LATEST NEWS

Pennine Playgrounds are delighted to have been awarded the play area revamp for our local Town Council Skipton, which is to be funded by the Friends Of Group and Yorventure Ltd.

Angela Pease, community projects manager for Yorventure, said: “We are really pleased to be able to support a scheme of this kind, which will make a real difference in transforming what was, in effect, just an area of bare Tarmac into an exciting playground for young people in this part of the town to enjoy.”

Pennine Playgrounds’ range of Outdoor Fitness Equipment is being extended with several items currently under design ready for TUV testing at the end of March.  A new Chest Press and Shoulder Pull Down Unit is the first new unit to be added, with orders already placed for this popular upper body exercise piece.  All new items will be certified to the latest TUV DIN 79000 Permanent Outdoor Fitness Equipment Standard.

A fantastic scheme has been given the thumbs up by the Governors at Iqra Community Primary School in Bradford to develop their Foundation Stage outdoor learning space.  Natural features including digging pits, messy area and puddle paths which combine with den making, outdoor musical instruments and Flexiplay wetpour safety surfacing to provide the ultimate in outdoor play for foundation aged children.

A gym for all seasons

Gyms with a difference are now open at two parks in Gateshead.

The outdoor green gyms have been installed in Gateshead Council’s Saltwell Park and at Windy Nook Nature Reserve, and include 10 pieces of fitness equipment at each site. Able to accommodate up to 42 people at a time, equipment includes airwalkers, leg presses, bikes, steppers and more and can be used by anyone aged 14 and over for free.

The green gym will be set up in a circuit style at Saltwell Park beside the tennis courts, and in clusters of threes and fours at Windy Nook to encourage people to use the whole park.

Gateshead Council cabinet member for culture, Cllr Linda Green, said: “Studies have shown being out in a green space and being given the opportunity to access fitness equipment or activity sessions helps reduce risks of obesity and other long term conditions, encouraging increased participation in physical activity and providing obvious health benefits. I’m sure that in the coming months and years this new equipment will be a fantastic way to help local people keep active and healthy.”

To help local residents and people using the parks understand how to get the most out of the new green gyms informal activity sessions have been set up at both sites, with a member of the Gateshead Council sport & physical activity team on hand to give advice and pointers. Weekly bootcamp sessions have also been set up at Saltwell Park on Fridays at 10am and at Windy Nook on Thursdays at 9.15am.

Lesley Rutter, a local resident and regular user of the Saltwell Park, said: “I think the green gyms are a great idea and they’ll be really popular. It will inspire people that don’t like going to traditional gyms to get active and use these ones instead.”

Details on activity sessions at both green gyms can be found at www.gateshead.gov.uk/greengymsor by contacting Gateshead Council’s Sport, Physical Activity and Health Development Team on 0191 433 6945.

Pennine Outdoor Fitness are delighted to have been awarded 2 contracts for the provision of green outdoor gyms for Calderdale Council to be sited at Crow Wood and Hullen Edge.  The projects will provide the local communities with free access to 10 and 8 exercise stations each offering a full range of exercises including cardio, strengthening and toning, targeting all major muscle groups.   

Durham County Council have awarded Pennine a contract at Scartop in Barnard Castle to provide an adventure play area for their younger children to be carried out in Spring 2013 – this design and build project is a fantastic example of Pennine Playgrounds’ in house design flair and innovation – congratulations Team Pennine!

Rapid response flexiplay wet pour safety surfacing teams have been highly sought after this month with our 24 hour response proving very successful to our clients enabling their small repairs to be rectified quickly - the old adage “a stitch in time saves time” never being so true.

The first 9 Post PiP has been installed into Wibsey Primary School in Bradford, West Yorkshire, to include an area of astro turf beneath it to provide all weather outdoor learning oppotunities.  The variety of Learning Canvasses ensure that the children have a different activity every play time.

For a limited period only, to celebrate our TUV Certification, Pennine Outdoor Fitness are offering a huge 20% discount off the supply price of Alfresco Fit equipment, for all orders placed by 31st October 2012.

With the beginning of the new school year now well underway, Pennine are celebrating several successful MUGA installations over the summer period with 2 more currently under construction. 

The TUV DIN 79000 Permanent Outdoor Fitness Equiment Standard has been certified to our Range of Alfresco Fit Outdoor Gym Equipment - this is the latest and most updated standard which was published in May 2012, superceding the previous TUV standard which was largely based around the EN1176 play equipment standard, and the EN597 gymnasium equipment standard. 

