community built playgrounds | <– Date –> <– Thread –> |
From: strinichung (strinichungearthlink.net) | |
Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2002 12:47:01 -0700 (MST) |
I would not recommend that you focus on a Leathers
type playstructure. They are good for public parks,and even somewhat for
schoolyards, but large pieces of stationary equipment are expensive and do not
hold children's interest for long, especially when the children will be using
that playspace for many years, and through many developmental stages. Better to
focus on loose parts (raw materials that children can use to construct their own
enclosures, forts, teepees, playhouses); good storage for those loose parts; and
plants for play (trees to climb, plants they can hide in and among, and plants
with flowers, seed pods, etc. that can be picked and used in play). Sand
and water are fundamental. A big dirt pile provides tons of fun for a wide range
of ages, a high place to climb to, good for digging and rolling down, and all
for very little money. Think back to your own fondest childhood memories, and
they probably involve someplace more connected to nature, and not to a big piece
of play equipment. That said, there is a place for single and group
swings, hammocks, and pieces of equipment that allow some climbing and good
upper body exercise. Partly a good outdoor space for children involves adults
letting go of their sense of what is aesthetically appealing and tolerating some
of the messiness that kid-owned spaces entail. Check out the www.naturalearning.org or books by
Sharon Lovejoy.
Nancy Striniste,
designer of children's environments
(who also has a GREAT house for sale at Arcadia
Cohousing in Carrboro, NC)
|
-
Community Built Playgrounds Sharon Villines, March 20 2002
- Re: Community Built Playgrounds Sheila Braun, March 20 2002
- Re: Responses from the list/coho company plug shelly demeo, March 24 2002
- community built playgrounds strinichung, March 20 2002
-
Re: community built playgrounds Robert P. Arjet, March 20 2002
- Home For Sale/Rent at River Rock Commons Beth Armstrong, March 21 2002
- Re: Home For Sale/Rent at River Rock Commons Christopher Moss, March 21 2002
- RE: Home For Sale/Rent at River Rock Commons Maggie, March 21 2002
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