Although natural playgrounds have originated from an intention to provide greater access to nature for children, these play spaces offer a designed and regulated space that diverges from other natural contexts. This study investigated the perceived and sociomaterially constructed role of nature in natural playgrounds by examining what people (i.e.…

The objective of this research was to explore design thinking among teams of high school students. This objective is encompassed in the research question driving this inquiry: How do teams of high school students allocate time across stages of design? Design thinking on the professional level typically occurs in a team environment. Many…

Because school business officials are pushed to make difficult decisions quickly when it comes to risk management, they should be aware of the issues associated with environmental safety. School business officials are integral members of the teams that handle crises--big and small--in the school district. A crisis may be as straightforward as the…

A New York City competition produces designs for accessibility in both the plan and the equipment provided in "multiuser parks." (Author)

Provides photographs and text on innovative designs for playgrounds. (JF)

Review of the literature on issues concerning playground design and children's needs. (MP)

Though efforts to improve playground safety are consistent and ongoing, there has been no significant reduction in the rate of serious injuries. The article lists factors to consider when designing a safe playground, emphasizing the risk-taking inherent in children's play. (SM)

One of the situations in which the child spends much time is informal, outdoor play settings. Much of this time is spent in spontaneous play in neighborhoods, around the dwelling unit, and on designated playgrounds. Unstructured and spontaneous play is an important part of a child's development. It is through unstructured, child-initiated play…

This guidebook provides an empirically-based set of planning and design guidelines for the construction of winter play facilities for Canadian youth residing in locations where outdoor play in winter is curtailed for approximately 4 months of the year. Information used in developing the guidelines was derived from field observations, a literature…

The articles in this book offer ideas that could be used to initiate a plan of action designed to change elementary school playgrounds. They provide a broad scope of information needed for adequately providing for the needs of children who play on school playgrounds. The following articles are presented: (1) "Child Development and Playgrounds" (J.…

This report deals primarily with the design of an integrated free play environment for both able-bodied and disabled children. First, the different types of handicaps (and their debilitating effects) which affect children, and the different mobility aids which are used by these children are discussed. Then, a number of guidelines concerning…

Suggestions for the planning and design of playgrounds to meet the needs of children between 6 to 14 years of age living in medium- and high-density residential areas are offered in this document. The first and second chapters briefly focus on the child's right to play and present an overview of the developmental characteristics of children at…

A good playground stimulates a child by offering a variety of interesting, challenging, and rewarding activities. Children learn from play and what they learn can be controlled by careful design of playgrounds. Topics discussed include theories of equipment; design; playground planning and concern for the needs of children, parents, and community;…

Illustrates how a London playground dedicated to Princess Diana's memory challenges the preconceptions on which most American playgrounds are designed. The playground's layout and theme are described, and several photographs are included. (GR)

This book discusses the problem of providing appropriate playspaces for children today. It is intended to give currency to a practical framework for solutions to this problem. Chapter One discusses the problem, pointing out our society's need for created playspaces. Chapter Two considers the use children make of play and outlines what they want…