Tag: ParknPool

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Get to Know the Different Types of Bleachers

Learn About Your Bleacher Options!

Bleachers aren’t just for sitting. The greatest sports moments have been cheered, revered and idolized from these bleachers and grandstands! Having quality stadium seating is essential to creating a top notch athletic field. These aluminum bleachers provide you with the safety, high-quality and durability that are crucial to ensure your sports fans are enjoying a game or event the way it should be enjoyed…safely!

Our bleacher and grandstand collection makes it possible for us to fit whatever your stadium seating or grandstand needs may be. Whether you’re looking for an economical ‘speedy bleacher’ or a more permanent bleacher you will find it here!

Tip N’ Roll: Indoor basketball tournaments are great fundraisers for your school or indoor recreational facility, and it’s even better when more participants and spectators show up than expected! making sure that you have extra seating on hand for this type of situation is always a good idea! Portable bleachers are perfect for your temporary seating needs and allow you to move from one event to the next with ease! These Tip N’ Roll bleachers are easily tipped up onto swivel casters, or attached wheels, for movement while caster brakes keep the bleacher from rolling while in storage. They also have non-marring rubber foot pads that run the depth of the bleacher on either side of the frame which protect your hardwood floors when in use. Portable Tip N’ Roll bleachers are constructed with an aluminum frame to reduce the weight, making for easier lifting. Casters aren’t made for all terrains so Tip N’ Roll bleachers should be used indoors. They require a capable adult to ensure that bleachers are moved safely, and larger units require more than one person to transport them.

Non-Elevated: A non-elevated bleacher is a basic seating system with a first seat height of 16 inches. When seating on the first row, your feet are at ground level, requiring no additional walkways or stairwells. They are an outdoor seating system that should be anchored to resist hazardous wind conditions. These bleachers are available in standard, preferred, or deluxe and may require additional options:

  • Ground Sills: These treated 2×6 boards are suggested to be attached to the bottom of each bleacher frame when a bleacher system is placed on any surface other than concrete. They run the depth of the bleacher frame and prevent the frames from settling into the surface.
  • Auger Anchors: Used to anchor bleacher frames to any surface other than concrete (asphalt, crushed gravel, soil, etc.)
  • Concrete Anchors: Used for anchoring the bleacher frames to concrete.

Transportable: Transportable non-elevated bleachers are designed to withstand the rigors of movement at a top speed of 5mph, however they are not intended for use on public roadways. They are beneficial for moving bleacher systems from one field of play to another within the same park or recreational area. These bleachers can be moved from field to field according to where your athletic event is taking place. They are fitted with a galvanized steel lifting brace and have extra bracing to stabilize the bleacher during transport. All transportable bleacher units include ground sills, but may need to be anchored to resist hazardous winds. Each seating system includes wheel attachment brackets and horizontal lifting braces. A transport kit (which is not included with the bleacher system) is necessary to move the bleachers, however one kit will move several sets of bleachers. Transportable bleachers are available in standard, preferred or deluxe models and are the perfect solution for adding temporary seating where permanent year round bleachers are not required. All of the above options can be manufactured with either an aluminum or galvanized steel frame. You can also choose a vertical picket or chain-link guardrail with any option as well. The vertical picket guardrail is recommended if being used by small children due to the inability to climb the guardrail and less chance of children getting stuck.

Stadium: You’ve spent weeks preparing your football field for the big game. Fans are starting to file in and you realize that the patrons seated on the first row are only able to see the back of the championship team! Stadium bleachers are an elevated seating system that provides better viewing for your spectators, solving this problem. When seating on the first row of these bleachers, your feet are at the height of the elevated walkway. Stadium seating systems come with a standard elevation of 36″ but can be customized to fit your specific needs. These outdoor seating systems are available with or without ADA seating, and are manufactured with a galvanized steel frame providing protection and longevity.

When ordering bleachers we advise you to check your local requirements for such things as aisles, guardrails, ADA, or other conditions. Check your local building codes before purchasing, and request our Bleacher Safety Guide to ensure your seating is 100% safe. Give us a call to speak with one of our sales managers to choose the perfect bleacher to meet your specific needs!

