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Inside Iowa State, a newspaper for faculty and staff, is published by the Office of University Relations.

Aug. 26, 2005

ISU honors play structure "kings"

by Teddi Barron

Steven and Barbara King, who turned the concept of continuous play into a successful children's play equipment company, are the recipients of the 2005 Christian Petersen Design Award from the College of Design. They were honored during an Aug. 22 reception.

Created in 1980, the Christian Petersen Design Award is given annually to alumni, staff and friends of the university for contributions to the advancement of design. It is named for Iowa State's sculptor-in-residence from 1935 to 1955.

The Kings were honored for their contributions to safe and innovative design for children.

Steven King, who graduated from ISU in 1968 with a bachelor of landscape architecture degree, co-founded Landscape Structures Inc., Delano, Minn., in 1971, and serves as chairman. The company has designed, manufactured and installed equip-ment on more than 50,000 playgrounds worldwide.

Barbara King graduated from Iowa State in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in food science. She has served as president of Landscape Structures since co-founding the company in 1971.

The Kings received the Minnesota Entrepreneur of the Year award in 1992.