When asked to design a new outdoor playspace for a local child care centre, I didn’t realise the potential of taking on such a project. Nor did I realise the magnitude of the resurgence into 'natural outdoor playspaces'. Having an aversion to the brightly coloured plastic and metal monoliths employed to keep the kids amused whether at childcare, school or at the local take-away restaurant, the alternative was fascinating.
As my research into more ‘natural’ playspaces began, I was reminded of a time as a kid and the joy I found in my Gran’s backyard. One element I remember most was a patch of bamboo down the side of the garden. It provided a secret world for my brothers, cousins and me...where imaginations took hold and adventures abounded.
Opportunities to explore natural elements can be instrumental in shaping the way we view the world. But more than that, it provides a deep appreciation of our natural surrounds and a keen desire to care for, nurture and protect our earth in some way.
I wonder then, if young children of today are exposed to playgrounds consisting of more natural elements, will they too grow up to respect and care for their natural world? Lets face it, some spend a lot of time in these spaces and if we provide the opportunity, they can explore and create imaginary worlds using twigs, branches, shrubs, boulders and so on.
Whether it be a she-oak ‘forest’, a bamboo thicket, a bushy fairy dell or a dry creek bed, the opportunities for creative, social and educational play are endless. Throw in the mix a sandpit and labyrinth for individual, mediative time, a kitchen garden or snack track for learning about growing food...and how good it tastes straight from the ‘bush’, and their world becomes alive!
Discovering such a breadth of work being undertaken in creating engaging, educational, safe outdoor playspaces for kids in this country, I was inspired and impelled to participate. It’s a real thrill to create a place for children to develop their sense of wonder and the need to explore, while allowing them to challenge themselves in ways that have been restrictive in recent times.
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