Landscape Structures brings a new approach to early childhood playground design with 21 interconnected activities that encourage climbing, discovery and inclusive play.
Little kids are capable of big things. Give them the opportunity to explore, and they'll climb, investigate, experiment and discover new ways to challenge themselves. The best playgrounds for young children recognize that curiosity, offering age-appropriate experiences that encourage independence, imagination and confidence.
That's the inspiration behind Smart Play® Volo Pico+™, the newest addition to the Landscape Structures playground family. Designed specifically for children ages 2 to 5, Volo Pico+ combines 21 interconnected activities, multiple entry points and an innovative central climbing net to create a dynamic play experience where little explorers can discover just how much they're capable of.
The preschool years are an important period of physical, cognitive and social-emotional development. Children are learning to coordinate their movements, solve problems, interact with others and navigate the world with growing independence.
While traditional playground structures often guide children along a predictable route from stairs to platforms to slides, Volo Pico+ takes a different approach. Its open-format design encourages children to choose their own paths, explore from multiple directions and engage with activities that match their interests and abilities.
Some children may head straight for the climbing challenges, while others gravitate toward interactive games or quieter moments of discovery. This freedom to choose encourages children to explore at their own pace, building confidence as they try new things.
This flexible play surface connects the structure's activities and responds to movement, creating opportunities for children to practice balance, coordination and motor planning.
The structure combines active movement, hands-on discovery and imaginative play through a variety of engaging features:
Rather than separating different types of play into distinct areas, Volo Pico+ brings them together in one interconnected environment, allowing children to move naturally between activities as their interests change.
Children ages 2 to 5 develop at different rates and approach playground challenges with varying levels of confidence. Volo Pico+ recognizes these differences by providing multiple ways to engage with the play environment.
These thoughtful adjustments reflect an important principle of inclusive playground design: creating welcoming play environments means considering the needs of caregivers as well as children.
Volo Pico+ is designed to comply with applicable playground accessibility and safety standards. As with any playground equipment, accessibility of the complete play environment also depends on the surrounding site design, accessible routes and surfacing.
Play is one of the most natural ways young children learn. Volo Pico+ brings together activities that support several important areas of early childhood development:
These developmental opportunities happen naturally as children follow their curiosity, try new challenges and discover what they can accomplish.
Volo Pico+ brings 21 activities together within a minimum area of approximately 35 feet 7 inches by 32 feet 10 inches, offering several practical advantages for playground planners:
Whether incorporated into a neighborhood park, school playground, childcare center or larger community destination, Volo Pico+ offers an opportunity to maximize play experiences while making thoughtful use of available space.
Volo Pico+ builds on the innovative design philosophy introduced with Landscape Structures' original Smart Play® Volo®, designed for children ages 5 to 12. Both structures emphasize interconnected activities, multiple routes and the freedom to explore, but Volo Pico+ brings that approach to a younger audience with developmentally appropriate challenges.
For communities planning multi-age playgrounds, Volo Pico+ can complement Volo and Volo Aire®, creating a cohesive play destination with distinct experiences for different age groups. Rather than treating the preschool area as an afterthought, planners can give younger children an exciting destination of their own.
Great playground design isn't necessarily about making things bigger or more complicated. It's about creating meaningful opportunities for children to explore, participate and grow.
With its interconnected activities, flexible climbing experiences and thoughtful approach to early childhood play, Volo Pico+ offers a fresh perspective on what's possible for children ages 2 to 5.
At Whirlix Design, we help parks and recreation departments, schools, landscape architects and community planners throughout North and Central Texas create outdoor spaces that balance innovative design, inclusive play and practical project considerations.
Whether you're developing a new early childhood playground or updating an existing park, our team can help you explore how Volo Pico+ fits your vision, available space and project goals.
Volo Pico+ is designed specifically for children ages 2 to 5. Its climbing, balance, hands-on and imaginative play activities are scaled to the physical and developmental skills of preschool-age kids.
Traditional structures usually guide children along one route from stairs to platforms to slides. Volo Pico+ connects 21 activities around a central LSI Flexx® climbing net with multiple entry points and an open-format design, so children choose their own path and move freely between activities.
Yes. A 360-degree design, multiple entry points, varied challenge levels and a mix of active and quieter activities give children of different abilities more ways to participate, and parts of the design were refined so caregivers can easily reach and assist. Overall playground accessibility also depends on the complete site design, including surfacing and accessible routes.
Yes. Volo Pico+ is available with an optional integrated shade configuration, which helps keep play surfaces and equipment more comfortable during hot Texas summers. It can also be installed without shade, depending on site conditions and sun exposure.
The minimum area is approximately 35 feet 7 inches by 32 feet 10 inches. Use zones, clearances and dimensions can vary by configuration, so confirm them with Whirlix Design during project planning.
Cost depends on configuration, color selections, shade, safety surfacing, installation method and site work. Because its activities sit in one compact footprint, Volo Pico+ may require less safety surfacing than more widely spread play components. Contact Whirlix Design for a project-specific estimate.
Explore Volo Pico+ from Landscape Structures or contact Whirlix Design to start planning your next playground project.