Describes the process of designing and building a playground for 3- to 6-year-olds in Brazil. Describes how the playground design incorporated recommendations of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's "Handbook for Public Safety," how local materials were obtained, and how funding was secured. (KB)

Examines children's developmental needs with regard to outdoor play areas, the types of equipment needed to encourage all kinds of play, and the advantages and disadvantages of homemade and commercial playground equipment and various playground materials. Discusses the role of safety standards, outlines requirements of the Americans with…

Discusses improvements in playground design and how playgrounds for young children can be further improved by more focus on gross-motor, social, dramatic, and constructive play. Also examines the largely negative role of activity panels that many playground companies include on their structures, noting that such panels often present academic…

Argues that playgrounds must provide all children with opportunities for physical, social, constructive, dramatic, and game play. Suggests that considerations include playground regulations, safety, age appropriate areas, accommodation of children with physical disabilities, materials selection, construction, available manufactured play equipment,…

Notes the increase in after-school programs for school-age children and discusses ways to meet the outdoor play needs of this age group. Stresses the need to recognize the unique physical, cognitive, and social needs of school-age children; offers suggestions for developing or modifying playgrounds to meet those needs. (TJQ)