Michael D'Onfrio pounds on the drums which is part of the new playground at Tanner Park. Two newly constructed Town playgrounds — one at Tanner Park in Copiague and the other at Phelps Lane Park in North Babylon — are raising the (monkey) bars.

"This is a big improvement from the last park that was here," said Ernie Fraas, who recently enjoyed the crisp autumn weather with his grandchildren —Madison, 5, and Joey, 4 at a new playground at Tanner Park. Fraas likes this playground better than the previous dilapidated one, but he had no idea that it was constructed to be environmentally friendly, welcoming to those with disabilities, and designed to stimulate creative play.

Fraas walked right past the sign that explained how the playground was "carbon neutral." That sign was the backdrop of a recent press conference hosted by the Town of Babylon.

"We are here to announce the opening of the first green carbon neutral playgrounds on Long Island," said Town Supervisor Steve Bellone. "We are proud of the fact that Babylon is a leader in energy and environmental issues."

The Carbon neutral status means that Landscape Structures — the company that manufactured the playgrounds — strives to maintain the delicate balance of gasses in the atmosphere by producing less carbon dioxide during manufacturing. Any emissions that are leaked into the atmosphere are balanced out by hiring Global ReLeaf to plant trees to absorb the gas. The goal? To avoid unnatural climate change.

Landscape Structures used more than 17,000 pounds of recycled materials while constructing the playgrounds, and in turn, reduced carbon dioxide emissions, constructed a playground that can be recycled in the future, and has kept material out of landfills. For example, the spongy base of the playground— which is meant to cushion the impact of falling children — is made from old tires.

The parks are also accessible to those with physical disabilities and are designed to "spark creativity and encourage longer play which in turn should improve fitness levels," according to the Town press release. The playgrounds are roomy enough to allow someone in a wheelchair to buzz about and also includes interactive panel games that are on chair-level so they can play along with friends.

Long Island's first Evos play systems are part of both new playgrounds. Evos — a play system that looks like it landed from outer space — challenges kids because it's not instantly apparent how to play on it.

"Evos tested off the charts," said Jeff Charles, a representative from Landscape Structures. "Kids love it. As the country fights childhood obesity this is a good tool to keep kids active and stimulated, mentally and physically, extending the length of play."

Michael D'Onfrio, 5, was swinging from the Evos recently, and then moved on to find bright blue plastic drums at the apparatus, which he proceeded to pound. "He likes climbing, and going on the slides and the swings," said his grandfather Frank D'Onofrio. But it was the benches that seemed to catch Frank's attention. "This park is nice because you can walk around and join in to play with your kid or if you want you can sit. Sitting is nice."

For Supervisor Bellone, the new playground projects are just one more way to make Babylon more friendly and financially stable. "When you invest in family first: infrastructure, playgrounds, pavilions and band shells, it helps the whole economy," said Bellone. "During the last six years, we have aggressively invested in the park system … And I think we have the best municipal park system in the area."