6 Simple Ways to Incorporate Nature Into Your Playground

Preview:

DESCRIPTION

http://www.pdplay.com -- Nature is the perfect learning environment for children to play with and among elements such as sand, water, and living plants. These components encourage physical and imaginative play, but are often overlooked in traditional commercial playground building. Creating an environment for children to fully reap the benefits of outdoor play is crucial, especially in a time when unstructured play is being overshadowed by television, video games,and other electronic amusements. At PDPlay, we’ve found a way to incorporate natural elements into our play structures that still comply with commercial playground guidelines and safety laws–we call these integrated playgrounds Outdoor Learning Environments. Interested in how you can create a more natural playground? Here are 6 simple ways… More information: http://goo.gl/XHfnIm

Citation preview

6 Simple Ways to

Incorporate Nature

Into Your Playground

www.pdplay.com

Nature is the perfect learning

environment for children to play with and

among elements such

as sand, water, and

living plants.www.pdplay.c

om

These components encourage physical and imaginative play,

but are often overlooked in traditional commercial playground building.

At PDPlay, we’ve found a way to incorporate these elements

into our playgrounds, teaching kids to nurture

nature.www.pdplay.c

om

Interested in how you can create a

more natural playground? Here are 6

simple ways…www.pdplay.c

om

SandSand is great for kids, especially within the 2-5

age set.

www.pdplay.com

Sand Its tactility gives children constant

feedback as they work with the material.

It’s a natural impact-absorbing surfacing and can be used throughout the playground.

Sandboxes or sand features are relatively inexpensive elements to add.

Sand’s sensory benefits help children practice, develop, and enhance their fine and gross motor skills.

www.pdplay.com

WaterWater features provide endless opportunities to

learn.

www.pdplay.com

Water Can stand alone or work hand in

hand with a sand feature. Allows children the opportunity to

experience water in a variety of ways.

Water features can be interactive, visually stimulating, or both.

The calming effect of running water can create soothing sounds to combat the chaos of the playground.

www.pdplay.com

GardenGardens offer a place for kids to see nature

evolve.

www.pdplay.com

Garden Having a garden of interesting, hardy

plants and insects is a simple way to incorporate nature into your playground.

A garden can offer kids the responsibility of maintaining the area by watering and weeding it.

If budgets permit, a root view grower can be installed to show kids what happens below the ground.

Gardens provide the opportunity to reconnect with the environment.

www.pdplay.com

TreesNew and existing trees are perfect for the

playground.

www.pdplay.com

Trees There are endless ways to incorporate

trees into the playground. Mature trees provide shade and give

children the opportunity to visually experience the seasons.

A tree surround can give kids a unique place to sit and interact with this element.

Adding trees will help combat the greenhouse effect, clean the air, and conserve energy throughout playground and beyond.

www.pdplay.com

HillslidesA natural take on a classic playground

component.

www.pdplay.com

Hillslides Can stand alone or be incorporated into

a new or existing playground. Can be built using natural grass or

artificial turf, depending on climate restrictions or maintenance preferences.

Hillslides are a sustainable, natural feature that can withstand the elements (and kids)!

They generally come in three sizes but can be modified to fit any area, budget, or design direction.

www.pdplay.com

BouldersBoulders are perfect for climbers of all ages.

www.pdplay.com

Boulders Boulders offer a variety of challenges

for kids of multiple ages and contribute to the authenticity of the natural environment.

Custom climbing boulders offer all the benefits of a natural boulder without sharp edges or the difficulty of properly locating an existing boulder.

Boulders can stand alone or be incorporated into a new or existing playground.

www.pdplay.com

Still wondering how you can

create a more natural

playground?

www.pdplay.com

Visit us online for more

information!www.pdplay.com

Recommended