International Play Association USA is the national affiliate of International Play Association World, an interdisciplinary, international, non-governmental organization founded in Denmark in 1961. The membership of this organization is open to all persons or groups that endorse the United Nations' Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959) which state: "The child shall have full opportunity for play and recreation which should be directed to the same purposes as education; society and the public authorities shall endeavor to promote the enjoyment of this right."

A non-rigid or "flexible" component is defined by ASTM F 1487 as: "...any part of the playground equipment, excluding swings, that temporarily changes its shape when in use; examples include the tire net, the cargo net, and the log bridge." Non-rigid components are used to develop balance and coordination.

Ron King was listening to kids talking when he founded the Natural Playgrounds Company (NPC) in 2000. "They're critical of the limited challenges, and they're very bored. How many times can they slide down a slide before wanting to try something different?" As an architect and play environment designer, Ron has started a new movement in the playground industry with his environments that use no manufactured equipment.

Beginning her landmark career in the recreation industry as a volunteer, Fran Wallach had a long career in the park and recreation industry. Fran Wallach was heavily involved in playground safety issues and ASTM.

Designing climbing boulders as well as climbing wall systems, RockCraft Designs has created climbing features that are safe and fun for all ages. The playground boulders are uniquely handcrafted out of reinforced concrete (GFRC) with a variety of handhold. Their climbing wall structures include poolside climbing walls.