LTR Products Joins KaBOOM! to Help Build New Playground in Hawaii

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- This January, in conjunction with KaBOOM!, a national non-profit dedicated to saving play for America's children, 250 local volunteers will help build a 2,500 sq. ft. playground from the ground up for the YMCA of Honolulu Leeward Branch.  LTR Products is helping to make this new playground project possible by providing the SMARTE System, a playground safety surface created from recycled tire rubber.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091210/NE24642LOGO )

SMARTE System utilizes Pinnacle Rubber Mulch made from tires provided by Liberty Tire Recycling for the system's base and impact layer. A top matting is then applied, helping to keep the rubber mulch in place and offering a playground surfacing that is wheelchair accessible, fire resistant, low-maintenance, durable and environmentally friendly.  Members of the LTR Products team also volunteered their time to help build the playground on January 27, 2011.

"At LTR Products, we are proud to work with KaBOOM! to build a new playground that will bring fun and fitness to the children of the YMCA of Honolulu Leeward Branch," said Brad Pittam, general manager of LTR Products.  "The SMARTE Surface System made with Pinnacle Rubber Mulch is a smart choice for playground safety surfacing.  It will help protect kids from playground falls and can dramatically reduce serious injuries."

Developed by Elaine Sherman, the SMARTE Surface System combines the safety and shock absorption of recycled rubber tires with the durability of specially formulated PEM Matting.  The safe, slip-resistant, textured mats do not hold or absorb water.  Additionally, safe, top-surface additives help to reduce the growth of harmful bacteria.  The SMARTE System meets the industry standard for wheelchair accessibility and has a Class II fire code rating.  Elaine Sherman coordinated a research grant project funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs Tire Recovery Program and developed SMARTE Playground Surface System.  After numerous successful installations starting in 2003, SMARTE systems can now be found across the US and Canada.

Pinnacle Rubber Mulch is an innovative alternative to traditional wood mulch for landscaping and playground surfacing.  It is non allergenic, non toxic and harmless to plants, pets and children.  Additionally, as safety surfacing used in playgrounds, a six-inch layer of Pinnacle Rubber Mulch will cushion a child's fall from as high as 16 feet.  

About Pinnacle Rubber Mulch

Introduced by LTR Products in December 2009, Pinnacle Rubber Mulch is an innovative alternative to traditional wood mulch for landscaping and playground surfacing. Pinnacle Rubber Mulch saves money by remaining bright and plush for at least 12 years with minimal maintenance. It is resistant to wind and water erosion, bug and rodent infestation, fading caused by sunlight, and decomposition. Unlike wood mulch, Pinnacle Rubber Mulch does not compress, thereby providing a thick and luxurious base material for landscape beds. As safety surfacing, a six-inch layer of Pinnacle Rubber Mulch will cushion a child's fall from as high as 16 feet. For more information about Pinnacle Rubber Mulch, please visit www.pinnaclemulch.com.

About LTR Products

As a subsidiary of Liberty Tire Recycling, the premier provider of tire recycling services in North America., LTR Products is a creative outlet for advanced rubber-based products. Each year, LTR Products manufactures the raw materials from millions of discarded tires into innovative products such as Pinnacle Rubber Mulch, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood mulch. Along with Liberty Tire Recycling, the company maintains a nationwide network of processing plants and convenient shipping points. LTR Products is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA. For more information, please visit www.ltrproducts.com.

About KaBOOM!

KaBOOM! is a national non-profit organization dedicated to saving play. Through community building, the company is focused on giving every child in America a great place to play within walking distance. Since 1996, KaBOOM! has used its innovative community-build model to bring together business and community interests to construct more than 1,9 00 new playgrounds across North America. KaBOOM! also offers a variety of resources, including an online community, free online trainings, grants, publications and the KaBOOM! National Campaign for Play, which includes Playful City USA and Playmakers – a national network of individual advocates for play. KaBOOM! has offices in Washington, D.C., Chicago and San Mateo, Calif. For more information, visit www.kaboom.org.

SOURCE LTR Products