GameTime teams with Modern Mill on rice-hull playground material ACRE

GameTime is partnering with Modern Mill to bring ACRE, a wood-alternative made from upcycled rice hulls, into nature-inspired playgrounds. The companies say the material is built to look like wood while offering durability, design flexibility and sustainability benefits for outdoor play spaces.

Why it matters: - GameTime is adding a new sustainable material to playground design at a time when communities are looking for play spaces that feel more natural and last longer outdoors. - ACRE turns an agricultural byproduct into a building material for barriers, decks, platforms and sculptural play elements. - The move expands options for designers who want wood-like warmth without traditional wood's maintenance and wear issues.

What happened: - GameTime partnered with Modern Mill to introduce ACRE into a new generation of nature-inspired playgrounds. - ACRE is made from upcycled rice hulls and is manufactured by Modern Mill in Mississippi. - GameTime said the material is now being used across playground applications, including barriers, decks, platforms and EverForms nature-themed forms.

The details: - ACRE is a wood-alternative material that looks and feels like real wood. - The material can be cut, shaped, fastened, painted and stained. - ACRE is water-resistant and designed to resist cracking, chipping and splintering in outdoor environments. - The material is intended to help designers reflect a community's landscape, character or story. - Modern Mill developed ACRE as a long-lasting alternative to traditional wood for outdoor applications. - GameTime's broader nature-inspired play approach emphasizes climbing, balancing, exploration, storytelling and discovery. - GameTime has used other sustainability measures over time, including ISO 14001 certification in 2008, recycled plastic lumber in 2012 and membership in the U.S. Green Building Council in 2020. - GameTime also works with PlayCore on NatureGrounds and Pathways for Play to connect play environments with nature, trails and green spaces.

Between the lines: - The partnership gives Modern Mill a new showcase beyond decking, siding and trim. - The collaboration fits both companies' focus on innovation, sustainability and long-term performance. - GameTime is positioning material choice as part of the play experience, not just a construction detail. - The project also pushes playgrounds closer to landscape design, with materials meant to make equipment feel more rooted in place.

What's next: - GameTime says designers can use ACRE to create custom shapes, finishes and details in future playground projects. - The companies are directing customers to more information about ACRE by Modern Mill in GameTime playgrounds and GameTime's nature-inspired play approach. - The partnership is likely to surface in more playground installations as communities look for durable, nature-themed design options.

The bottom line: - GameTime is betting that a rice-hull-based material can make playgrounds look more natural, perform better outdoors and align with sustainability goals at the same time.