Playground science has a great deal to offer in terms of creative learning; it is, after all, an environment designed for playful behaviour. Drawing sketches and words with chalk on the playground itself at first feels like breaking rules, but children soon become comfortable at "playing with ideas" in this way. They can then be used in…

Playground design is critical to school-based practice, insuring access and use for all children. The play behavior of children with special needs is qualitatively and quantitatively different than their typically developing peers. However, empirical data is needed to support the therapeutic value of playground equipment used with school-aged…

This paper explores the place of the school playground in the lives of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We discuss the physical environment, school systems and practices that support the development of social competence and increased peer interactions for children with ASD in their school playground. Highlighted issues include the…

This paper reports the results of risk reframing, an intervention to offer parents and educators a context for building new and complex perceptions of risk in children's outdoor free play. Our objective was to alter these adults' perceptions of risk to increase the sustainability of an innovative child-centred playground intervention. Qualitative…

The objectives of this study were: (1) To determine factors which inhibit and facilitate child and adolescent use of outdoor spaces for healthy physical activity by race and ethnicity in four Houston communities; and (2) To propose guidelines for encouraging and maintaining child and adolescent outdoor physical activity. Using local health data…

In the last two decades, playgrounds have gotten safer, more streamlined--and progressively worse. Today's playgrounds are distinctly less fun, and distinctly worse for kids. But there's a new vision for tomorrow's playgrounds--letting children design their ideal playgrounds, which parents and community leaders look through when selecting the…

This book examines the history and purpose of outdoor play areas. Chapter 1 of the book discusses the importance of play in children's lives and the role of playgrounds in the play process. The historical development and evolution of playgrounds is recounted in chapter 2, while chapter 3 reviews research on playgrounds, including research…

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that from January 1, 1974 through December 31, 1974, approximately 118,000 persons received hospital emergency room treatment nationwide for injuries related to playground equipment. Of this estimate, approximately 45,000 injuries occurred on public playground equipment and approximately 41,000…

Cites research which suggests that U.S. playgrounds are hazardous and developmentally sterile. Factors that affect the relationship of playgrounds to child development include (1) the developmental appropriateness of playground environments; (2) gender differences in outdoor play; (3) well-equipped play environments; (4) the use of portable play…

The physical features of a primary school playground - dimensions, textures, furnishings, etc. - are incorporated and adapted for their own purposes by children in their free play. Youngsters create an intricate network of usage, play-lines invisible but known to every child at the school. Unfortunately, the general adult indifference to…

The article stresses the importance of play and playgrounds for children's social, physical, and psychological development. It presents data from a national survey of the status and design of play equipment at elementary schools, suggests ways of making equipment safer, and offers basic principles of play center design. (CB)

Discusses safety aspects of tree climbing and the use of sand in outdoor play areas at day care centers. Specifies ways to prune trees so that they are unclimbable and methods for maintaining sand areas. Includes a recipe for sand disinfectant. (MDM)

Though efforts to improve playground safety are consistent and ongoing, there has been no significant reduction in the rate of serious injuries. The article lists factors to consider when designing a safe playground, emphasizing the risk-taking inherent in children's play. (SM)

Addresses the issue of providing an area for smokers in a child care facility. Because of the increased risks of respiratory diseases associated with exposure to tobacco smoke, a smoking area is not recommended. A clarification is also included concerning a recipe for sanitized play sand. (PAM)