Playground Guide - 2020 - 18

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The Importance of Sensory
Play at Playgrounds
Sensory development is
the brain's way of exploring the world through its
seven sensory systems -
touch, taste, smell, sight,
sound, balance and positioning. When a child participates in sensory play,
certain brain functions are
activated, including:

Features of Sensory Playgrounds
A sensory-rich playground provides a wide variety of sensory experiences all in one space. These can include:

1. Sandboxes
Tactile experiences like sand or water play are important
for stimulating a child's sense of touch.

2. Swings and Spinners
Swinging - independently or with the help of an adult - is
a great way for children to exercise their vestibular system.

1. Tactile
Children need to be able to manipulate objects with their
hands, experience diﬀerent textures, and push and pull
objects around them - this is where playground features
like climbing rocks and sandboxes come in.

3. Climbing
Climbing equipment provides ample opportunities for children to engage their proprioceptive system, while climbers
encourage children to engage the muscles and joints that
help children determine where they are in space.

2. Vestibular System
The vestibular senses are those that relate to a person's
balance and eye movement. Playgrounds provide a comfortable environment to exercise this system and overcome challenges associated with it on equipment, such
as swings and spinners.

4. Outdoor Exploration

3. Proprioception System

Sensory Exploration at the Playground

This sense refers to how a person's body is positioned, in
order to use it in a correct and skillful way. By encouraging them to engage in climbing, crawling, hanging and
other sensory and physical activities on the playground,
children develop a better sense of where they are in space.

Incorporate sensory experiences into your next playground with Miracle Recreation. From exciting Sensory
Panels to outdoor musical instruments, we're here to help
you put the thrill into sensory play at your park. To learn
more, visit Miracle-Recreation.com.

A sensory-friendly playground will make the most of its
natural setting, allowing children to see, hear and smell
the world around them. This might include a small sensory garden or musical instruments.

4. Sound and Sight
Sights and sounds signal the brain to explore and better understand what's going on. Some children struggle with sensory issues related to sights or sounds, such as loud noises.
Over time, developing these senses can ease their reaction
to triggers and teach them how to cope when they appear.

Parks & Recreation

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888.458.2752

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Playground Guide - 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Playground Guide - 2020