The impact of the outdoor learning environment on the play behaviors and peer relationships of 8 second-grade children with differing levels of physical competence was investigated using a qualitative case study approach. Subject selection was based on performance on the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency. Settings for the study were playgrounds of contrasting design: one emphasizing exercise play, the other providing various play options in addition to exercise. Grounded theory procedures were used to analyze observation and interview data. Results indicated that playground design influenced subjects' social as well as physical skill development by facilitating or constraining the strategies they used to manage their play with peers. A theoretical model was developed to describe interrelationships among playground design, physical competence and peer relationships. Features of each playground are discussed relative to the opportunities they provided for the physical and social development of subjects with high or with low physical competence.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6W4B-3XDJJ7J-7&_user=37161&_coverDate=12%2F31%2F1999&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_origin=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_searchStrId=1507222897&_rerunOrigin=google&_acct=C000004218&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=37161&md5=739ad967006c100ce9033cede83bcb65&searchtype=a)
The ability to think like a kid is an important quality of any playground designer. Remembering one’s favorite childhood play activities is an essential ingredient to the design process. As important is the ability to design age-appropriate play activities.
(http://www.eagleplaystructures.com/design-safety/design-theory/)What makes a good playground:
- Space: for running around with a ball, a grassy area (no weeds), picturesque with lots of greenery
- Shade: from trees and shade cloth/sail
- Safety: a fence, or something that will prevent access to the nearest road or other hazard like a garden bed
- Good quality equipment for both toddlers and bigger kids: a sandpit, a climbing frame, a big and a small slide, swings for toddlers and bigger kids, games
- For the Adults: a nice spot to sit where you can see the children play and close to takeaway coffee
Motion
A playspace should encourage kids to run, jump, toss, throw, hop, slide, swing, climb and MOVE. Play equipment should have moving parts: swings, activity panels and balance activities with movable parts.
Incorporates Nature
A great playspace should incorporate the natural world around it. A lot of green space is key for activity and elements such as sand and water give kids a dynamic environment that allows them to use their manipulative skills.
Interesting to Look At
Your local playground should look, sound and feel interesting. Sound, color and texture excite the senses and ignite your child's imagination.
Overhead Events
This is a fancy term for anything that makes kids use their upper bodies. Monkey bars, monorails, chain ladders and a whole lot more are all play components that encourage upper body development.
Balance
Balance is an important skill for children to develop - and what's more, they usually have fun doing it! Playgrounds should have unusual balance elements, which test their participants balancing savvy.
Multigenerational
A great playspace should be appealing to the entire family. Everyone should want to go and use the facility. An ideal space has plenty of shade elements, picnic tables as well as benches.
Friendly Competition
Children will be stimulated by friendly competition with their peers. Playspaces should be rich with subtle opportunities for a competition -be it parallel climbing bars where children can see who climbs across the fastest - or a double slide are good additions. Also, look for additional areas for traditional games like basketball or tetherball.
Accessibility
Playspaces should be accessible to everyone. A great playspace will provide play at ground level; multi-sensory play opportunities (sight, sound, touch) and a safe surface for everyone.
Groundcover
Look for soft groundcover that can cushion a child's fall. Avoid equipment that stands on dirt, concrete, asphalt or artificial grass.
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