Frequently Asked Questions

Our playgrounds are tested by the highest safety compliance association; IPEMA.

BCI Burke playgrounds are manufactured in the USA by the oldest playground company, operating with Midwestern values in our neighbor state of Wisconsin.

All of St Croix Recreation’s playgrounds provide the strongest and longest warranty in the industry as well as a supplemental warranty that will make your maintenance staff extremely happy.

Our dedicated freight carriers can deliver the playground from the factory directly to your site with no messy transitions that could prolong delivery, preventing damage and loss.

Take a look at our website, request a catalog in the mail or contact us directly for more information catered specifically to you! Our staff has over 80 combined years of service and we will walk you through the process. Watch our videos online for information about our playgrounds and instructional guides as tools you can use for your playground.

We are a hassle free company that is enthusiastic to work with our customers to guide them through the educational process of choosing the right playground. We use size, budget, age groups, desired themes and accessibility to help determine the best choice for your unique needs.

St. Croix Recreation provides commercial playground equipment from trusted U.S. manufacturers like BCI Burke, PlayIt Creations, Percussion Play, and First Team Sports.

These products include inclusive play structures, musical instruments, basketball hoops, and themed play areas—each designed for Minnesota’s climate and built to national safety standards

Yes. Most of St. Croix Recreation’s playground and park equipment is proudly manufactured in the USA, ensuring quality and durability.

This Midwestern craftsmanship guarantees products that stand up to Minnesota weather while meeting IPEMA and ADA compliance

St. Croix Recreation designs play systems for preschoolers (ages 2–5) through school-age children (ages 5–12).

Each playground is tailored to developmental stages—encouraging gross-motor skills, social play, and safe exploration for all ages

St. Croix Recreation offers engineered wood fiber, pour-in-place rubber, turf, and rubber tiles—all IPEMA-certified.

Each option balances safety, maintenance, drainage, accessibility, and budget considerations

Percussion Play produces outdoor musical instruments—such as drums, chimes, and xylophones—that encourage sensory play for all ages.

These installations promote cognitive and social growth while adding harmony and energy to parks and schools

Burke’s ELEVATE and ACTIVATE fitness playgrounds blend fun with exercise for kids (ages 5-12 and 13+).

They include obstacle-style features that build strength, mobility, and endurance through active outdoor play

Absolutely. PlayIt Creations specializes in custom GFRC rock, tree, and animal features that create unique themes such as nature play or storybook designs.

Custom playgrounds transform ordinary spaces into imaginative environments that reflect a community’s identity

Yes. St. Croix Recreation offers a full line of park and site amenities—benches, bleachers, fountains, and shade shelters—from brands like Coverworx, Pilot Rock, and Premier Polysteel.

These products are built for longevity and can be customized for color, finish, and ADA access

All playground equipment meets or exceeds CPSC and IPEMA standards.

These third-party tests ensure impact attenuation, hardware integrity, and overall product safety for every installation

Every design starts with a free site survey, data collection, and 3D renderings tailored to budget, space, and age group.

This collaborative process ensures each project reflects community needs and fosters inclusive, safe play

Design factors include age range, available space, budget, timeline, and how the playground will be used (school, park, church or childcare center).

Providing this information early helps St. Croix Recreation recommend the best equipment and layout options

Yes. Clients receive 3D renders, fly-through videos, and ADA compliance documents before approval.

These tools build consensus among stakeholders and streamline fundraising efforts

Yes. Accessibility and inclusion are core to the design process, featuring ramps, transfer stations, and adaptive surfaces that meet ADA standards.

St. Croix Recreation helps create environments where every child can play together safely

Timelines vary by size and scope, but the process includes site assessments, design approval, funding support, and installation coordination.

Working with a dedicated project manager keeps projects efficient and on schedule

Yes. PlayIt Creations and BCI Burke offer custom nature and story-based themes that blend art, education, and imaginative play.

From forest boulders to tree forts, these elements encourage creative exploration

Yes. Designers often separate areas for ages 2–5 and 5–12 to enhance safety and age-appropriate development.

These zones balance challenge and accessibility while encouraging inclusive social interaction

St. Croix Recreation offers full turn-key, hybrid, and community-build playground installation options throughout Minnesota.

Clients can choose professional installation or participate with volunteers for a hands-on experience

A community build involves volunteers installing the playground under professional guidance, saving money and building community spirit.

These events often happen over a weekend with 10–100 volunteers

It includes site evaluation, ground preparation, assembly, safety surfacing, and final inspection.

This structured approach ensures each playground is ready for safe use on completion

Yes. Installation services cover shelters, shade canopies, bleachers, and furnishings from Coverworx and Premier Polysteel.

This comprehensive approach ensures consistency across your entire recreational space

Every installation undergoes final inspection to ensure safety and compliance before opening to the public.

Inspections cover anchoring, surfacing depth, and hardware security

Yes. They specialize in upgrading existing sites with modern ADA-compliant structures and safety surfaces.

This renewal service extends the life and appeal of community play spaces

St. Croix Recreation guides clients through grant and fundraising programs including KaBOOM!, CVS Caremark, and the Minnesota State Contract.

These resources make playground projects more affordable for schools and municipalities

The State Contract eliminates the bidding process for cities and schools, saving time and money on equipment purchases.

Most St. Croix Recreation products are eligible under this program

KaBOOM! supports community-led playgrounds with funding and volunteer organization tools.

St. Croix Recreation is an authorized dealer experienced in KaBOOM! projects

Yes. Project Managers can connect you with the Burke Grant Resource Center and help identify qualified funding sources.

This guidance simplifies the process for first-time grant applicants

St. Croix Recreation offers “Funds for Fun” resources like letters, goal posters, and stationery to help communities raise money.

These materials boost local engagement and make fundraising efforts more professional

Yes. Programs such as the Quality of Life Grant and Hasbro Financial Grants support inclusive projects that serve children of all abilities.

These funds help offset costs for ADA ramps and sensory play features

These federal programs support school and community projects that promote physical activity and well-being.

Playground investments qualify for these programs as they encourage movement and social engagement

St. Croix Recreation has been serving Minnesota since 1981 as a family-owned company.

With over 40 years of experience, they continue to provide personal, honest, and professional service statewide

The company headquarters is at 1826 Tower Drive West, Stillwater, MN 55082.

They serve customers statewide with project managers and installers throughout Minnesota

They provide playground design, installation, and service throughout all of Minnesota—from International Falls to Albert Lea.

Their regional team ensures every community has access to expert support

Clients include schools, churches, parks, early childhood centers, and municipalities.

Each project is customized to meet the play, fitness, and safety needs of the community

St. Croix Recreation partners with leading U.S. brands including BCI Burke, Pilot Rock, Coverworx, Percussion Play, and Premier Polysteel.

These collaborations ensure access to durable, high-quality products

You can request a free catalog or quote through their website or by calling 1-800-525-5914.

Each request connects you directly with a knowledgeable project manager

Yes. Complimentary site surveys assess space, topography, and project feasibility before design begins.

This step ensures accurate planning and budget alignment

You can call 1-800-525-5914 or email cj@stcroixrec.com for information, catalogs, or project support.

The team is known for responsive communication and long-term client relationships