New Directory News
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
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:
===========
The API as an Information Source
-----------------------------------------------
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
-------------------------------
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
---------------------------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------
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