Play_Park_Strategy_2021-2030

35 Creativity: Play areas need to allow children to create their own environment to allow for adventure and creative play. Adventure play parks provide loose parts that allow a child to create its own environment. Sense of accomplishment: Activities should provide differing stages of difficulty so that children can choose goals that are attainable yet challenging. Participation: There is a need to involve children where possible in the process of designing new play areas. Participation of children not only results in the most appropriate location and a better finished product, but also leads to a greater sense of local responsibility for overseeing and maintaining the site. Cognitive Importance of Play Apart from being fun, which, according to the philosopher Huizinga (1970) is its prime justification; play is one of the complex shapers of experience, intelligence, competence, values and creativity. The physical environment of play, especially the free adventure play of middle childhood, is an important part of a child’s growth experiences, at least as important as the formal education process upon which society spends so much time and devotes so many resources. Children need space away from their homes where they can socialise and spend time with their peers. Public space – which is different from a back yard or school ground – is important, as it is accessible to everyone in the community. The interactions that take place in public space provide a rich education for children about the world around them and the people who live in it. Children enjoy playing – it makes them happy, gives them the opportunity to enjoy themselves, burn energy, gain confidence, learn new skills, experience challenge and satisfaction, and to interact with other children. Children who are included socially have the best chance of becoming included as adults. Feeling included as a child through experiences acquired in your local community gives a sense of belonging and self-worth which later influences attitudes towards participation and citizenship.