One 10 Project, Kolkatta: Creating Holistic Play Spaces

Playground Equipment Manufacturers

The playground development project described in this brief represents a comprehensive endeavor aimed at enhancing developmental play experiences for children of all ages. Our design team has meticulously researched and developed a range of products and playground equipment tailored to cater to the diverse needs and interests of children. This was embodied in our One 10 Project at Kolkatta, India.

Accidents vs Negligence: Understanding the difference!

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‘Play’ provides an opportunity for children to develop motor, cognitive, perceptual and social skills. Unfortunately, playgrounds are often the sites of accidental injuries. It is estimated that approximately 500,000 injuries to children occur on playgrounds each year, of which almost 60% are related to the equipment installed at the playgrounds. Such glaring figures are certainly a call for the attention of all stakeholders.  It is imperative to foresee, anticipate and plan the prevention of injuries and accidents. From the very start, due diligence ensures selection and usage of the ‘right’ product. The top five causes associated specifically with the management/ organization that can often amount to negligence are broadly listed as: Inadequate research and understanding of needs  Poor equipment design sensibility  Failure to comply with international safety standards  Incorrect installation due to lack of technical expertise  Absence of inspection and maintenance  Promoters will always be liable and held responsible (many times personal) for what happens at the project venues. Clearly, the safety and well-being of children is a non-negotiable premise that cannot be ignored. There are a few pointers that could assist in appropriate decision making while choosing playground equipment: 1. Opt for certified playground equipment manufacturers – The certification standard for playground equipment is EN1176 and is recognized globally. Any equipment certified by a recognized body such as TUV, IPEMA, SGS or equivalent is considered to be ‘play-safe’ and has passed stringent tests of durability, safety, and quality.  2. Obtain professional design and layout advice While this is the last piece that is considered in a huge project, it is a big part of design and layout. It’s important to plan the area for installation, provide sufficient space and accommodate all requirements.  3. Professional installation Ensure that equipment is installed by competent professionals in accordance with EN1176; A wrong installation can prove detrimental in the long run for users. 4. Inspection of playground and equipment regularly Inspect the equipment on a weekly or monthly basis for any wear and tear due to frequent usage. Alert supervision, prompt action if any issues are noticed and follow-ups are crucial.  5. Equipment Maintenance Tie up with the equipment manufacturer for an effective maintenance program which repairs faults quickly. Children will be children, they will jump, push, pull and hurt themselves too. However, understanding the fine line between accidents and negligence can reduce mishaps. We urge awareness of the above in making the right choice, whilst planning a warm friendly safe environment for children to play and grow in.  We are changing the way this world plays: Our mission is actualized with every responsible action. 

Safety Floorings – A Smart Solution for Playground Injuries

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Children love being outdoors with their friends and indulge in various forms of play. Although outdoor play and exercise is an important part of growing up, parents today worry about their children being injured during such activities. Koochie Global has been recognized as a global supplier of safe playground equipment. We understand the need to introduce a secure and immersive environment where they can play unrestrained, without fear of any injury. We have introduced top-of-the-line safety flooring solutions to prevent any playground mishaps and accidents.   During play, children are susceptible to falls and bruises. Hence, playground safety becomes paramount, to alleviate the risk of serious accidents. This is the primary reason for installing safety flooring. Secondly, the overall appearance of the area becomes quite vibrant and beautiful. Moreover, colourful environments encourage play and foster learning. Koochie Global’s safety flooring has been tested in accordance with  international standards; namely BS 7188 and BS EN 1177 and have passed the requirements of flammability, durability, slip resistance and indentation. Recently awarded the Best Company in Safety Flooring Solutions by CIA World Construction, we strongly advocate the use of our flooring along with our playground equipment as it leads to a safe, hygienic and durable play area. When you think of safe playground areas, think Koochie Global!

Creating inclusive play areas because everyone is exclusive! – Playground Equipment Suppliers

