Design Issues and Solutions Play behaviour and play spaces: effective design for maximum participation The most effective play spaces are those which engage and stimulate children, and that they can access and move through. Play spaces that provide settings for children (regardless of their age or ability) to play in different ways each time they visit, are extremely valuable. Such spaces may be small and simple or large and complex. For example, planting, sand, rocks, logs and other terrain are endlessly adaptable for many activities. As mentioned earlier, play takes many forms. It is important for planners and providers to recognise that physical activity on play equipment is only one of many ways that children like to use their environment. This is particularly important for encouraging participation by all children. While some children may not be able to swing from monkey bars, they will be able to be included in imaginative play, role play or creative play. Children use typical items or areas within play spaces for different purposes. An understanding of how play spaces are used helps planners and providers to address the difficulties some children face when trying to participate fully in play. The following discussion is based around five key themes listed below: Mastering particular skills or challenges. Enjoying particular types of physical activity and movement. Experiencing the sensory qualities of the outdoors. Using the environment as a prop for play. Engaging in social play as an end in itself. Each of these themes offers certain challenges for planners and providers in terms of maximising potential play value and learning, increasing participation by children of all ages and abilities, and minimising the risk of injury.
Design Issues and Solutions Play behaviour and play spaces: effective design for maximum participation The most effective play spaces are those which engage and stimulate children, and that they can access and move through. Play spaces that provide settings for children (regardless of their age or ability) to play in different ways each time they visit, are extremely valuable. Such spaces may be small and simple or large and complex. For example, planting, sand, rocks, logs and other terrain are endlessly adaptable for many activities. As mentioned earlier, play takes many forms. It is important for planners and providers to recognise that physical activity on play equipment is only one of many ways that children like to use their environment. This is particularly important for encouraging participation by all children. While some children may not be able to swing from monkey bars, they will be able to be included in imaginative play, role play or creative play. Children use typical items or areas within play spaces for different purposes. An understanding of how play spaces are used helps planners and providers to address the difficulties some children face when trying to participate fully in play. The following discussion is based around five key themes listed below: Mastering particular skills or challenges. Enjoying particular types of physical activity and movement. Experiencing the sensory qualities of the outdoors. Using the environment as a prop for play. Engaging in social play as an end in itself. Each of these themes offers certain challenges for planners and providers in terms of maximising potential play value and learning, increasing participation by children of all ages and abilities, and minimising the risk of injury.
Good-Play-Space-guide.docx