Revitalizing Heritage Hills Elementary, Sherwood Park: The SteelCore™ DreamWeaver
Explore the revitalization of Heritage Hills Elementary with the addition of the 9-foot BDI SteelCore DreamWeaver™. This project showcases how our modular net structures, featuring 20mm steel-reinforced rope and pressed aluminum connectors, can be retrofitted into existing school playgrounds to provide a high-capacity, northern-rated showpiece that outperforms standard plastic-component climbers.
The playground at Heritage Hills Elementary in Sherwood Park, AB, recently integrated a striking equipment refresh. While BDI Play Designs Inc. did not design the original park, our specialized BDI DreamWeaver was selected by one of our distributors to serve as the site's new focal point. Standing approximately 9 feet high, this large-scale net structure provides the high-capacity, physical challenge required for a busy school environment.
A Showpiece of Engineering: The SteelCore™ Advantage
The DreamWeaver is more than just a climber; it is a structural showpiece designed for visual impact and play density. As a global playground equipment supplier, BDI Play Designs Inc. manufactures these units to stand out in both aesthetics and durability:
Impressive Scale & Play Value: Reaching a peak of 9 feet, the DreamWeaver includes an integrated internal bridge. This feature significantly increases play value by allowing children to navigate across the structure at height, rather than just climbing up and down.
20mm Steel Core Nylon Rope: To support this scale, we utilize 20mm steel-reinforced nylon rope. This heavy-duty cordage ensures the structure remains taut and maintains its "showpiece" silhouette without the sagging common in thinner, 16mm alternatives.
Pressed Aluminum Connectors: To ensure safety in Northern Alberta’s climate, the DreamWeaver features pressed aluminum connectors. These are temperature-stable and tamper-resistant, outperforming the plastic connectors used by many competitors that can become brittle in sub-zero temperatures.
Global Distribution: The DreamWeaver is a modular commercial rope climber, designed for international shipping and installation by contractors and school boards worldwide.
| Design Metric | Industry Standard | BDI SteelCore Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Play Features | Simple Vertical/Lateral Movement | Industry Standard Plus Integrated Internal Bridge System |
| Rope Specification | 16mm - 18mm Rope | 20mm Steel Core with Nylon Strands |
| Connector Material | Molded Plastic (Cold-Sensitivity) | Pressed Aluminum (Temperature Stable) |
| Climate Rating | Temperate Zone Use | Arctic Rated (-50°C) |
Safety Surfacing: Addressing the Impact of Sand
The Heritage Hills Elementary site currently utilizes a sand base. While the BDI DreamWeaver is engineered for maximum resilience, sand surfacing presents significant site-wide challenges for school boards.
Sand is a highly abrasive medium; over time, it acts like sandpaper against playground components. At this specific site, it is clear that the legacy equipment has suffered from this, with the sand wearing down protective powder coatings and compromising the finish of metal elements. Additionally, sand is susceptible to hard-panning, where the material packs down into a solid, non-compliant surface that loses its impact-absorbing properties.
To maximize the safety and longevity of the entire play area, BDI Play Designs Inc. offers and recommends professional installation of:
Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF): A cost-effective, natural-looking surface that "knits" together for better impact absorption.
Pour-in-Place (PIP) Rubber: The premium choice for accessibility and low-maintenance safety, providing a clean look that makes showpiece units like the DreamWeaver truly pop.