Playground Guide - 2022 - 13

the development of positive professional relationships,
establishing procedures for working together, and teaching
them about the intricacies of designing and building
playgrounds (e.g., laws, procedural safeguards, building
permits). The ability of these professionals to work together
as a unified team is essential to creating a space
promoting children's peer relationships, social skills and
emotional regulation, cognitive and motor skills, error and
risk reduction, and equipment choice supporting children
of all abilities.
Close interprofessional collaboration and specialization
among playground managers, community leaders
(e.g., mayors, trustees, board members), families in the
community, child specialists (education, psychology), engineers,
landscape architects, construction workers (e.g.,
playground equipment installers), and other professionals
who may provide needed input (e.g., occupational therapists,
physical therapists, medical doctors) are necessary
given the complexity of designing and building a quality
playground. The consequences of not utilizing a collaborative
approach include separate goals as opposed
to shared goals, isolated decision making, less-effective
coordination and communication, and overall confusion
between community members.
Successful Interprofessional
Collaborative Partnerships
The journey toward successful interpersonal collaborative
partnerships involves multiple factors. The first factor is
commitment from all team members. Team members are
available, attend meetings, are consistent with the feedback
and suggestions offered, and go above and beyond what is
expected of them. Commitment also may take the form of
monetary donations and the amount of effort an individual
does within the group. The success of the interprofessional
collaboration is dependent on the level of commitment each
of its team members contribute to the group.
The second factor is communication. Team members
have open and honest conversations in a medium that is
comfortable with all individuals. Team members also must
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.
PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G | 2 0 22 PL A Y GROUND GUIDE | Parks & Recreation
PARKSANDRECREAT ION . ORG | 2 0 22 PL AYGROUND GUIDE
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Playground Guide - 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Playground Guide - 2022
