edi index php Children s Play Information Service www ncb org uk cpis resources SkillsActive Playwork www skillsactive com playwork Alliance for Childhood 2009 Time for Play Every Day It s Fun and Fundamental lt http www allianceforchildhood org sites allianceforchildhood org fles file pdf projects play pdf_fles play_fact_sheet pdf gt Department for Chil
8. to order completion subcontractor supplier or Purchaser caused delays inability to obtain labor materials or manufacturing facilities or compliance with any law regulation or order SAVINGS CLAUSE If any part of the terms and conditions stated herein is held void or unenforceable the same will be treated as severable leaving valid the remainder of the terms and conditions which shall be deemed revised so as to remain enforceable to the greatest extent possible consistent with such holding GOVERNING LAW All matters relating to the sale of products or services shall be governed by the law of the State of New York U S A notwithstanding any conflict of laws principals DISPUTES Purchaser irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the courts in the City and County of New York New York U S A in all matters arising out of or relating to the sale of products and or services hereunder No action regardless of form arising out of or in any way connected with the products or services furnished by the Manufacturer may be brought by the Purchaser more than ONE 1 YEAR after the date of purchase Loose Parts Blocks Limited Warranty Imagination Playground LLC the Manufac turer warrants its products to be free from defects in materials or workmanship during normal use and in accordance with the Manu facturer s user instructions The warranty shall commence on the
9. Imagination Through symbolic play children begin to form meanings for things in their minds and act it out through gestures or by substituting items for something else With loose parts you see kids playing with objects that are similar in shape to the object they are pre tending to use They also exercise their ability to imagine and envision creating their own structures and spaces dreaming up scenarios and roles and initiating their own activities Problem Solving When children build their own constructions they set up problems for themselves and invent solutions e g I need a heavy weight on the back of this long board to hold it steady Social Emotional Development Through play children have opportunities to empathize with others support one another and develop inter and intrapersonal skills e g Are you afraid it will fall Here I will make the bottom stronger Playing together also requires children to master the art of negotiation For example if children are working together to build a house they must negotiate which blocks will be used and how they will be placed a little history The Imagination Playground concept takes inspiration from Adventure Playgrounds which began in Europe following World War II These playgrounds were created from the rubble of buildings that had been destroyed during the war The first Adventure Playgrounds then known as junk playgrounds were devel o
10. NY BROCHURES MANUALS CATALOGS LITERATURE OR OTHER MATERIALS OF THE MANUFAC TURER FURTHER NO REPRESENTATION WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN OF A MANUFACTURERS REPRESENTATIV MAY BE SUBSTITUTED OR ALTER TH EXCLUSIVE LIMITED WARRANTY Em T EXCLUSIVE REMEDY To make a valid claim under the terms of this Warranty the Pur chaser s written statement of claim including a specife description of the defect along with a copy of the original invoice maintenance records and supporting photographs must be received by the Manufacturer at the following address Imagination Playground LLC Attn Customer Service 5 Union Square West 8th Floor New York NY 10003 USA on or before the end of the Warranty Period Should the breach of this warranty occur within the Warranty Period the Manufacturer shall upon proper notification in writing of the defect correct such defect either by repairing the defective part or parts or by making available a replacement part at the Manufacturer s option within sixty 60 days of receipt of such written notification The Manufacturer shall deliver the repaired or replacement part or parts to the site free of charge but will not be responsible for pro viding labor or the cost of labor f
11. TY EXCLUSION TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW THE MANUFACTUR ER SHALL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE IN CONNECTION WITH THIS PRODUCT FOR A ANY INDIRECT SPECIAL INCIDEN TAL LIQUIDATED OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES BASED ON TORT CONTRACT OR OTHER LEGAL THEORY WHETHER OR NOT ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR B ANY DAM AGES WHATSOEVER IN EXCESS OF AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE PURCHASE PRICE FOR SUCH PRODUCT THE RIGHT FORCE MAJEURE The Manufacturer shall DISPUTES Purchaser irrevocably consents TO RECOVER DAMAGES WITHIN THE not be liable in any way because of unforeseen to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the LIMITATIONS SPECIFIED IS PURCHAS circumstances or causes beyond its control courts in the City and County of New York ER S EXCLUSIVE ALTERNATIVE REMEDY including without limitation strike lockout New York U S A in all matters arising out IN THE EVENT THAT THE REMEDY PRO embargo riot war government sanction act of or relating to the sale of products and or VIDED HEREIN FAILS OF ITS ESSENTIAL of terrorism fire Act of God accident failure services hereunder PURPOSE or breakdown of components necessary to order completion subcontractor suppl