ParknPool | Lexington, VA | sales@parknpool.com | 877.777.3700

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Designing and Building a Campground

  • Step 1: Perform a comprehensive study on the type of park best suited for the market you have selected and then project the profit and loss for the first five years. This study should also help you make the decision whether to try to purchase a franchise from one of the two franchise campground companies or to operate as an independent.
  • Step 2: Identify the specific parcel of land that you want to develop and then begin to quantify the costs associated with that specific parcel. Just a few questions to ask yourself:
    • Can I get proper zoning?
    • What offsite improvements will be required?
    • How will the sewage be handled?
    • What is the source of water?
    • Are there any unusual environmental requirements?
    • Is there a drainage problem?
    • Is the land level or is the grade too steep to be developed?
    • Can I install cabins or other fixed rental units?
  • Step 3: Develop the specific campground or RV park layout of sites and amenities. If you purchased a franchise, the franchise company will do this for you. If you have elected to be an independent park then you will have to hire someone to design the park.
  • Step 4: After receiving zoning and planning department approval, your local engineer or architect can draw the final plans and solicit bids on the construction of your RV park or campground. Local knowledge people can best handle this step.
  • Step 5: Build the park. But at the same time, even though you will be buried in details, don’t forget that now is the time to finalize all your marketing and business plans for the operation of the park. You will also need to prepare marketing materials like billboard ads, directory ads, rack cards, and many other marketing items.

A Kid Friendly Campsite

With most of your campers being families with children, it is important that your campsites be laid out in a manner that is not only kid friendly but also with safety in the foreground.

First, your campfire will probably be the focal point of the campsite, so for safety, it should be in the center of the open area or as close as possible.

*Tip: By continuing to keep safety in mind, it is important that each of your campsites have a fire ring to form a boundary that will keep little (or adult) toes out of the embers.*

Tents: Ideally, you want the tent entrances to face in the campsite but you want them downwind of the campfire so they don’t get filled with smoke.

Picnic Tables: Another focal point of the campsite that will get plenty of activity, the picnic table should be between the cooking area and the campfire so that kids don’t have to be in and out of that area. The idea is to reduce traffic around the cooking area as much as possible.

Cooking Area: This will be a very active place around meal time so the grill is best placed on the edge of the campsite’s open area. The idea is to have all storage, cooking and clean-up areas consolidated to one segment of the campsite, easily accessible, but not in the major traffic patterns of the campsite that the kids are using.

Most kids enjoy camping and most parents enjoy including their children but if your campsites aren’t set up to accommodate them you could be losing out on business!

ParknPool | Lexington, VA | sales@parknpool.com | 877.777.3700

 

 

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Napping on a Park Bench

NO, THIS IS NOT A GUIDE ON “HOW TO NAP ON A PARK BENCH“!
THIS IS A GUIDE ON “HOW TO PREVENT IT“!

In larger cities, finding individuals sleeping on your park benches may not be out of the ordinary. Fortunately, in the small city of Lexington, VA where our headquarters office is located, this does not present much of a problem. However, in a city not so far away from us, loitering on park benches seems to be causing an issue. The article title reads:

“BENCHES REMOVED FROM PARKS TO KEEP HOMELESS FROM LOITERING”

Now, while that may seem like the best solution…we beg to differ! Removing benches because people are hanging out on them and using them too much doesn’t seem like a problem but perhaps it’s the fact that people are sleeping on them. Every park deserves to have park benches, here is how you can keep them:

1. If you are looking to purchase new benches to replace old ones or are constructing a new park, perhaps your best option to avoid individuals sleeping on your benches and disrupting other people while enjoying the landscape is to purchase shorter benches. While a longer bench will provide more seating and you would need less of them, if you will be placing these benches in an area where homeless people tend to hang out, a shorter bench will make it difficult for a tired wanderer to stretch out.

2. If purchasing new benches is out of your budget then amending your existing ones is certainly an option. By placing a sleep inhibitor on your existing benches, you are putting a piece in the middle of your bench (on the seat) that will interfere with homeless people getting comfortable on your benches. The great thing is that we also have these little accessories for tables and table seats if it’s your picnic tables that are being transformed into a bed at night.

Completely removing all of your benches may not be the best solution. Give us a call at 877.777.3700 and let us help you with other options that will help you keep your benches (and picnic tables)!

ParknPool | Lexington, VA | sales@parknpool.com | 877.777.3700

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What Type of Pool Furniture is Right for You?

High quality pool furniture can be a big investment, but it can also offer huge rewards. Comfortable, long-lasting furniture will greatly enhance the enjoyment of your outdoor space. But, with such a dizzying array of furnishings available in so many types, what best suits your needs? Lets take a look at some different options, their advantages and their disadvantages.