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Creating inclusive play areas because everyone is exclusive! – Playground Equipment Suppliers We at KOOCHIE Global are excited to branch out and foray into ‘Inclusive Play Areas’ that can potentially nurture interaction and can truly unite a community. Moreover, these play spaces are designed to encourage children of all physical and cognitive abilities to play, learn and grow together. It is our honest opinion that outdoor play is an integral part of a child’s development and should be encouraged. At KOOCHIE Global, we are in alignment with the ‘UN Convention’ on the rights of a child to leisure, play and participate in cultural and artistic activities. With inclusive parks and playgrounds, we aim to provide such an environment that is not only child-friendly and secure but provides an equal opportunity to all . One such special feature is the wheelchair accessibility that recognises differences in abilities, skills and strength. At KOOCHIE Global, much of our time, money and effort is spent on research, development and testing of our outdoor fitness and playground equipments . It makes us the only brand in India that has received the EN16630, EN1176, EN1177 certifications from “international notified bodies” such as TUV & SGS. Safety – right from design stage During the designing phase, utmost care is taken to ensure that a park has a suitable boundary walls to make sure children with short attention spans and related conditions do not wander off, similarly slide run offs, safe fall zones, critical fall heights, impact zones, entrapment areas etc are all taken care off to ensure that safety is never compromised while at the same time children are  kept actively engaged. Such safe play areas foster a stronger sense of empathy, positivity and foster social interactions too . Besides encouraging a cathartic experiences, the emotional benefits achieved in terms of self-esteem are invaluable. After more than a decade of starting KOOCHIE Global, We can still proudly say that not a day goes by when we don’t innovate and work together to change the way this world plays! Looking back at the progress the world has made over the last decade is indeed inspiring but begs the question; Have we been too myopic in our understanding of the word progress? With child obesity rates steadily increasing across the globe, it is high time to introduce children to the joy of the outdoors and not their TV screens. It is our  firm belief that by introducing inclusive playgrounds across the globe, we will usher in a new era of outdoor play and fitness for the future generation. We’re changing the way this world plays!

Transforming Bangalore: World-Class playground equipment installed in Bangalore Public park

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Koochie Global is not your average Playground Equipment Manufacturing Company. Since our Inception over a decade ago, we strive to do things differently. Having been fortunate enough to work and interact with some amazing organizations, individuals and community leaders; our efforts to create need-based outdoor play experiences and fitness equipment have provided great value to the everyday lives of people. With a focus on holistic well-being, Koochie Global set out to bring forth yet another unique opportunity for families to explore. We hope to facilitate a wholesome recreational environment that everyone can be a part of. The most recent project where such a vision has been actualized, is the Janatha Bazaar Park in Bangalore, India. The park features some of our most popular Outdoor Fitness for adults & Play Systems catering to various age groups – Toddlers to 12 year old. This also includes Bangalore’s first-of-its-kind custom-designed equipment that enables ‘Inclusive Play’ with a focus on children with special needs and abilities. The park has been open to the public, post inauguration this Dussehra. This was made possible through the vision and motivation from of one of the most dynamic leaders we have worked with, Dr Ashwath Narayan – Member of Legislative Assembly -Bangalore, whose vision was to provide the residents of his constituency with truly world-class amenities that they could enjoy at their neighbourhood parks. After much research and planning, the foundation to metamorphosise the space was laid. What was once seen as a space with old, dilapidated, outdated and unusable equipment, transformed into an amazing public space that allows every resident, irrespective of age, to enhance their outdoor experience through different activities.  We have received an overwhelming number of responses, and the testimonials are encouraging. Amongst the various bits of feedback we have received, this one in particular stands out, a testament to our efforts. Mrs Nandini, a member of the Resident Welfare Association, a regular visitor to the park with her two children gleefully commented, “The children’s park at Sadashivnagar has one of the best and state-of-the-art play equipment I have seen in Bangalore. My daughter Anika loves the swing, which is safe for toddlers. The park has become a new hangout space in the neighbourhood for kids and parents.” Some highlights of the Playground Equipment installed at the parks are: CAVALA (Adventure Series): One of the most popular Adventure Series Installations has become the centerpiece of this park. It is built for children in the age group of 3 to 12 years. Free play, as well as group play promotes independent thoughts alongside social interaction. Capacity: 15 to 18 Children. This installation provides a way to channelize a child’s energy and engage in various movements including running, climbing, jumping, etc. SCARBORUGH (Multiplay System): Alongside “Cavala”, there’s also the Multi-play System for children of the age group from 3 to 12 years. This colorful installation consists of 2 slides, a sun-roof, monkey loops and the number panel. This structure facilitates effective coordination, various muscle movements and conceptual learning. INCLUSIVE PLAY:  The park also showcases a first-of-its-kind multi-play station specially designed and engineered for children with special needs – an environment that caters to INCLUSIVE PLAY. This includes scientifically designed ramps for wheelchair access so it becomes easy for all children to play as part of a group. Post extensive research, need-analysis and understanding of learning outcomes, this equipment has been designed and manufactured using the highest quality materials. In compliance with European standards for Quality & Safety, this product has been professionally certified. OUTDOOR FITNESS EQUIPMENT environment that caters to INCLUSIVE PLAY. This includes scientifically designed ramps for wheelchair access so it becomes easy for all children to play as part of a group. Post extensive research, need-analysis and understanding of learning outcomes, this equipment has been designed and manufactured using the highest quality materials. In compliance with European standards for Quality & Safety, this product has been professionally certified. “Families that play together, stay together” This is one of the guiding principles and motivator for this project. A large body of scientific evidence has identified various reasons to explain this prophetic statement. Eg. Effective communication, Social Tolerance and Conflict resolutions, are amongst the varied benefits of play. It is our endeavor at Koochie Global, to make it a fun learning experience for all.