And the Winner Is… Announcing Our Ultimate Playground & Park Bracket Champions!

The votes are in, the dust has settled, and the brackets are officially closed!

First off, we want to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone who participated in our Ultimate Playground & Park Bracket Challenge. We had a blast watching you champion your favorite pieces of equipment, and we hope you had just as much fun voting.

🏆 Check Your Inbox!

Before we get to the playground feature winners, we have some surprises to share. We’ve randomly selected our Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card winners from our pool of participants across every round of the tournament!

Check your inbox right now to see if you’re one of the lucky winners—your next outdoor adventure might be on us. Huge congratulations to:

  • First Round: Rodney P.
  • Sweet Sixteen: Beth R. 
  • Elite Eight: Gwendolyn W.
  • Final Four: Anna S. 
  • Championship: Dixie D. 

The Podium: Meet Your Fan Favorites

You’ve spoken, and these are the top three playground features that captured the hearts of the Carolinas:

🥇 1st Place: The Geode (Free-Standing Climber)

Taking the gold medal is the stunning Geode from Henderson Playgrounds! This isn’t just a climber; it’s a modern architectural masterpiece for the playground.

  • Why it won: Its complex inner structure of German-engineered play ropes creates a responsive, ever-changing experience that develops core strength and balance.
  • Fun Fact: Geodes are not just climbers. Children use play ropes in more ways than you can imagine.

🥈 2nd Place: The Butterfly Shades at Marbles Kids Museum

Our runner-up is a project very close to our hearts—the custom Butterfly Shades we recently installed at Marbles Kids Museum in Downtown Raleigh.

  • Why it won: These aren’t your average sun shades. They combine essential UV protection with a whimsical, artistic design that brings the “Our Gardens” exhibit to life. They prove that safety and shade can be absolutely beautiful.

🥉 3rd Place: The Stegosaurus Vine Climber

Rounding out the top three is the fan-favorite Stegosaurus Playground Climber (also known as the Vine Climber).

  • Why it won: This prehistoric powerhouse connects directly to full playground structures, encouraging kids to find their own routes. It’s a fantastic tool for building climbing skills and confidence in a fun, themed environment.

Keep the Play Going

Whether your favorite won or lost, the real winner is our local community of parks and schools that continue to prioritize active, imaginative play.

Want to see these winners in person or bring one to your community? Contact Carolina Recreation & Design today and let’s start planning your next award-winning play space!

Thanks again for playing, and stay tuned for our next community challenge!

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