12. ay Network www treeplaynetwork org uk International Play Association www ipaworld org PLACES for PLAY Exhibition www treeplaynetwork org uk playlink exhibition index html Play Association Tower Hamlets www playtowerhamlets org uk Play England www playengland org uk Play Wales www playwales org uk PlayEducation www played dial pipex com e PLAYLINK www playlink org uk Playwork Partnerships www playwork co uk The Internationale www theinternationale net playstories Videatives Views wwwvideatives com blog Youth Farms and Activity Playgrounds in Germany BdJA www bdja org english htm For current playground safety standards please refer to the national standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials ASTM and Consumer Product Safety Commission CPSC A Certified Playground Safety Inspector CPSI program is offered by the National Certification Board in coordination with the National Park and Recreation Association and the National Playground Safety Institute Visit www nrpa org for more information or contact 22377 Belmont Ridge Road Ashburn VA 20148 450 800 626 NRPA 6772 45 46 appendix a Your Imagination Playground in a Box stor age unit only works properly on a solid level surface that can safely support its weight If you do not already have an adequate sur face for your storage unit you might be able to create the necessary floor conditions by
13. by 10 ft e The play area should be a minimum of 225 sq ft If your site does not meet the minimum required conditions for these storage units you can still use Imagination Playground Indoors Imagination Playground in a Cart or Imagination Playground Blocks without the storage unit Another option is to install a special location pad as described in Appendix A unit dimensions e Approximately 4 5 w x 5 2 d x 5 O h assembled e Approximately 2 2 4 w x 5 2 d x 5 O h per component e Total Weight 825 lbs e Site surface must support 1 000 lbs specifications imagination playground in a cart play area dimensions unit dimensions e The play area should be a minimum e Approximately 6 4 w x 2 3 d x 3 1 h of 225 sq ft per component e Total Weight 300 lbs two storage units and contents components imagination playground blocks Please check and be sure all the parts for your model are included 8 Primary Blocks 10 Blocks with Holes SY A 4 Long Blocks i f 10 Square Blocks primary blocks blocks w holes long blocks 5 Little Cheeses 2 Clover Gears s 2 Plus Gears G SP 4 Squeaky Hinges little cheeses 8 Plugs 5 Nickels Se 2 Chutes 2 Arch Chutes oe iii 4 Channel Straight 4 Channel Bend Z lt 5 Small Plugs channel straights channel bends small plugs 15 Noodles are included with your set of Imagination Playground Blocks 4 oT square blocks squeaky hinges arch c
14. dren Schools and Families 2008 Fair Play A Consultation on the Play Strategy London Department for Children Schools and Families and Department for Culture Media and Sport DCSF 00298 2008 Dobson Frank 2004 Getting Serious About Play A Review of Children s Play London Department for Culture Media amp Sport lt http www culture gov uk images publications ReviewotChildrensPlay pdf gt Ginsburg MD Kenneth R 2007 The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent Child Bonds Pediatrics 1100 Hough Lory 2007 Spring Einstein May Never Have Used Flashcards but He Probably Built Forts Ed Magazine lt http www gse harvard edu news_events ed 2007 spring features einstein htm gt Hughes Bob 2003 Play Deprivation Fact Sheet Play Deprivation lt http www play wales org uk downloaddoc asp id 1 amp page 67 amp skin 0 gt Accessed 22 July 2010 Marantz Henig Robin 2008 February 17 Taking Play Seriously The New York Times Magazine lt http www nytimes com 2008 02 17 magazine 17play html gt Romina M Barros MD Ellen J Silver PhD and Ruth E K Stein MD 2009 School Recess and Group Classroom Behavior Pediatrics 123 2 431 436 doi 10 1542 peds 2007 2825 Sherer Paul M 2006 The Benefits of Parks Why America Needs More City Parks and Open Space San Francisco The Trust for Public Land Stanford U
15. e independent thinking by responding to questions or requests for help and allowing the children to create themes stories and games for themselves providing inspiration On occasion Play Associates can discretely inspire new potential uses for materials by quietly using them on the sidelines If no children are building structures for instance you can construct a small shelter of fabric clipped to a pile of crates For examples see Beginning a Play Session on page 37 The key is to modestly demonstrate rather than to direct so that children have the choice to draw from your examples into their play if they wish ending a play session As a Play Associate it is important to understand how to close out a play session to avoid making the children feel rushed Let them know that cleanup time is coming ten minutes in advance For example ask the children to help gather the Blocks and Loose Parts and sort them into stacks outside of the Box or Cart Allow 20 minutes for cleanup before closing for the day Empty vessels containing water Follow Safety and Maintenance Checklists Rake through sand remove any refuse and secure the lid tips for supporting children s play Provide developmentally appropriate materials a variety of materials that provide a challenge without being too difficult for children Observe and document how your children play to help you understand what inspires them and how to e
