Playground Guide - 2022 - 12

Design Principles
Playground managers are well-aware that playgrounds
are an integral component to any community. Playgrounds
provide caregivers a means to bond with their
children. They create a place where parents can connect
and interact with others. These spaces help form a sense
of community within a neighborhood. When playground
managers wish to design a community playground, there
are several principles to keep in mind:
1
The playground design should follow the principles of
universal design. This means the playground is appropriate
for all individuals regardless of age, gender, race/
ethnicity, culture and ability. Families with infants and
toddlers - and grandparents or caregivers with disabilities
who take children to the playground - will be able to
participate in play with their children.
2
3
The play value of the playground equipment. This
principle is assessed by asking questions, such as: (a)
How many children can play on each piece of play equipment
at one time? (b) Can the play equipment be used
in multiple ways (e.g., sliding, climbing)? and (c) Will children
get easily bored with the play equipment?
The playground map or location helps playground
managers consider where to place the new play equipment.
This also applies to the context of existing equipment,
bathrooms, parking areas, water fountains and
shade space (if trees with adequate shade are not available).
4
5
Caregivers
must feel that the playground is safe for
their children.
Playground managers should conduct a needs assessment
with the local community to make sure the
playground design connects with the local community.
This applies to play equipment and inclusion needs. The
design also reflects the community's history and culture.
By considering the higher needs of the community, playground
managers can ensure that the playground design
and selected play equipment are compatible with the local
culture and customs.
Multiple forms of knowledge are required in the design
and development of playgrounds, as such development
has multiple aspects, involves multiple individual and professional
practices, and requires diverse discourse. Grasping
the full complexity of communities, schools, children
and families is beyond the capacity of any single disciplinary
perspective. Thus, the convergence of knowledge
of multiple stakeholders, professionals representing different
disciplines and community members is crucial for
developing innovative playgrounds that allow children to
develop, build their confidence, make friends and play as
equals.
The design and development of playgrounds requires:
a. Knowledge of how children develop, socially interact
with adults and other children, and interact and play
with objects and their environment
b. Knowledge of the creative engineering design process
for outdoor play equipment
c. Knowledge of environmental and aesthetic characteristics
of the land set aside for the playground build
d. Knowledge of the laws, rules and safety regulations of
playground design and installation
e. Knowledge of the community needs, responsibilities
and resources
These knowledge requirements involve engagement of
groups of diverse professionals from different authorities
and companies, as well as various stakeholders and communities.
Every playground design involves a number of
individuals, all of whom have specific involvement and
tasks.
Interprofessional Collaborative Approach
An interprofessional collaborative approach refers to
the cooperation and discussion among professions and
community members. No one member of the team is expected
to have in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the
playground. Collectively, the team presumably has the
needed breadth and depth of knowledge to move forward.
Interprofessional collaboration is indirectly fostered
among the members of the group by arranging time for
participants to meet face to face, guiding them through
12 Parks & Recreation | 2 0 22 PL A Y GROUND GUIDE | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G
Playground Guide - 2022

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