Putting Nature Into Play:
Become a Certified Playground Installer!

Grown-ups today can only imagine what fun they would have had on today’s imaginative play structures. However, many Baby Boomers can fondly recall youthful days and playing outdoors in nature, something the current generation of kids apparently does less of, given that Richard Louv has authored the best seller Last Child in the Woods, which asserts “the disconnection between children and nature.”

The “industrial playground model,” i.e., playground design based solely on manufactured equipment, is being reconsidered. Other people and groups concur with Louv and want to do something about it.

Installing playgrounds is an important expansion opportunity for landscape contractors. Installing landscaping, irrigation, etc., is of course right up you alley, but you’ll want to get certified through the International Playground Contractors Association The three-day course work includes site preparation, removal of existing equipment, existing surfacing/drainage, site leveling, final grading, compliance to manufacturing specs (CPSC / ASTM / ADAAG) and installation of surfacing.

Natural Learning Initiative

The College of Design at North Carolina State University in Raleigh has developed the Natural Learning Initiative www.naturalearning.org, a research and design assistance program. Its mission is to help communities create stimulating places for play, learning and environmental education.” This initiative provides research-based best practices, detailed design specifications, CAD support and a variety of resources for creating play spaces that combine the benefits of traditional play equipment with natural elements.

NatureGrounds

NatureGrounds, Putting Nature into Play is a joint program of the N.C. State University’s Natural Learning Initiative and PlayCore, a leader in play and recreation products.

Starting in the 1980s up until the mid-point of this decade, playgrounds were seen as an opportunity for children to gather in their communities and play. Now with the addition of landscape elements such as trees, turf, walkways, benches, tables, drinking fountains, etc., these playgrounds have become all the more inviting for kids.

The 7 Ps of Inclusive Play

PlayCore is also focused on accessible play and has come up with the “Seven Principles of Inclusive Play” to encourage the development of truly accessible play spaces. The 7Ps were developed in partnership with Utah State’s Center for Persons with Disabilities. The principles are outlined in a guidebook, with best practice examples to help ensure a play space design that is useable by children of all abilities. PlayCore is also working with Boundless Playgrounds as an exclusive partner to provide such play spaces.

The industrial playground model contained all the necessary playground equipment for kids to have fun. However, it lacked the aesthetics and interaction that only landscapes can bring to a project.

PlayOn!

PlayCore’s PlayOn! program is also impacting schools and park and recreation centers focused on physical activity and fitness. Created in partnership with the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, and the American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation, the program provides 100 playground activities that align with national physical education standards, are age appropriate and effective tools for maximizing youth learning and fitness. The PlayOn! program also includes parental guides. The activities center around six elements of play and are designed to encourage moderate to vigorous activity. Each activity card features color photos, teaching tips and accommodations for people of varying abilities.

Information about these programs are available through PlayCore’s commercial brands GameTime, and Play and Park Structures. Visit www.playcore.com to learn more. For more information about installation go to: www.playground-contractors.org.