16. e number of children of varying ages at play it may be more appropriate to create a separate area for younger children so that they aren t excluded or pushed to the sides by the older children Play Associates can create a low simple barrier with blocks and objects for children under 5 years old Another simple method is 35 36 to mark out areas on the ground with chalk labeled Children Under Five and Children Over Five safety Imagination Playground should always be used in a secure and safe environment for children to play Always follow all applicable safety rules and procedures with Imagination Playground Parents or caregivers should be present during play sessions Monitor where the materials are taken and be sure they are not deposited within the bounds of the active areas of a playground with play equipment where they could be a hazard to running and sliding children Play sessions may become active and boisterous Be watchful and ready to step in and give direction Encourage children to take turns and share If there are too many Blocks and Loose Parts in the given area put some away Please be aware of particular safety issues Do not allow children to stand or jump off of stacked Blocks Do not allow the Ropes and Fabrics to be used on fixed equipment or tied around children to avoid the possibility of strangulation If you use sand do not allow the children to throw sand If y
17. hat experts say is critical to a child s intellectual social physical and emotional development This section will explain key ideas behind Imagination Playground the importance of play for children and how a Play Associate facilitates play three core elements to imagination playground Imagination Playground is designed to allow for different types of play and to give children the freedom to make up and pursue their own play activities With loose parts as the main focus three key elements are essential to our play concept loose parts A changing collection of loose objects lets children make each play session a new experience Using blocks crates found objects and other loose parts children can build make up stories and games or just enjoy shapes colors and texture manipulable environment Children play most creatively in settings they can manipulate Imagination Play ground which is ideal for use with sand and water lets children design and re design the space around them play associates Play Associates are trained adults who oversee an open setting where children can direct their own play They maintain a safe welcoming environment and manage the collection of Blocks and Loose Parts 29 30 play and playwork what is play When we say play we mean free play This kind of play involves unstructured activ ity that children choose and direct on their own very likely what you find chi
18. hildren understand their environment putting lan guage emotion movement and social dy namics into a context they can grasp When children play they often replicate real life They dress up pretend to be adults and make up rhymes The act of play it seems allows children to comprehend the actions they imitate Playing also gives children opportunities to develop and refine social skills Play in a group setting can increase levels of coop eration negotiation conflict resolution and other interpersonal skills necessary to suc ceed as an adult loose parts play Imagination Playground provides a rich envi ronment of diverse materials that encourages free play and a variety of play patterns Imag ination Playground Blocks and other loose parts offer opportunities for creativity and sensory exploration as well as opportunities for collaborative play Here are some further details of why loose parts play is valuable to children s learning and development Language Ability As children play they have conversations with each other practicing the way they com municate e g What do you call the stick that holds the wheel on a car 31 32 Logic Mathematical Skills Logic and math skills develop as children construct with blocks Loose parts play provides opportunities to count make classifications and estimate e g To make the pyramid look right I need to add one block to each stack as I go
19. hutes 10 components imagination playground indoors l set of wall graphics l set of Imagination Playground Blocks see checklist on page 9 for assortment 15 Noodles are included with your set of Imagination Playground Blocks l noodle barrel 4 milk crates 1 wonky wooden cart TN balls 8 foam mats various shapes assorted fabric imaginat g pl e a ayground components imagination playground in a box 1 Storage unit two components l set of Imagination Playground Blocks see checklist on page 9 for assortment 15 Noodles are included with your set of Imagination Playground Blocks 1 wonky wooden cart Tl balls 4 foam mats various shapes assorted fabric NN components imagination playground in a box packing diagram wooden cart 1 small plug 5 chute 2 clover gear 2 channel straight 4 primary block 8 _ block w holes 10 a plus gear 2 little cheese 5 nickel 5 plug 8 square block 10 12 channel bend 4 arch chute 2 squeaky hinge 4 long block 4 components imagination playground in a cart 2 storage units l set of Imagination Playground Blocks see checklist on page 9 for assortment 15 Noodles are included with your set of Imagination Playground Blocks Tl balls mesh bag of assorted fabric pieces 13 components imagination playground in a cart packing diagram block w holes 10 channel straight 4
