Instructions: Use your imagination to create an outdoor play area that offers a balance of activities to support child development across the four domains: social, emotional, physical, and cognitive. You can assume the following: money is no object; there is sufficient space to carry out your ideas; and the play equipment meets safety standards. You are encouraged to use your creativity; however, your play area should meet the following general criteria:
Handout 5: Planning for Outdoor Play
- The area has some natural materials (wood climber, garden, stones, trees, bushes, grass, wood chips).
- There are a variety of activity choices (children can ride, construct, swing, hammer, climb, read, pour, dig, kick, throw, pretend, paint, balance, cooperate, play games).
- There are grassy, open areas.
- There is a smooth surface for equipment with wheels.
- There are private places where children can play quietly alone or with one or two others.
- There is a storage area large enough to hold equipment and toys.
- There are play opportunities for children of differing abilities.
- There is enough room for children to move freely without getting in other people's way.
- There are different levels (small hills, ramps, flat areas, climbers with platforms at different heights).
- There are a variety of hard and soft textures and surfaces (grass, sand, paved areas, wood chips).
- There are sunny and shady areas.
- One shady area includes a place for eating and activities such as drawing or doing a puzzle.
- There is a place where a pet can spend time outdoors without getting too cold or overheated or without running away.