Wrought Iron:
Wrought iron is practically indestructible. Its heavyweight construction can make it ideal for areas with very strong winds. Most wrought iron will require cushions for comfort and is offered in a large variety of styles and sizes. All that weight can be a problem though if you are planning on moving your furniture often. With wrought iron, there is some possibility of rust but this is usually an easy fix. High quality wrought iron from American manufacturers employ modern techniques like galvanizing and powder coating that effectively prevent rust. However, if your furniture will be in standing water you’ll want to consider if wrought iron is truly a good choice for you.

Extruded Aluminum:
Lightweight, incredibly strong, never rusts. High grade aluminum is used to construct aircraft for just these reasons…the same reasons that make it ideal for pool furniture. Extruded aluminum is forced through a steel die to create lengths of material which can then be bent and welded into finished furniture. The result is a hollow material with reinforcement channels inside for strength. What’s the difference between a high quality chair from an established company like Tropitone and a cheaper chaise from a no-name company? A big part of it is the thickness of the outer walls and inner channels. A thicker extrusion will not crack when bent and shaped into furniture. These cracks are often tiny and not noticeable under the paint until the metal begins to break. High end manufacturers use extruded aluminum with much thicker outer walls and inner channels that can last a lifetime.

Cast Aluminum:
Cast aluminum uses molten aluminum poured into a casting of sand or steel to create furniture that is solid metal. Elaborate patterns and exquisite detail are some hallmarks of quality cast furniture. Much heavier than its extruded aluminum cousin, cast aluminum is ideal for areas with higher winds.

Outdoor Woods:
Nothing beats the warmth and natural beauty of wood. Even if you are using other types of furnishings, the addition of wooden benches or tables can add a touch of variety of surroundings. Some woods, like teak, can last for decades.

Recycled Plastic:
One of the newest categories of pool furniture is environmentally friendly recycled plastic. With solid, weight construction, vibrant colors, and almost no upkeep required, recycled furniture has become a popular choice for boat docks and oceanfront settings. Maintenance is as simple as a garden hose and pressure nozzle.

Sling Furniture:
Sling is the lazy furniture….wipe it down with mild, soapy water a couple of times a year and hose it off! Slings are a vinyl based material stretched across the frame of a chair or chaise lounge to create a seat and back. Slings can be cooler to sit in because the open-weave nature of the material . Even after a pouring rain, sling furniture can be dry and ready to use within a very short time. Slings normally will last about 6 to 8 years but established manufacturers will offer replacements that will make your chair or chaise look, and sit, like new. ParknPool also offers a wide selection of replacement fabrics that can give your old furniture a completely different look. Good sling furniture can give you many years of comfort with almost no upkeep.

Cushioned Furniture:
Nothing matches the comfort of good cushion furniture. Modern, high-end cushions can offer a level of comfort that will make you feel like the king or queen of your area! High grade, fast drying foams and miracle fabrics like Sunbrella assure you that your cushions can be left outdoors in any weather. These fabrics, also used in boating and commercial applications, are water resistant, stain resistant, and easy to clean. As with slings, they can be replaced by choosing from a huge variety of fabrics.

As you can see, there are more choices than ever to complement your outdoor space or pool area. With a little planning and knowledge you can make a purchase that will give you years of satisfaction. To learn about your pool furniture options, call ParknPool at 877.777.3700 and let one of our account managers help you figure out what type of pool furniture is right for you!

ParknPool | Lexington, VA | sales@parknpool.com | 877.777.3700

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Consumer Grade Vs. Commercial Grade

“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand; but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” ~Proverbs 10:4

Commercial Grade furniture is a must for any hotel, resort, restaurant, campground, athletic facility or other indoor/outdoor setting. Not only is commercial grade furniture suitable for heavy-duty use, it is manufactured to accommodate heavier traffic and to meet the specific needs of all different types of industries.

What benefits should you look for in Commercial Grade furniture?

  • Comes with a warranty
  • Can be easily stacked for storage
  • Rugged construction for longer use
  • Can be customized to fit your personal demands
  • Other benefits include the easy of maintenance, the availability of parts in case of damage and the large variety of matching accessories such as umbrellas and cushions.

Comfortable, attractive Commercial Grade furniture is becoming more and more crucial to the success of a business. The design of these furnishings can increase the satisfaction of guests, decrease injuries because of its durability, and give your business a more professional, modern appearance to incoming visitors.

A poor design or substandard furniture can have serious negative effects on the bottom line of a growing business’s profits over time. Taking the time to call us to purchase your quality Commercial Grade furnishings will pay off in the longevity and health of your business.

