5 Really Cool Playgrounds & Why Outdoor Play Matters
Imagine you are seven years old again, and a playground sprawls out before you. A swing resembling a bird's nest on a tall tree catches your eye. You can’t contain your excitement as you start running towards it, but you hit the swing too hard, fly forward, and crash to the ground. You begin crying because of the stinging in your teeth and feel around your mouth to find a loose baby tooth. Brushing yourself off, you smile and wiggle that tooth free while sitting in the bird nest swing. A sweet reward for your little risk.
Risk is a natural part of outdoor play. The Children at Play Network defines risk as “opportunities children can easily assess and make decisions about.” However, outdoor play has diminished for each generation as indoor play (video games, smart devices, advanced play sets) has developed. Parents have also become more risk averse, but risky play is not the same as hazards, which designers actively try to avoid while making playgrounds. The Play Outside UBC Lab says, “...outdoor risky play, such as independent exploration, rough-and-tumble play, climbing, chasing, building...can promote children’s social and physical development, emotional well-being, self-confidence, risk management and physical activity.” Our first independent experiences often take place at playgrounds. We learn how to advocate for ourselves, negotiate with playmates, and bond with other kids who aren't our family or classmates. Innovative outdoor play-spaces can inspire more well-rounded children to become great adults.
Do you remember something special about your childhood playground? Here are five dynamic spaces that address children’s need for imaginative play—and remind you of being a kid again.
Our first independent experiences often take place at playgrounds. We learn how to advocate for ourselves, negotiate with playmates, and bond with other kids who aren't our family or classmates.
Anna C. Verna Playground
FDR Park in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Studio Ludo
2. Flamboyance of Flamingo Playground
Parsloes Park Play Area in Dagenham, England
Designed by Yinka Ilori
3. The River Giants
Gathering Place Park in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Designed by MONSTRUM
4. The City Is A Playground
In any playground, anywhere in the world!
Designed by Eric Treillard
“An empty site can be transformed into a basketball court using this mobile kit…”
