A good playground goes far beyond the need for adequate shade and physical activity. Good playground design can provide a host of benefits to your school. Firstly recently updated Australian Playground Safety Standards mean that an existing playground, or even a new one, may no longer be compliant. Surprisingly many playgrounds don’t necessarily include equipment that provides age appropriate movement for body development.
Playgrounds are an important feature for the school, one of the first standout elements to see upon entering the school grounds. For families who go on a school tour the children increasingly have a say I their school of choice. It is important for a good playground to offer something new and exciting, that stands out from other playgrounds.
Playgrounds can be multipurpose and include parkour, outdoor classroom structures, nature play, climbing and upper body work towers, the playground can become a location not just for break time but for small group work, activities during class time and a welcoming space for the school community before and after school.
Finally good playground design ought to consider the needs of the child in different phases of a break, from no pen ended imaginative play, games with each other, physical challenges, risk assessment and risk taking , sensory play and rest and observation.
Custom, bespoke playgrounds from Gold Coast and Brisbane based company Everything Outside, incorporate all of the above factors in playground design to develop and world of wonder in which students can become immersed and a showcase to the school community.