Team Pennine are nearing completion of the full outdoor play area refurbishments at Cottingley Primary School, with an incredible transformation - textured pathway, puddle pool, climbing unit, feature mound with crawl through tunnel are just a few of the fantastic enhancements to the play area.

Pennine Outdoor Fitness Equipment is currently undergoing the rigours of the TUV DIN 79000 Testing and Certification – this is the most updated standard for Permanent Outdoor Fitness Equipment for Adults – being published in May 2012.  Significantly, all moving parts within our range of Alfresco Fit Outdoor Gym Kit  have a superior torsion system applied, to ensure a fantastically controlled, smooth and gradual range of movement, with no jerky, unexpected jolts which can be difficult for less agile users.

Pennine Outdoor Fitness are delighted to have completed a stunning new outdoor fitness facility on the Quayside of the River Tyne in Newcastle. 4 pieces of outdoor gym equipment have been sited on the quayside, which is regularly used as a through-route for joggers and cyclists, to encourage both those already out exercising to enhance their exercise regime, but to also encourage visitors and of course the local working population to get fitter.

Pennine are to make their debut at Playfair 2012 at Stoneleigh Park in Coventry, using this year’s outdoor exhibition to launch their new ranges of Alfresco Fit and Agility Fit Outdoor Fitness and Exercise Equipment.  Visit us at Stand B6 for a quick work out and then a refreshing drink! 

After outstanding levels of business with our outdoor fitness equipment up to and during Spring 2012, Pennine are extending the range of outdoor gym equipment to include a fully branded range of 10 items of outdoor gym items as well as a full range of Agility Fit equipment to include monkey bars, chin up bars and climbing walls.  The Alfresco range of outdoor gym equipment is presently being TUV tested in advance of its launch in Summer 2012.  Watch this space for more exciting information! 

Pennine Playgrounds hits the BBC News headlines with 'The Rise of the Adult Playground' showing a substantial increase for Outdoor Gym Equipment into local parks and recreational areas.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17818223

The Pennine Playgrounds' Stand featuring The PiP, a Ball Catcher and an Early Years A Frame Climber was a fantastic success this weekend at the TES Resources Show, for Primary Education and Special Educational Needs, hosted at Manchester Central.  The Ball Catcher was particularly well received with a number of orders being taken on the day, and the added benefit of providing a fun activity for all to take part in.

The Pennine Ball Wall and High Peaks Traversing Walls have been launched with installations at SS Simon and Judes Primary School in Bolton.  Both manufactured by Pennine Playgrounds from outstanding quality products to a fantastic design, these 2 pieces of kit will enhance our schools range of outdoor play equipment.  Photos are uploaded on our facebook page!

Team Pennine are delighted to be working with The City of London in the installation of 3 pieces of outdoor fitness equipment to be installed in West Ham Park.  The items chosen by The City of London procurement team are a Bike and Stepper, Triple Strength Station and Double Nordic Skier. 

Published on Wednesday 4 April 2012 18:40 - Todmorden News Press Release

A PATIENTS’ group is looking at placing outdoor fitness equipment in town, if there is enough interest and crucial sponsorship can be found.

Todmorden Patients Participation Group is looking into the possibility, and were able to see Vicki Braithwaite, of Pennine Playgrounds, speak about the innovative equipment at the group’s March meeting, and try it out.

It is made in Germany by SAYSU, a company which focuses on the development and manufacture of outdoor equipment specially designed to provide improved health through different forms of exercise. It would be suitable for all ages and abilities, but would cost around £15,000.

Todmorden PPG vice-chairman Chris Baksa said local groups had been invited to see the equipment in use.

“We are looking into it and are trying to get some sponsorship from local groups or companies - it would cost around £15,000. Our nation has been criticised for our unhealthy lifestyle and tendancy to gain weight. The equipment will bring a new dimension to keeping fit as there are no membership fees or restricted trading hours meaning everyone would be able to exercise at their own convenience and at a pace that suits themselves,” he said.

The group hopes equipment would be placed in a position where a recreational facility would be nearby to facilitate a meeting place for all age groups, with exercise being the main focus.

More details will be posted on noticeboards at Todmorden Health Centre and if you can help you can also contact Mr Baksa by telephone on 01706 817924. 

