New Directory News

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New API Play Industry Directory Packed with Topical Articles

 

June 2006

Click HERE for this release as an RTF file

The new API directory is packed with not-to-be-missed articles on topical play sector issues and trends. From tots to teens, in the park, in school or in an indoor play facility, play matters. It must be safe. It should be exciting and it now has to help mind and body. So learning through play for children of all abilities while burning off their exuberant energy and getting fitter is now just part of the world of play.

 

Play is a serious business and API members take it very seriously. All 64 members are listed in this new directory. They include manufacturers, installers, and safety surface providers.

 

They supply some eighty percent of the annual UK market demand of c. £160 million and many have significant sales throughout Europe.

The new API 2006-7 directory offers informed comment in easy-to-read, non-technical articles.

 

• The leader from John Simmons, CEO of the API, considers, ‘Relishing the challenge: when the only constant is change’.
• School playgrounds are set to change beyond recognition. With five case-study examples, ‘Burning while learning’ looks at trends in school playgrounds and play equipment
• In the UK we spend more money on children than any other nation in unfortunately this is not reflected in provision of new play facilities however, the indoor play industry and Indoor Family Entertainment Centres are growing fast. Most projects are the first commercial venture of new entrants to the world of paid for play. In ‘Risking It?!! the article looks at how to succeed and avoid pitfalls.
• Swings roundabouts and the computer chip are part of ‘The playground challenge’ in which the writer of many of the API’s generic feature articles on play and the play industry looks at trends which shows future directions and opportunities.
• These days ‘teenagers’ seem to be starting their teens younger and younger. Here is news of the ‘API’s New Section for Wheeled Sports’ and the forthcoming European standard, EN14974. Play providers will seek suppliers’ equipment which complies. API members’ equipment and installation must comply with current standards and guidelines.
      
  Ends 354 words.
  Contact details and Editor’s Notes – below

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Contact details:

Deborah Holt, Association Manager
The Association of Play Industries, Federation House, Stoneleigh Park,
Warwickshire CV8 2RF   T: +44(0) 24 76 414999 ext 208 F: +44(0) 24 76 414990
E: api@api-play.org  W: www.api-play.org

Editors Notes:

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The API as an Information Source
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The API is an excellent source for editors for topical generic articles, news or comment on children’s play equipment – outdoor, indoor and safety surfacing and installation throughout the UK.

Children are everywhere. Where there are children there will be play. Numerous businesses, local authorities, councils schools, theme parks, hospitals, schools, travel termini, airports, ports, ferries and family orientated organisations provide play areas and play equipment. Some are free, others are free to customers and some are paid for. Play is everywhere.

Information on the API
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The Association of Play Industries (API) www.api-play.org is the lead trade body within the play sector, representing the interests of the manufacturers, installers, designers and distributors of both outdoor and indoor play equipment and safer surfacing.  Founded in 1984 it represents approximately 80% of the market with 64 members. Its aims are:

• To improve the quality of play and play equipment.
• To promote safer play
• To assist with the creation of British and European Standards
• To improve the image of the Industry
• To establish dialogue with other relevant organisations in the UK and abroad
• To ensure all member companies comply with the relevant standards
• To act as a spokesman for the industry
  

In accordance with its aims, the Association works closely with all agencies involved in the play sector including: Children’s Play Council, Children’s Play Policy Forum, Children’s Play Safety Forum, ILAM, NPFA, RoSPA, and the HSE. 

The Register of Play Inspectors International
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Together RoSPA, ILAM, NPFA and the API have developed the RPII – The Register of Play Inspectors International to Certify and Certificate Professional Competence (CPC) in play equipment inspectors. More: www.playinspectors.com

The Play Providers Association
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The API has also assisted in the very recent development of The Play Providers Association (PPA) to assist providers of indoor or contained play and soft play.
More: www.playproviders.org.uk

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The Association of Play Industries Federation House Stoneleigh Park Warwickshire CV8 2RF

T +44(0) 24 76 414999 ext 208
F +44(0) 24 76 414990
E api@api-play.org