20. ier or Purchaser caused delays inability to obtain T No action regardless of form arising out of or in any way connected with the products or y services furnished by the Manufacturer may be brought by the Purchaser more than ONE 1 YEAR after the date of purchase labor materials or manufacturing facilities o compliance with any law regulation or order SAVINGS CLAUSE If any part of the terms and conditions stated herein is held void or CPSIA and ASTM COMPLIANCE unenforceable the same will be treated as Imagination Playground in a Box storage unit only Imagination Playground in a Cart stor age unit only and Imagination Playground Blocks comply with applicable CPSIA regula tions and applicable ASTM standards severable leaving valid the remainder of the terms and conditions which shall be deemed revised so as to remain enforceable to the greatest extent possible consistent with such holding GOVERNING LAW All matters relating to the sale of products or services shall be governed by the law of the State of New York U S A notwithstanding any conflict of laws principals 51 A warnine Adult Supervision Required Children should not play with or operate the storage unit Do not permit children to stand on or jump off stacks of blocks
21. ldren doing during school recess Activities like climbing building sandcastles and playing hide and seek or make believe are all forms of free play organized sports like soccer or volleyball are not We want to clarify our definition for play because many people consider any enjoy able activities that are not directly related to chores or schoolwork to be play for exam ple talking to friends watching television or playing video games Others might include organized activities like orchestra or orga nized sports Noted pediatrician and psychiatrist Donald Winnicott says that in a play space children have the ability and power to transform their dreams into reality Play is fundamental to the imagination and creativity why is play important Play is the primary means through which young children develop When allowed to direct and conduct their own play children broaden their experiences increase their levels of imagination expand their linguistic abilities exercise their physical and mental strength and improve their dexterity Children develop their thinking through so cial interaction and contrary to some popu lar ideas that children learn only through adults their interaction with each other in play has enormous value A simple game of hide and seek for example prompts children to anticipate potential problems and their solutions and to think spatially Symbolic or pretend play helps c
22. ncourage them Take notes on how children are interacting with each other and the materials If a child typically follows the lead of others and one day announces a game of her own this could signal a new development in her play Stage materials prior to the start of a play session in a fun creative way that children can mirror and build upon During the play session you may want to add materials that support the children s play Be sure to place the objects close enough so that they can find them but not so close that you interrupt their play Encourage children to help each other If a child wants help building a boat refer him to another child who has built a boat in the past Promote opportunities for peer play Sometimes a child will struggle to enter into play with the others As a Play Associate you can suggest roles Would you like to deliver the mail to other students or ask the group what roles the new child could play What could Jessica be A lion a zoo keeper Allow them to negotiate what role the child will take on There is no better way to understand play than by taking time to enjoy some play time for yourself Play sessions for Play Associates alone can help you and your team to engage further with your children and also to give you great new ideas to incorporate into play session with your kids 39 40 join the community of play associates Once you have read through the User
23. niversity 2007 Building Generation Play Addressing the Crisis of Inactivity Among America s Children lt http www playeveryday org Stanford 20Report pdf gt Tepperman Jean ed 2007 Play in the Early Years Key to School Success El Cerrito CA Bay Area Early Childhood Funders lt http www 4children org images pdt playo7 pdf gt Wenner Melinda 2009 February March The Serious Need for Play Scientific American Mind Wilson Penny 2010 The Playwork Primer College Park MD Alliance for Childhood 43 4a other recommended resources on play and play work Forman George E and Fleet Hill 1984 Constructive Play Applying Piaget in the Preschool Menlo Park CA Addison Wesley Publishing Company Louv Richard 2008 The Last Child in the Woods Chapel Hill NC Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill Piaget Jean 1974 To Understand Is to Invent New York City The Viking Press PlayEducation http www played dial pipex com Play England http www playengland org uk PLAYLINK http www playlink org uk Play Wales http www playwales org uk e Videatives Views http www videatives com dynamic vv_blog page_id 47 Youth Farms and Activity Playgrounds in Germany BdJA http www bdja org english htm Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood www commercialexploitation org Children s Play Information Service www ncb org uk epis Free Pl
