Play_Park_Strategy_2021-2030

"...but the equipment you choose is only the beginning. The real soul of the playground comes from what you add to the space surrounding the play structure". (Rusty Keeler) Flexibility: Design decisions should allow for diverse activity, including games, solitary play, and play with natural elements or loose parts. Rather than building play structures that do one thing, best play is one that can be continually changed by the players; a stagnant place becomes an empty place. Variety: provide a variety of small spaces, changes in level, changes in surface, stairs, seats, plantings, colours, textures and overhead elements (with accessibility offered to all). More variety will also attract a wider age range. Children love the adventure and mystery of hiding places and play spaces should include natural elements such as sand, dirt, water, trees, mud holes and shallow ponds. Accessibility: A play park should be easy to reach, either by foot, bicycle or public transport, and have a visible location for safety. Wide range of ages: Many play areas, especially play parks, are designed for a narrow age range, constricting the learning and playing possibilities. It is more desirable to offer interconnected play environments with more diverse activities in order to attract a wider age range. Play parks can be amazing gathering places for people of all ages. The environment can be a living, growing space where local residents can meet, and children can safely play and learn about the natural world. A safe play structure is a wonderful start to a new environment.... Play can be usefully divided into three broad categories, which enable designers to select equipment and design a space that will provide a wide enough range of activity types for a variety of age groups. These categories are: 34 Physical Social