"Playgrounds are going on the road..... A Silsden play manufacturer is going cross-country to encourage people to take up Nordic Skiing.  Pennine Playgrounds has created a roadshow to show off its equipment to loacl authorities and other potention customers.  The company, based in Wateside Business Park in Keighley Road, has mounted a Double Nordic Skier rig on a trailer.  Director Vicki Braithwaite saide on growth area awas outdoor fitness euqiopment.  She said, "Hitched up to one of our vans, the Double Nordic Skier is travelling around drumming up some serious business.  The outdoor fitness areas provide a local community gym environment which is free to use and a great way to get fit".

The Pennine 3 Way Ball Catcher has been launched and Team Pennine are celebrating after a quick succession of orders.  This fantastically designed piece of kit provides exceptional quality and guarantees and encourages at least 3 children to take part in ball play at any one time.  SS Simon and Jude Primary School in Bolton have chosen a Blue Ball Catcher which is also available in Pennine Green.  Special offers are available for multiple orders.

A stunning new Outdoor Fitness and Gym Area has been created at Kingsland School, a Pupil Referral Unit in Oldham.  This new facility is an extension to the new indoor gym equipment and allows the children to exercise and socialise in a safe outdoor area.  4 pieces of outdoor gym equipment have been installed including a Bike and Stepper, Triple Twister, Double Hip Flexor and Double Nordic Skier.

Team Pennine are proud to support and sponsor the U9 Ilkley Rugby Club Team with an issue of 6 Coaches’ Coats, jointly sponsored with KS Services, Pennine’s Computer Specialist support Company.

The latest installation of our Outdoor Gym and Fitness Equipment has received an outstanding reference from the staff at Phoenix School, a Special Educational Needs school based in Peterborough.  The School caters for 4-19 year old children with severe learning disabilities and the new outdoor fitness equipment provides a fantastic opportunity for the more ambulant individuals to use gym-type equipment in a safe and structured environment. 

Some interesting facts and figures on the use of outdoor gym and fitness equipment ……

A lengthy study by Pro-Active Camden has been carried out in the use of outdoor gyms after a major investment by NHS Camden of c£500k.  The PAC has a proactive approach to increasing participation in sport and physical activity with 8 outdoor gym sites being created across the borough with some very significant findings about their success.

One of the key measures of success of the outdoor gyms is whether the users of the equipment would recommend them to other people. Of the 249 people interviewed, an overwhelming majority of people (94%) said that they would recommend them.

The study suggests that 43% of people have increased their amount of physical activity as a result of the outdoor gym equipment

84% of people had walked, cycled or ran to the outdoor gym facility, encouraging additional exercise.

The age of the users of the outdoor gym equipment was varied and fairly evenly spread.

The findings also show that the outdoor gyms are used by people of all ages, ethnicities and employment status. The Student population were also a high percentage of users (17%). 

Watch this space for a Pennine Outdoor Fitness Equipment Roadshow near you!  We have a Double Nordic Skier available to bring to all our customers, including prisons, young offender institutions, care homes, residential homes, nursing homes, town and parish councils, retirement homes, respite centres etc.  Meanwhile, if you’d like to arrange your own personal showcase of our Outdoor Fitness Equipment, call the sales office now – there’s no cost and no obligation! 

The Headteacher, Mr Jonathan Sharp has commended the newly launche d PiP which was installed into his Key Stage 1 play area in September.

"The PIP system works very well. It gives opportunities to create a range of structures and spaces with different foci dependent on the learning intentions. The system is well made and easy to use and store." commented Mr Sharp

Pennine Playgrounds held a Seminar at the DCE Exhibitions in both Abergele and Leeds recently, outlining the benefits of Outdoor Gym & Fitness Equipment for Adults, in the nation’s struggle against obesity. 2 major topics were covered, including the amount of obese adults in the UK as well as the current ambiguity over the regulations governing Outdoor Gym Equipment:

 “Obesity – The Numbers….

 In 2009, almost a quarter of adults (22% of men and 24% of women aged 16 or over) in England were classified as obese (BMI 30kg/m2 or over).

• A greater proportion of men than women (44% compared with 33%) in England were classified as overweight in 2009 (BMI 25 to less than 30kg/m2).
• Read the numbers…66% of Men and 57% of women are overweight or obese!
• We need to offer a solution

Source - The NHS Information Centre, Lifestyles Statistics.”

 “Outdoor Gym Equipment – The Regulations

• There are a wide range of suppliers with little or no regulation.
• The PAS888 is being produced but is not being supported by the API or the RPII at present.
• Some manufacturers are using parts of EN1176/1177 and EN957 and offering the TUV certificate as the best solution at present
• The RPII have issued a document raising many concerns including the target market of this equipment and its proximity to play equipment.”