24. or removal installation assembly or otherwise Any replacement part shall be subject to this war ranty for the balance of the original applicable warranty period but not thereafter LIABILITY EXCLUSION TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW THE MANUFACTUR ER SHALL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE IN CONNECTION WITH THIS PRODUCT FOR A ANY INDIRECT SPECIAL INCIDEN TAL LIQUIDATED OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES BASED ON TORT CONTRACT OR OTHER LEGAL THEORY WHETHER OR NOT ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR B ANY DAM AGES WHATSOEVER IN EXCESSS OF AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE PURCHASE PRICE FOR SUCH PRODUCT THE RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES WITHIN THE LIMITATIONS SPECIFIED IS THE PUR CHASER S EXCLUSIVE ALTERNATIVE REMEDY IN THE EVENT THAT THE REMEDY PROVIDED HEREIN FAILS OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE FORCE MAJEURE The Manufacturer shall not be liable in any way because of unforeseen circumstances or causes beyond its control including without limitation strike lockout embargo riot war government sanction act of terrorism fire Act of God accident failure or breakdown of components necessary
25. ou have a sand box in the play area limit the number of children in the sand box lt Blocks should not be stacked more than three feet in height except for storage checklist Know who are the key point people who can You should conduct a safety and maintenance come to your assistance or call for help and check before and after each play session have their emergency contact information Check that the play area is safe readily available Remove garbage sharp objects or debris beginning a play session Start your session by creating an open environment flush with points of inspiration For instance you could set up one or two con figurations of Loose Parts in the play area to Ensure that there are no entanglement hazards initiate new creations Configurations should such as broken hooks or protruding bolts be abstract and non specific so that children Make sure there are no sharp points corners can apply their own stories and ideas or edges on your storage units Blocks or Loose Parts Storage units should be free of damage both inside and outside from the site and from any sand e Check that your wheels brakes and locks are working properly Ensure that there are no puddles or pooling water inside your storage unit Make sure to lock all wheels on your storage unit before each play session and after positioning them for storage 37 38 encouraging self directed play A Play Associate can best encourag
26. ound llc Imagination Playground was conceived Questions Comments Please contact and designed by internationally acclaimed info imaginationplayground org architect David Rockwell Inspired by the creative play of his own children with Imagination Playground LLC boxes and other found objects David Attn Customer Service set out to create anew model for playground 5 Union Square West 8th Floor activities David soon found someone New York NY 10003 who shared his vision Darell Hammond 866 986 5551 co founder of KaBOOM the leading national non profit organization dedicated www imaginationplayground org to bringing play to kids everywhere Together they formed Imagination Playground LLC to further their mission of creating new forms of free play to communities across the country and throughout the world part 1 user s manual Please read the User s Manual carefully and complete online training before use Contact info imaginationplayground org for access to your free online training course A Adult Supervision Required Children should not play with or operate the storage unit Do not permit children to stand on or jump off stacks of blocks getting started Before setting up your Imagination Playground make sure your site meets all conditions detailed in this section Imagination Playground in a Box and Imagination Playground in a Cart are weather resistant and may be used indoors or outdoors si
