Innovation is the secret to BCI Burke’s newest playground offerings.
For the past 105 years, BCI Burke has made playground equipment that goes beyond the ordinary. Today, the North Fond du Lac company employs more than 250 people.
BCI Burke manufactures equipment that inspires physical activity and imagination, says President and CEO Mike Phelan.
“Two big trends we are seeing right now are equipment that allows people of all abilities to play and equipment that allows intergenerational play,” he says. “We want to create events and opportunities that get everyone to play.”
MOVMNT, an electronic game powered by kids and adults on the playground, is one of Burke’s latest offerings that aims to get people of all ages involved in play. MOVMNT provides numerous game options from single player to multi-player.
“It’s a video game that disguises exercise as play,” Phelan says. “Everyone can play and be challenged at their own level.”
Phelan says equipment built for children of all abilities — like swings that children can pump by pulling on a grab bar — is becoming a trend as more communities and schools ask for it to be included in their playgrounds. A popular example is Burke’s Serenity Spot, a fort-like environment with games, a spinning seat, a rubber kick pad and other activities that are calming and allow for autistic stimming behaviors.
“We want to empower children to play independently. Inclusive play drives a lot of what we do, keeping in mind the needs of those with mobility issues and autism,” Phelan says.
He says Burke playground structures can also include benches and chairs so parents and caregivers can be “inside the play space” and be a part of what’s going on.
“We want everyone to play,” Phelan says.
