Remember those golden days of Kiwi childhood? Long summer afternoons spent scaling trees, building magnificent forts in the backyard, or splashing in the local stream, with the only curfew being the streetlights flicking on. Outdoor play was once the undisputed champion of childhood.
However, the landscape of play has shifted dramatically. With the irresistible allure of screens, many children are moving less and choosing digital entertainment over physical activity. This sedentary shift can hinder physical development, and in some cases, even make children more susceptible to injury.
At Park Supplies & Playgrounds, we believe in the power of purposeful play. We understand that as children grow, they “progress” through distinct stages of play development. Providing age and developmental stage-appropriate play equipment isn’t just about fun; it’s a critical consideration in playground design that lays the groundwork for healthy physical and mental development.
Why Play Progression Matters: The Foundation of Movement
Think of it like building a house. You wouldn’t skip the foundation and expect a sturdy structure. Similarly, children require the correct foundations when learning new movements. Our research, combined with the expertise of experienced industry professionals, allows us to design, build, and manufacture playgrounds that cater to the individual progressions of each child.
This progressive approach is vital. By providing equipment that builds necessary strength, coordination, fluidity, and accuracy, we progressively help children develop the correct pathways to accomplish each new obstacle. This isn’t just about physical prowess; it’s about encouraging confidence, problem-solving skills, and a life-long love of movement. We work collaboratively with clients to create progressive play activities that guide physical and mental development, keeping children engaged, active, and outdoors for as much time as possible.
Examples of Progressive Play in Our Designs
Here’s a glimpse into how we integrate progressive play into our playground designs:
Early Childhood (Approx. 0-5 years)
For our youngest adventurers, the focus is on fundamental movements. Our equipment encourages:
- Crawling and Grasping: Low-level structures, tactile elements, and handholds that encourage exploration and develop fine motor skills.
- Pulling Themselves Up and Balancing: Sturdy rails, gentle inclines, and safe steps that support early standing and walking.
- Walking, Climbing, Running: Open spaces, low climbing structures, and small slides that encourage confident movement.
- Pushing, Pulling, Jumping: Interactive elements like push-and-pull elements or low platforms for safe jumps.
These activities are crucial for developing gross motor skills, spatial awareness, and early coordination. Our innovative PlayBlox systems are specifically designed to support these foundational movements, encouraging children to explore, build, and interact in ways that promote physical literacy. Research from various organisations consistently highlights the importance of these foundational movements in early childhood for future physical literacy.
Primary Age (Approx. 5-12 years)
As children grow, their physical capabilities expand, and our playgrounds evolve with them. While still reinforcing early childhood movements, we introduce challenges that promote:
- Refined Motor Skills: More complex climbing nets, varying heights of balance beams, and monkey bars to improve grip strength and coordination.
- Developing Strength and Endurance: Taller slides, more intricate climbing structures, and opportunities for sustained physical activity.
- Agility and Quicker Reaction Times: Obstacle courses, interactive play panels requiring quick responses, and equipment that encourages directional changes.
At this stage, children are refining their movement patterns and building the resilience needed for more complex physical activities.Â
Intermediate through to High School Age (Approx. 12-18 years)
For our older students, the focus shifts to advanced physical challenges that cater to their developing strength, coordination, and social needs. Our designs incorporate:
- Advanced Coordination: Challenging ropes courses, more complex climbing walls, and multi-directional swing sets.
- Developing Strength and Endurance: Pull-up bars, challenging balance features, and equipment that encourages sustained physical exertion.
- Agility and Quicker Reaction Times: Parkour or calisthenics-inspired elements, dynamic balancing challenges, and team-based activities that encourage strategic movement.
These more demanding structures not only offer physical benefits but also encourage problem-solving, risk assessment, and social interaction. It’s so important to continue providing opportunities for vigorous physical activity throughout adolescence, as it plays a crucial role in both physical and mental well-being.
The Park Supplies & Playgrounds Difference
At Park Supplies & Playgrounds, we don’t just build playgrounds, we craft environments that nurture development, spark imagination, and encourage a lifelong love of outdoor play. By meticulously planning for play progression, we ensure that every child, regardless of their age or developmental stage, finds exciting and appropriate challenges that help them grow, learn, and most importantly, have fun!
Contact us and let’s discuss how we can help you create a playground that truly supports the progression of every child.
