April 2011 - Parks & Recreation - 61

" We have found children using this nature-based equipment are
asking questions about the elements, which provides opportunities for
the adults to respond with valuable, educational wisdom found nearby
on the colorful signage which accompanies the play elements. "
-Lawrence A. Zehnder, CPRP, administrator for
City of Chattanooga Parks and Recreation

ound
Playworld
EnergiStation

Trail Playgrounds
PlayCore installed two trail playgrounds late last year that have quickly become a family destination, including one at Tennessee Riverpark
in Chattanooga, according to Anne-Marie Spencer, vice president of
Corporate Marketing and Communications for PlayCore.
What distinguishes a trail playground from a traditional playground
is that the former is made up of various pieces of equipment placed
throughout a trail rather than just in one environment. According to
Spencer, PlayCore's Play Trails are designed as several " play pockets " along the trail. " Each play pocket contains interactive playful exhibits and each has a theme. For instance a 'butterfly station' may have
a caterpillar to climb on, a huge chrysalis to spin in, and a larger than
life butterfly to sit on, climb around, and play with, " she says.

PlayCore climbing forest

Educational signage is also a part of the trail playground. Each sign contains information about the subject
matter's role in nature, fun facts about the topic, and playful
activities to participate in together. For example, Spencer
says, the butterfly pocket explains the magic of the insect's
metamorphosis. " Since it is linear in nature, and stationed
along the trail, walking between the play pockets becomes
part of the adventure. Families enjoy time together as they
discuss what they've seen and learned, while appreciating the beauty of the surroundings. Also, since the playful
exhibits don't look like playground equipment, the families
will all play together, including adults. "
Lawrence A. Zehnder, CPRP, administrator for City of
Chattanooga Parks and Recreation, says that the addition
of Play Trails to the Tennessee Riverpark has proven to
be a wonderful addition to the greenway trails, in addition to creating yet another reason for families to visit the
park. " We have found children using this nature-based
equipment are asking questions about the elements,
which provides opportunities for the adults to respond
with valuable, educational wisdom found nearby on the
colorful signage which accompanies the play elements. "
Additionally, he remarks that the pathways program has
increased attendance to some of the remote areas of the
Riverpark trail system that previously were not often visited. " This has helped to disperse overcrowding on other
areas of the trail, resulting in less congestion and creating a safer and more enjoyable experience for our greenway system. "

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Parks & Recreation 59

April 2011 - Parks & Recreation

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