Bespoke Playground Recent News
Play, the Natural Way
Growing up rurally, I was well accustomed to entertaining myself with some sticks, the creek bed and anything I could steal from the kitchen without my mum noticing. To me, anything outside provided opportunity for creativity. Nothing was structured and there was no printed ‘how to play’. Everything was left up to my own imagination. Now as an adult, living in the city, I still crave the chance to walk barefoot through a paddock, climb a few fence posts and [...]
Does Your Playground Pass the Fun Test?
The best playgrounds never lose their ‘play-value’ and must always pass the ‘fun test’. While a slide and swing can be fun for ten minutes, the true value of a playground is fun that goes on and on. There must always be something new to discover or a challenge yet to be conquered. Children demand change! During development, we learn through play. Life is all about the new and unknown. What’s at the top of the rock wall? What does this [...]
Barefoot ‘n’ muddy hands
Why include nature play in your playground design Once upon a time, playing outdoors was a normal part of growing up. Each week we would spend hours making mud pies, swinging from the clothes line, building tree houses, jumping in puddles and riding bikes around our neighbourhood. They were some of the best years of our lives. Today, for some children, play is a very different experience. In fact, more and more children are spending increasingly more time indoors and out. [...]
Choosing the perfect playground
Five important things to consider It has to be fun! While the primary goal of most playgrounds is to provide children with development opportunities, a playground must be fun. This doesn’t mean filling it with every piece of equipment imaginable. It means carefully considering the children – their age, their interests and any special needs – and then choosing the equipment that will inspire them to play. Take advantage of the natural features of your site. When it comes to playgrounds, one size [...]
The importance of regular playground maintenance
Playgrounds are places of adventure and fun. They are where friendships are made and imaginations run wild. They should also be safe. A regular playground inspection and maintenance schedule will ensure this is the case. Standards Australia states: “It is the operator’s responsibility to provide for regular inspections of playgrounds and playground equipment, surfaces, corrective action, maintenance and records which is crucial to their safe performance.” So playground inspection and maintenance isn’t just a good idea, it’s regulated. However, the Standards [...]
Mixing things up
Why children love changes in their play space. Different types of play develop different skills in children. Social play allows them to learn to give and take, cooperate and share. Constructive play, where they build and draw, provides a sense of accomplishment. While fantasy play promotes creativity and flexible thinking. Developmentally, children need to be exposed to different play opportunities. It allows them to use their body in different ways and to develop all the skills they need for life. It [...]