What Commercial Grade materials will work best for you?

  • Acrylic/Sling
  • Aluminum
  • Concrete
  • Resin
  • Other Commercial Grade materials to keep in mind when deciding what would work best for your area are fiberglass, recycled plastic, steel, vinyl and wood

A distinction must be made between Commercial Grade and Consumer Grade! The difference lies in the durability of how Commercial Grade furniture is built. The resulting products are sturdy enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily use and still accommodate the specific needs of your business., facility or recreational area. Commercial Grade furniture is made to be rearranged and moved as the needs of your business change over time. Even though Commercial Grade is often more expensive than Consumer Grade, it is economically wise to invest your profits into furniture that will last longer than a single season.

Commercial Grade products are built to be simultaneously professional in appearance and sturdy in composition. Placing commercially manufactured furniture at your place of entertainment will create a fresh, modern and comfortable feel that will remain in the memories of visitors long after they have left. Word-of-mouth is the fastest way for good news to travel – can you say referrals?!?! Furniture that is stylish and meets the demands of daily use is invaluable to the sustainability of any given business, whatever that business may be. Not only do Commercial Grade furnishings address safety, comfort and durability, it is often delivered within a short time frame. Better yet, depending on the item…we will install it for you!

In short, whatever you are looking for you can always be sure to find the benefits in purchasing Commercial Grade furniture over Consumer Grade. Still don’t see the difference?!?! Just give us a call…we’ll explain it! The most important thing to keep in mind…strong sturdy Commercial Grade furniture will continue to save you money through the years! With such a wealth of options, being productive, safe and stylish is within the reach of even the smallest recreational area!

ParknPool | Lexington, VA | sales@parknpool.com | 877.777.3700

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Tips for Staying Cool on a Hot Night of Sports

Summertime is almost here and with it comes outdoor sports, hot temperatures, heat, humidity, and sweat. Keeping cool when temperatures reach record highs isn’t just about comfort. Dangerously high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses ranging from heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Remembering basic tips can help you prevent heat-related illness during hot weather.

The following tips can help you keep cool all summer long:

  1. Wear loose clothing, preferably, of a light color.
  2. Cotton clothing will keep you cooler than many synthetic material.
  3. Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it in the refrigerator for a refreshing spray to your face after being outdoors.
  4. Fans can help circulate air and make you feel cooler even in an air conditioned house.
  5. Try storing lotions or cosmetic toners in the refrigerator to use on hot, overtired feet.
  6. Keep plastic bottles of water in the freezer; grab one when you’re ready to go outside. As the ice melts, you’ll have a supply of cold water with you.
  7. Take frequent baths or showers with cool water.
  8. Combat dehydration by drinking plenty of water along with sports drinks or other sources of electrolytes.
  9. Some people swear by small, portable, batter-powered fans.
  10. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will promote dehydration.
  11. Instead of hot foods, try lighter summer fare including frequent small meals or snacks containing cold fruit or low fat dairy products.
  12. Use common sense, if the heat is intolerable stay indoors when you can and avoid activities in direct sunlight or on hot asphalt surfaces.

While the players will be getting breaks in between plays, it is just as important for the fans to take one themselves. The blazing sun has been beating down on the bleachers all day. Don’t let the heat dim your Friday Night Lights!

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Grillin’, Chillin’ and Storytellin’ on a Campground

Ah…the inviting smell of hot, burning coals, the smoky taste of barbecue chicken and the gooey delight of campfire S’mores for dessert. All you need now is the perfect grill and fire ring to make this outdoor meal possible.

People have been using fire to cook their food for as long as we have been on earth. At first, it was common to cook on wood fires because wood was a much more plentiful resource, but by 4000 BC civilization began cooking on charcoal fires instead of simply using wood. Both cooking sources are still used today for campers, cookouts and barbecues.

Our charcoal burning pedestal group grills provide more cooking surface so everyone in your party can eat at the same time. No need to cook 4 chicken breasts at a time while your guests line-up for dinner. You can cook the whole family-size pack at one time!

No more caveman days, fire rings are a perfect solution to replace a ring of rocks. Have your guests gather around to tell ghost stories while roasting those S’mores. Oh yeah, and there is a warranty on our fire rings that covers the unit, not the fire!

The telling of ghost stories around the fire at a campground has been a tradition for many years. ParknPool knows that coming up with a scary story on the spot can be difficult so we have taken the liberty of providing one for the next time you are gathered around a fire ring with your family and friends.