Strong Close Nursery School and Children’s Centre in Keighley is to incorporate The PiP into their outdoor learning space.  Strong Close Nursery School and Children’s Centre is one of only 16  National Early Years Teaching Centres and Pennine are very proud to be working for such a forward thinking, outstanding Early Years Centre. 

The Pennine Outdoor Fitness Equipment Brochure has arrived today, hot off the presses, featuring the fantastic range of SAYSU Outdoor Gym & Fitness Equipment - contact us now for your personal copy.

Fantastic savings can be made on the Kompan Supernova (GXY916) and the Kompan Ocean Seesaw (M187) in our Winter Warmers Special Offers.  Save £1255 on the Supernova and £707 on the Ocean Seesaw List Prices for Supply Only.  Further savings are also available on the delivery, installation and safety surfacing - call the Sales Office NOW for your Special Offer Quote!  Limited Stock Available at these rates!

The new Pennine Outdoor Fitness Equipment brochure is now available within our Product Catalogue section of the website.   This innovative range of adult outdoor fitness equipment has been skilfully and thoughtfully designed and manufactured, offering simply outstanding quality.  The design focus has been on improving health through a range of different forms of exercise – with 22 individual pieces of adult outdoor gym equipment, many being multi-functional, there’s something for everyone!  From a Double Airwalker through to an Exercise Bike and Stepper, there really  is no excuse for our nation not to get fitter now! 

Pennine’s Rapid Response Repair facility has been launched with great success.  Flexiplay® wet pour patching and repairs to existing playground equipment have been carried out on a number of sites for Harrogate Borough Council and North Tyneside Council.  Our Mission is to rectify small repairs swiftly and economically to prevent them from becoming much larger issues and also of course to ensure that the play areas remains safe and fit for use. 

Erin Walshaw has joined Team Pennine as a Sales Administrator, considerably strengthening the team with over 2 years' experience within the play industry.  Good luck and welcome on board Erin!

The RPII (Register of Play Inspectors International) have issued a definitive brief on the use and siting of Outdoor Fitness Equipment in relation to children’s play areas.  The recommendations clearly set out that a children’s play area and an Adult Outdoor Fitness Equipment area must be completely separate from each other.  It is generally the case that the outdoor fitness kit is a facility for adults and children over 14, and these areas must be sited a minimum of 25 metres from a children’s play or segregated by some other means to provide a clear separation. 

In addition, the guidelines report on the ideal testing of this type of equipment explaining that the BSEN1176 is not appropriate to the equipment as this standard is for play items and play areas intended for use by children under 14.  It suggests that the EN 967 is also not relevant as this is for Stationary Fitness Equipment for use in supervised gyms.  Our range of Pennine Outdoor Fitness Equipment is certified to the TUV which is the European test authority and has had a test protocol in place since 2007.

Pennine are delighted to announce that they have launched 2 ranges of outstanding outdoor fitness and gym equipment.  This innovative equipment is renowned for its outstanding quality and fabulous design, and boasts extensive testing and conformity to the TUV Standard for Outdoor Equipment.  The full brochure will be available in a downloadable format during September.

For the second year running, Pennine Playgrounds are delighted to be exhibiting at Europe's leading Caravan and Leisure Show in Cottingham, East Yorkshire.  The Caravan Extravaganza - The Lawns - is held on 3rd and 4th September and The Lawns Trade Show will be from the 6th-8th September.  This year's stand show cases the Pennine Trim Trail with the ever popular Early Years Climbing A Frame Net.

Pennine's "Best of Breed" philosophy has been considerably strengthened with a closer relationship with Proludic Ltd.  Pennine and Proludic have worked together for many years.  The extensive range of Proludic kit now available to Pennine will bring exciting and innovative designs to the Pennine Portfolio.

With several schools in the North of England now enjoying the benefits of The PiP - the Pennine Interchangeable Pod - the success story is really unfolding.  The PiP Learning Canvasses can be changed several times a day, providing a brand new education arena to specifically work alongside areas of the curriculum.  The additional shade and shower proof benefits as well as low starter price point are making The PiP a complete winner for all!

Pennine Playgrounds are representing the API, The Association of Play Industries, with our Business Development Manager taking up the position of Executive Officer on the prestigious API Committee.  We have joined the taskforce to review the Local Authority procurement process for playground design and build.