27. ped by Danish landscape architect C Th S rensen in the late 1930s He devised this new scheme to accommodate the needs of children to create and shape dream and imagine a reality Children used these sites to play in a variety of ways using hammers pick axes scrap wood ropes and metal to dig and construct as they liked These play grounds were tended by workers who kept the tools and building materials on the site of an Adventure Playground These playwork ers inspired the concept of Play Associates For more information on Playworkers or Adventure Playgrounds please visit www allianceforchildhood net index htm 33 34 the role of the play associate Play Associates maintain the safety of the Imagination Playground space and facilitate play They have been trained to maintain the Imagination Playground Blocks and Loose Parts ensure the safety of the children at play as well as develop ways to inspire the children without interference or direction Play Associates set up and step back They manage the space and the Blocks and Loose Parts and they are responsible for making daily safety checks of the entire site Play Associates should not direct play or teach children how to use the objects or environment though they might modestly demonstrate the use of materials from the sidelines What children do will be the result of their natural curiosity and urge to play play associates facilitate play by
28. regularities are not defects cleaning Use a non toxic detergent and water with a sponge or a soft bristle scrub brush to clean your Imagination Playground Loose Parts and Storage Unit Do not use strong cleaners such as caustic soda which can potentially harm the surface of the Blocks The inside of your Box or Carts should be dry before the Blocks and other Loose Parts are stored inside replacements If you need replacement Imagination Playground Blocks contact us at info imaginationplayground org or our toll free number 866 986 5551 You can also write to Imagination Playground Attn Replacements 292 Charles Street Providence RI 02904 Please include your invoice number and contact information with your request Imagination Playground Blocks are biode gradable and can be disposed of through your local sanitation service They can also be sent back to the manufacturer for reuse part 2 e play associate s guide 28 now you re ready to start playing Now that you ve read through the basics of setting up using and maintaining Imagination Playground you e ready to start playing Please make sure to read carefully through this guide and take the free on line training session Contact us at info imaginationplayground org or our toll free number 866 986 5551 for more information what we re all about Imagination Playground encourages unstructured child directed free play the kind of play t
29. sing the compartments Use these vertical fins to line up the two compartments before latching the hasps see Figure H amp I 4 Lock the wheels for stability The Box and compartments are for storage only Children must not play in or on the storage unit or its components 21 22 the storage units imagination playground in a cart your storage unit the carts If you are using Imagination Playground Indoors or Imagination Playground in Box at your site and you do not have Imagination Playground in a Cart storage units you can skip this section Imagination P Ygroung Each Imagination Playground in a Cart set is comprised of two open top components with wheels They are water resistant with grommet holes at the base for drainage A fitted cover can be purchased separately for outdoor storage overview of features Please read the following descriptions and directions before using your storage units Maginot Pi ons SYgre ound Wheels Each storage unit has four wheels Each of the two wheels on the left hand side when you face the box as shown in Figure B have a locking pedal see Figure C To engage the locks press down on the lever with your foot to the on position D To disengage the locks lift the lever with your foot to the off position You must disengage all the locks before moving the units or the wheels may be damaged The wheel locks should be in the locked on po
30. sistant components that fit together for storage We recommend that you use the lock loops to secure the Box when not in use For indoor settings you also have the option of leaving the compartments open against a wall like shelving units In both cases the wheels should be engaged in the locked position when the boxes are stationary see page 18 overview of features Please read the following descriptions and directions before opening and closing your storage unit Damage to the Boxes may result if the procedures below are not followed Hasps The two components of the Box are fastened together by two steel hasps Figure A amp B To open the Box pull the T shaped handle ends parallel to the Box surface and remove them from the catches To close a hasp pull the T handle parallel to the Box slip over the hasp and release the T handle into its catch Remember that there are two hasps one on each end of the Box Remove them both before you separate the compartments 17 18 Wheels Each compartment has four wheels two of which have a locking pedal see Figure C To engage the locks press down on the lever with your foot to the on position D To disengage the locks lift the lever with your foot to the off position You must disengage all the locks before moving the Box or the wheels may be damaged The wheel locks should be in the lock engaged position at all times during pla
