BDI StoneWood Installation: Regency Park, Sherwood Park

BDI Play Designs Inc. is a specialized playground equipment supplier providing durable, nature-inspired components for commercial and community spaces. A recent installation at 16 Ritchie Wy in Sherwood Park, AB, features key pieces from our BDI StoneWood line, integrated into a mature park setting surrounded by trees and a new asphalt pathway.

Featured Equipment at Ritchie Way
For this community project, our BDI StoneWood components were selected to match the natural aesthetic of the park while offering the longevity required for high-traffic public spaces.

BDI StoneWood Crawl Tunnel: This GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) unit stands approximately 3 feet high. It provides a realistic log texture and interior play space that is impervious to the moisture typically held by sand surfacing.

BDI StoneWood Log Steppers: Installed in 12" and 24" heights, these steppers create a modular balance circuit. Unlike standard softwood, these GFRC components do not splinter or decay, ensuring long-term safety and structural integrity.

Functional Play Integration
When supplying these components, we recommend a specific layout strategy: structuring the BDI StoneWood Log Steppers in close proximity to the Crawl Tunnel. While the tunnel is primarily designed for interior play, its 3-foot height and rugged GFRC exterior allow it to function as an additional "step-up" or elevated platform. This configuration transforms the tunnel into a transition point between the steppers, providing a complex vertical play element that goes beyond a simple crawl-through experience.

Surfacing Analysis: Sand vs. High-Performance Alternatives
While the Ritchie Way project utilizes a sand base, BDI Play Designs Inc. typically recommends alternative safety surfacing for long-term play value. Sand is a highly abrasive material that can accelerate wear on equipment and is prone to "hard-panning"— a process where the material packs down into a hard, non-impact-absorbing surface. Furthermore, sand is easily tracked out of the play zone, leading to higher maintenance costs.

For superior safety and accessibility, we provide and recommend:

Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF): Offers excellent impact absorption and a natural look that complements our BDI StoneWood line.

Pour-in-Place (PIP) Rubber: A premium, accessible surfacing that eliminates mess and provides consistent fall protection across all seasons.

Material Performance: BDI StoneWood vs. Softwood
While BDI Play Designs Inc. also offers the CedarScape line for premium timber applications, the BDI StoneWood (GFRC) series is engineered for extreme durability in environments where ground-contact rot is a concern.