Located on a hill overlooking the town below stood the brand new headquarters of ParknPool Corp. The whole staff was so excited to move into their new environmentally friendly building but within days of settling in, they began to hear strange noises and witness mysterious events. Upon entering for the first full day of operation, the staff found the entire office in disarray. Wall hangings, that just days before, were hung perfectly straight now hung crooked and out of place. All of their catalogs were all laid out with the pages flipping themselves and the phone began ringing off the hook but when answered were greeted by nothing but silence.

Weeks after that initial first day of operation the clocks were no longer working, all of them stuck at exactly 5:00pm giving the impression that the end of the day had arrived. Someone wanted them out of that building! After much research it was determined, that unbeknownst to the builders, staff and surveyors, the new headquarters of ParknPool Corp had been built above the unmarked graves of past criminals. Unspeakable crimes were committed by the hands of those buried beneath the new building – crimes so horrendous that there is absolutely no record of the haunting criminals’ existence.

And with no way to extinguish their haunting after-life presence, the end of this madness has yet to be seen…

S’mores are popular around campfires because simple ingredients make a perfect balance of flavors. The marshmallow is sticky and sweet, the chocolate is smooth, and the graham cracker is crisp and crumbly, acting almost like a pie crust helping to contain the filling. Making your own is simple, just don’t forget your recipe card!

Browse our site for pedestal grills and fire rings to invite the smell of hot, burning coals, the smoky taste of barbecue chicken and the gooey delight of campfire S’mores at your barbecue, campsite or cookout!

ParknPool | Lexington, VA | sales@parknpool.com | 877.777.3700

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Benefits of Playgrounds on Military Bases

When you think of playgrounds, what areas do you imagine?

Schools, churches, or parks? Very few envision them on military bases but many military communities create a park and recreation area that features a community playground. Playgrounds, especially on military bases, are an effective way to provide a family friendly environment. These areas also create a means for families, who are often apart, to reconnect.

Every military community can benefit from a playground area. They encourage children to engage in active play, improve physical coordination and interact with their peers. In addition, commercial playgrounds on military bases can also serve as a wonderful tool for younger children to reacquaint themselves with their parents who are returning from a long deployment. They provide a setting that is filled with fun activities where a child can acclimate themselves with their parent’s return.

Aside from the healing benefits, a commercial playground offers a wide variety of benefits associated with childhood development. Commercial playgrounds can be tailored to a specific age group and skill level to assist in strengthening a child’s motor skills and development. For more information on commercial playgrounds, their benefits, and how to make one work on your military base call 877.777.3700 and browse our selection of playgrounds at parknpool.com.

ParknPool | Lexington, VA | sales@parknpool.com | 877.777.3700

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Designing a Camping or Picnic Area

Common recreation site furnishings found in a camping or picnic area include picnic tables, fire rings and grills.

The best of these furnishings require little-to-no maintenance, have a long lifespan, are easy to clean, and are difficult for vandals to damage. These furnishings also must be convenient, easy to use and safe. It is best to avoid items with protruding objects or sharp corners that could injure users.

Picnic Tables: While many travelers and campers bring their own grill or stove, few actually carry a picnic table. Because of this, it is a good idea to provide picnic tables in campgrounds and on trails where day use is encouraged. Tables are available commercially in wood, metal, concrete, recycled plastic and plastic coated expanded metal. Select table material based on your area’s level of development, climate and amount of vandalism expected.

Grills and Fire Rings: Fire rings are essential at camp sites because they reduce fire hazards and make maintenance easier. Since, in most areas, evening use is not encouraged at picnic arears, fire rings are generally not necessary there. Fire rings with a hinged base so the cooking grate can be tilted back to clean out the ashes are the most preferred type. In addition, many accessible fire rings have an expanded metal barrier around the perimeter to keep campers from leaning against the hot surface. Grills are needed in campgrounds and may be installed at day-use trails. Pedestal styles are designed at a level comfortable for most users, and are also the most common. The best models have a cooking grate that is hinged and can be raised and lowered. Some models include lids to reduce cooking time and to keep food warm. Rotating grills and shelves for utensils are also available.

The most common campsite is the single-party camp site, other options include double-party camp sites, several-party camp sites and group camps. For more information on designing a campsite or picnic area call ParknPool at 877.777.3700 to speak with one of our sales managers.

ParknPool | Lexington, VA | sales@parknpool.com | 877.777.3700

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