What makes a playground great?

A research brief from the Urban Parks Institute. Research in the field of play reveals a dichotomy on how play is viewed. read more

Here is a list of key elements that make a great playspace: Motion A playspace should encourage kids to run, jump, toss, throw, hop, slide, swing, climb and MOVE. read more

Maybe it makes them feel bigger, or maybe it’s “because it’s there” and they would like to explore the adventure of climbing, but whatever the reason, I’ve never seen a playground “hill” fail to become the center of attention while providing great vestibular, proprioceptive, and mid-line development at the same time. read more

This explains why more children prefer informal neighborhood places such as vacant lots and back alleys to organized playgrounds (Moore, 1985). While streets, greenways, and fields offer an endless range of activities and make-believe, most playgrounds force a child into a strict set of repeated motions. read more