The Launch of THE PIP, "The Pennine Interchangeable Pod" at The TES Education North Exhibtion at the weekend was simply outstanding.  The North's ultimate childcare and education show was the perfect arena, with our exhbition stand being inundated with visitors.  The PIP has been developed over the past year and provides a unique concept in outdoor education using interactive and interchangeable learning PIP Panels. 

The Pennine Angels, aka Denise, Sharron, Lucy, Judith, Katrina and Vicki are supporting and attending the Macmillan Centenary Fashion Show Event to be held at the Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley on Thursday 5th May 2011.  Macmillan Cancer is Pennine Playgrounds' chosen Charity for 2011 who will benefit from any fundraising events.

Pennine Playgrounds are excited to be exhibiting at Manchester Central at what´s largely considered the North of England´s leading education show.  The TES Education Exhibition, incorporates Early Years & Primary Teaching and Special Needs North.  Pennine Playgrounds will be launching a brand new concept in outdoor education as well as our own Activity Trails.

Come and see for yourself!

Pennine Playgrounds have launched their own Activity Trails to enable their customers to benefit from industry-leading guarantees and quality.  The low level activity trails and challenging climbing walls offer fantastic play value whilst being highly competitive.  By using premium timber components manufactured from micronized radiata, an outstanding 15 year warranty on the timber is offered with confidence.

Pennine Playgrounds have retained their CHAS accreditation with extra brownie points from their assessor for the clear, professional way in which their application was submitted and the rapid response to any queries.  In addition, their application to Constructionline is now being processed, another sign of Pennine´s commitment to both employees and customers for high standards of Health & Safety on all sites.

Pennine Playgrounds were delighted to hear they were successful in their application to be on the North Tyneside framework agreement for the next 4 years - scoring highly in all categories and ranking first for supply and installation of MUGA´s.

Following a rigorous appraisal and meeting specific criteria, Pennine Playgrounds were delighted to be awarded the design and build project at Station Road Wallsend, above 60 other leading play companies and contractors.

Project works to commence on site in January 2011 with an anticipated completion date of April 2011.

Team Pennine turned heads at The Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley, when the James Bond entourage arrived to celebrate the Christmas festivities in style - a welcome change from the annual bowling and curry Christmas Do!

The Sales and Design Department has expanded further with the recruitment of 2 new Pennine People.  Paul Kavanagh joins us as Projects Specialist and brings with him over 6 years of hands on professional experience with an incredible understanding of how to make the most of school playgrounds!  

Pennine are delighted to have been awarded the contract to deliver the National Lottery and Playbuilder 1M Pathfinder Adventure Playground, part funded by Aiming High, at Wisbech, for Cambridgeshire County Council and Sutcliffe Play. Months of planning and  site negotiations preceded the start date of 1.4.10 - works are now well under way with a proposed completion date of 31.8.10. 

Congratulations go to Team Pennine who have passed 10 NVQ Level 2 Qualifications and CPCS competency in plant operations. Months of training in mini diggers and dumpers followed by on site assessments as well as literacy tests have resulted in 10 of our site guys passing with flying colours! Our commitment to the company personal development plan for all Pennine Playgrounds employees allows us to upskill our workforce offering new opportunities and promotion for our people.

Designing Demand have worked closely with Pennine Playgrounds to bring about a complete rebrand, in order to reposition the company as a design-led play specialist. Whilst Pennine have always offered a full design and build service, the new branding elevates their profile. Supported by Business Link, Pennine are the first play company to benefit from this exciting initiative. Ellis Pitt, Designing Demand Consultant commented, “One of the things that sets Pennine Playgrounds apart is their complete conviction to embrace our involvement, they are a near-perfect example of enthusiasm, commitment, open-mindedness and action all rolled into one. As a result, Pennine Playgrounds will get so much more out of Designing Demand”.

12 members of the team have successfully completed their CPCS Red Card for Dumper training and testing, and 4 members of the team have also succeeded in the mini digger category. This brings invaluable skills and certification to the installation teams as well as helping our People meet their personal goals.

A Team Building Day at The Races is planned for Friday 9th October when the Company will enjoy a corporate event to celebrate the new brand launch, and everyone’s successes over the past year.

An additional recycling facility for surplus timber packaging has been introduced at Pennine to reduce needless landfill. This underpins our commitment to reduce waste products and supports our Environmental Statement.

Team Pennine are planning to turn play areas pink on the 30th October  to support National Breast Cancer Day. Everyone will be wearing pink in their efforts to raise funds for Breast Cancer.