Making the most of your available play space
We understand that small play spaces can be a challenge and you may feel that your options are limited. Park Supplies and Playgrounds have more than 30 years’ experience designing and installing ECE play activities and would like to share some tips and tricks for smaller play spaces that we have learned along the way.
FIVE KEY DESIGN TIPS FOR SMALLER PLAY SPACES
1. CONSIDER MOVABLE PLAY EQUIPMENT
With population density ever increasing we need to be smart about how we use the space around us, and this includes optimising play space within Early Childhood Education.
We understand that small play spaces can be a challenge and you may feel that your options are limited. Park Supplies and Playgrounds have more than 30 years’ experience designing and installing ECE play activities and would like to share some tips and tricks for smaller play spaces that we have learned along the way.
2. ADD CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION TO YOUR SAFETY SURFACING
Utilise safety surfacing such as wet pour, tiles or artificial turf to incorporate patterns, games and other activities such as balance and agility, bike tracks or hopscotch. This will add extra play value without taking up precious space.
3. CONCRETE IS NOT KING
Not all pathways need to be constructed out of concrete. Concrete instantly shrinks the size of the fall zones that each piece of play equipment requires to comply with NZ Playground Safety Standards.
Overuse of concrete and even too much timber decking/seating can often take away the natural desire to run, jump roll and tumble that all children have.
4. INCLUDE CUSTOM DESIGNED PERMANENT STRUCTURES
Not all pathways need to be constructed out of concrete. Concrete instantly shrinks the size of the fall zones that each piece of play equipment requires to comply with NZ Playground Safety Standards.
Overuse of concrete and even too much timber decking/seating can often take away the natural desire to run, jump roll and tumble that all children have.
5. GET BACK TO NATURE
Utilise the environment within your play space to create bug farms, mud kitchens, vege gardens and nature trails. A small nature space can often present vast opportunities for learning through play.
When you design your play space keep in mind the requirements of the growing and developing tamariki. Encouraging movement during outside play will help build strong foundations for our future generations.