31. sition at all times during play sessions and after clean up for storage wheel with lever in locked on position 23 24 Handles and Steering You will find handles on both ends of each storage unit to help you maneuver them The storage units should easily fit through a standard 32 inch door width Always use caution when doing this and ensure that no contents are sticking out or unstable Always have one person on each end of the units when moving them Hands and fingers should be clear from the gaps between the door frame and the unit The Carts are for storage only Children must not play in or on the storage unit imagination playground indoors If you are using Imagination Playground in a Box or Imagination Playground in a Cart you can skip this section Imagination Playground Indoors comes with a set of wall decals that helps you store your Loose Parts against a wall Once you have installed your decals accord ing to the instructions provided to you Wall Decal Positioning Guide the graphics will give you a basic guideline for how to position your parts Just place the block shapes against the corresponding graphic shape 25 26 maintenance and replacement Imagination Playground Blocks Blocks are made out of biodegradable soft lightweight waterproof foam They are resistant to sun heat mold mildew and corrosion Each piece is made individually and small discrepancies or ir
32. tallation instructions furnished by the Manufacturer using approved parts main tained and inspected in accordance with the Manufacturer s instructions and or user s manual subjected to normal use for the purpose for which the goods were designed and not subject to abuse vandalism misuse neglect or accident not subjected to unauthor ized addition or subtraction of parts and not modified altered or repaired by persons other than the Manufacturer or its designees in any respect which in the sole judgment of the Manufacturer affects the condition or opera tion of the structures This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or defects such as surface scratches dents marring fading or discoloration dam age due to normal wear and tear damage due to Acts of God such as storms hurricanes hail flooding lightning tornadoes sand storms earthquakes and windstorms and damage due to Environmental Factors such as windblown sand salt water salt spray and airborne emissions from industrial sources e g sulfur acids or corrosive chemicals other than photochemical smog THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER REPRESENTA TIONS AND WARRRANTIES OF ANY KIND WHETHER EXPRESS IMPLIED OR STATUTORY INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY OF CON DITION DESCRIPTION MERCHANT ABILITY FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON INFRINGEMENT OR ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WAR RANTIES MADE IN A
33. te conditions Imagination Playground should be used in locations that meet playground requirements under applicable federal state and local codes Please follow your local requirements for ground surfaces i e sand rubber mats grass soft surfacing etc clearances and other important criteria In warmer climates or weather provide shade in the play area Play Associates are a key element to every Imagination Playground At least one adult who has received Imagination Playground Play Associate training must fulfill the role of Play Associate when Imagination Playground is in use This is discussed in further detail in the Play Associate s section of this manual The storage units designed for Imagination Playground should be placed on solid level surfaces Soft surfaces such as gravel sand or mulch are not suitable under these units Grass or turf are not recommended surfaces for Imagination Playground in a Box Imagination Playground should be used in a separate play area where the parts can be used without intruding into other play spaces where children are running or playing space requirements Before setting up Imagination Playground make sure your site has adequate space and can support the weight of the units as specified on the next pages detailing specifications specifications imagination playground in a box play area dimensions e The area designated for each Box should be a minimum of 10 ft
34. y sessions and after clean up for storage wheels in locked on position Handles and Steering You will find handles on one end of each compartment Use these handles to wheel the compartments apart when opening and to steer the compartments when moving them You can separate the two compartments to move the Box through a standard 32 inch door width Always use caution when doing this and ensure that no contents are sticking out or unstable Always have one person on each end of the compartment during movement of the compartments and Box Hands and fingers should be clear from the gaps between the door frame and the unit 19 20 Lock Loops Lock loops are located on each side of the components near the wheels on the front end of the box You can use a standard padlock not included to lock the Box as shown in Figure G through these loops For extra storage security you can also use these lock loops to chain the unit to your site Opening and Closing Your Box 1 Unlock the wheels 2 Release the T hasps on both ends 3 Wheel the compartments apart 4 Lock the wheels once you ve put each component in place for play sessions To close the unit 1 Unlock the wheels 2 Fit the compartments together using the large handles described on page 19 3 Latch the hasps described on page 17 You will notice that one of the compartments has small vertical fins on the side edge to guide you when clo
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