GameTime, a division of PlayCore, began operations in 1929 in Michigan. Fifty years later they relocated to Fort Payne, Alabama. They use research-based design and engineering in manufacturing the company’s products. GameTime’s independent research studies are conducted by noted experts in the fields of fitness, nature, education, and urban issues, and are used as the foundation when designing their products. Some of the research has included: the Comparison of Physical Activity on a Play Structure Between Age Groups over Twenty Weeks, the Relevance of Height for Child Development and Playground Safety, and the Nature and Benefits of Children’s Climbing Behaviors and the Functions and Benefits of Playground Swings. These research projects were led by Drs. Joe Frost, Wisneski, and Sutterby.1
The company’s recreational products are diverse. They manufacture a GTH Spray Park System made of fiberglass with computer-controlled water flow. They have several above ground water systems, such as the Waterfall, the Fire Hydrant Gusher, and the KiddieKarWash. They also manufacture underground systems, such as a Tiny or a Tall Toolip Spray, a Mini Shower tunnel, and a Wall Wave Jet. Also available are Waterslides, such as the Open Flume and the Closed Flume as well as the Poly-Tube Slide. Also available for these water parks is a Lightning Detection System.
GameTime has four main play systems: the premium PowerScape system has a maximum platform height of 8 feet and a standard platform area of 49 inches with a 5” post diameter; the Budget PrimeTime system with a maximum platform height of 8 feet and a standard platform area of 36 or 45 1/2 inches with a post diameter of 3 1/2 inches; the Modern Xscape system is a ground level play system with a 3 1/2 inch post; and the early childhood KidTime system has molded plastic posts with a platform area of 30 inches and a maximum platform height of 5 feet.
Site furnishings, such as park benches and tables, are also manufactured by the company as are sports field equipment for football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and tetherball.
GameTime’s Parcourse FitCenter includes a Rowing Machine, a Cardio Walker, a seated Chess and Leg Press, and a Total Body Row. The FitKid Elementary system has activities that program and enhance a child’s physical activities, and the FitKid Junior High has activities that enhance a teen’s physical abilities and has been shown to improve their academic readiness. Tom Norquist, the Senior Corporate Vice-President of Marketing and Product Development said, “The reality is that children would improve their academic scores if given the opportunity for more play experiences.”2
GameTime is ISO 14001 certified and also holds the Green Certification for its manufacturing plant in Fort Payne, Alabama. The company is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC); ASTM International (ASTM); and was a founding member of the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA), which gives independent third party requirement standards. They are also members of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and TUV SUD America, which is an international testing and certification organization that demonstrates that safety and certification has been completed by a third party organization. They also work with the Access Board (The United States Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board), which shows the completed Accessibility Guideline for Play Facilities as set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They are also affiliated with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).3
GameTime’s mission is to develop products that will educate, challenge, stimulate, and entertain the mind while providing opportunities for physical challenge.4
- 1. “Research.” GameTime. < www.gametime.com/play?pid+165&pageTitle+Research > 13 Sept. 2010.
- 2. “Enriching Childhood Through Play.” Today’s Playground. November 2002.
- 3. “Affiliations.” Game Time. < www.gametime.com/affiliations > 13 Sept. 2010.
- 4. “History and Mission.” GameTime Qualifications. 13 Sept. 2010.
