The Latta Way
For us, it's always been about the kids.
At Lattas, we don’t just build structures; we build the backdrop for childhood's best moments." says Mike Mullarky, a third-generation small business owner. A playground is the first classroom where a child learns to take risks, make friends, and discover their own strength. That’s why we don't just "install equipment"—we craft environments where:
Toddlers develop motor skills through tactile discovery. School-age kids build social bonds on play systems Communities come together in inclusive spaces designed for everyone.
Their Safety is Our Promise
We know that for a child to play with total freedom, their environment must be built with total care. We treat every project as if our own children were playing on it.
"At Latta’s, we believe growth happens everywhere—from the desk to the slide. For nearly a century, we’ve dedicated ourselves to providing tools for learning and the environment for safe play. Dedicated to children, committed to quality: That’s the Latta Way!"
History of Latta's
A Century of Supporting Education and Play……. The story of Lattas begins in 1898 with J.S. Latta’s Iowa-based company, but its roots in West Virginia were planted in 1931 when Hugh Mullarky opened the Huntington branch. For over 8 decades, Latta’s has been a cornerstone for educators and families across West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, and Southern Ohio.
Though originally located near Marshall University, the Great Flood of 1937 prompted a move to 4th Avenue and 15th Street—a location that would serve as the company’s home for the next eight decades. Through three generations of Mullarky family leadership—from Hugh to Bill, and eventually to Mike Mullarky in 1997. The business evolved from a retail store and school supply distributor into a regional leader in specialized school furnishings and playground equipment
Our Future
In 2023, we began our newest chapter by moving to our modern facility on 8th Ave W. As we step into our second century of service, our legacy remains rooted in a simple truth: our work is, and always will be, about supporting dedicated educators and—most importantly—the children they inspire.
Excellence in education and recreation—that’s the Latta Way!