Blue Imp HistoryBlue Imp History

Please click on one of the titles below to read a brief history on Blue Imp.

Fun for Generations: The Blue Imp Story

The growth of Blue Imp mirrors the growth of the playground industry

In the beginning, there was steel.

Yes, it's a fact. The first playground equipment ever built was built of steel. And Blue Imp was one of the first - if not the first - to build it.

Blue Imp Recreational Products of Canada Ltd. got its start in 1917 when Simon F. Scott founded S.F. Scott Manufacturing Ltd. in Medicine Hat.

In the early years S.F. Scott found success as a manufacturer of quality steel farm implements under the trade name Blue Implement. As the demand for playground equipment increased, Blue Implement became Blue Imp.

Now in its fourth generation, this family-owned Canadian company has become a leader in the playground industry.

"Designing for safety and low maintenance are pre-eminent concerns," says company president Don Scott.

The company built its first swing set in 1936. With materials hard to come by in the depression years, equipment was built using boiler tubing salvaged from decommissioned steam locomotives.

It was in the 1950s, with the baby boom generation, that the playground industry really began to take off. When a local Lion's Club contracted S. F. Scott to build playground equipment for city parks, a new line was born. Manufacturing high quality playground products became the company's primary focus; Blue Implement became Blue Imp.

At that time Blue Imp manufactured playground pieces kids still love: swings, slides, see-saws and merry-go-rounds. Several of the original pieces are still in place today, still entertaining kids generations after being installed.

"We have always chosen to build with durable materials that stand up to wear and tear," states Scott.

In the 1970s, consumer preference began to change. Freestanding steel equipment was out; modular wood playgrounds were in. As Blue Imp turned to manufacturing wood playgrounds, the company's knowledge of steel and desire for quality once again resulted in a superior product.

"We used galvanized steel pipe to reinforce the platforms and achieve the strongest possible connections," comments Scott.

It wasn't long, however, before the interest in wood began to wane. Wood simply didn't wear well. And it was much more difficult and costly to maintain.

"We were very relieved when the trend returned to steel," says Scott. "Steel is and always has been our medium. It's what we do best."

The company has embraced each progression in the industry and continues to invest in new technologies in order to manufacture the best possible product.

Ultra-creative, computer-aided design. Super durable polyester powder coatings. Computer-driven machines generating custom-routed panels, perforated steel and vinyl-coated components. Heavy-duty vinyl-coated decks and components. Hammerlocks. IPEMA, ISO, ASTM, CSA, CPSC. The list goes on.

Blue Imp now carries out virtually every aspect of production at its plant in Medicine Hat, Alberta manufacturing more than 95% of the products it sells.

"Performing almost all the manufacturing ourselves gives us more control over the final product and allows for greater versatility and flexibility. That means we can serve our customers better," comments Stuart Scott, the fourth generation of the Scott family to be involved.

The company's most recent challenge has come from plastic. To meet consumer demand, Blue Imp offers a wide selection of high quality plastic products, including slides, panels and roofs.

However, many consumers have come to realize that steel has many advantages over plastic.

"Steel stands up to rough weather and tough play. It's virtually vandal-proof and it's much easier to maintain," says Don Scott.

For those reasons, some municipalities, such as Calgary, Alberta, have now banned the installation of plastic playground equipment. Steel, with its long-lasting durability, is once again becoming the material of choice.

As the playground industry evolves, of one thing there is no doubt. Blue Imp will keep pace, continuing to grow and change, continuing to build fun for generations.

(Back to Top)

Where did "Blue Imp" Come From?

"How did you come up with the name Blue Imp?"

We are asked that question all the time and the answer is tied in with the colourful history of Blue Imp's parent company, S. F. Scott.

It all began in 1917 when Simon F. Scott - great-grandfather of the latest member of the Scott family to join the Blue Imp team - began a small blacksmith operation.

As the need for blacksmith services declined, Simon Scott began manufacturing steel farm implements under the trade name Blue Implement.

When a local Lion's Club contracted S. F. Scott to build playground equipment for city parks, a new product line was born. Manufacturing high quality playground products became the company's primary focus and Blue Implement became Blue Imp.

The fun image of the little imp appeals to all ages across North America. You're never too old for Blue Imp!

(Back to Top)

Blue Imp: There is No Substitute for Experience

Four generations. That's how long Blue Imp Recreational Products Inc. has been designing playgrounds for kids.

Simon F. Scott would be proud that the blacksmith operation he began in 1917 has grown to become one of North America's most trusted and innovative playground manufacturer. His commitment to superior manufacturing is alive today as the Scott family carries on the tradition under the Blue Imp banner.

At Blue Imp, we manufacture more than 95% of the products at our state-of-the art plant in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

From the first swing set we built in 1936 to the complex play systems we manufacture today, Blue Imp has gained the kind of industry experience that sets us apart from any other playground manufacturer in the market.

Experience has taught us to build long-lasting quality into every piece using the best possible materials and processes. Our knowledge of steel has enabled us to manufacture for maximum safety, easy installation and worry-free maintenance.

Blue Imp builds products to last. That's why our saucer steps are made of durable vinyl-coated steel and that's why hammerlocks are now standard on all Blue Imp playgrounds.

Experience has taught us to create fun without compromising safety. We understand that quality and safety go hand in hand. Put simply, equipment that stays sound stays safe.

Our oversized decks and "see-through" rails are examples of designing for safety and easy supervision.

A member of the International Standards Organization, Blue Imp is ISO 9001 certified. Blue Imp is also a member in good standing of IPEMA, the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association and we participate in the third party certification service they provide.

Experience has taught us what kids like and how to build it best. With that knowledge, our design team creates innovative products that get kids excited about play.

Offering three unique design options - MegaPlay, PowerPlay and Imp-Play - Blue Imp offers customers the versatility they need for their space, their budget and their dreams.

In order to stay on the leading edge, Blue Imp continues to invest in new technologies. Performing virtually all of the manufacturing in-house gives us the ability to customize almost anything.

Experience has taught us that family pride makes a difference. Putting Scott family pride into each piece we build ensures that customers and kids receive the best we have to offer.

To give our customers added peace of mind, we stand behind our products with a warranty that is the best in the business.

The warranty on Blue Imp products is as solid as the company issuing it: 91 years of successful operation ensures that we will be here to serve you for generations to come.

In the end, more customers choose Blue Imp for one reason alone: there is simply no substitute for experience.