IDEA

BOOKDaycares &

Natural Playspaces

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

CLIMBINGFOR THE LITTLE ONESGATHERING SPACESHUTS AND TOWERSEXPERIMENTALMOVEMENT PATHWAYS & LANDFORMSNATUREDESIGN - FULL PROJECTS

Early Learning Centre-Orchard Park

Village of Batawa

WT Townshend School

YMCA St. Luke

YMCA St. Margeurite

CREDITS

1589

1215182022

27

earthscapeplay.ca

climbingSTRUCTURES THAT BECKON CHILDREN TO MOVE AND CHALLENGE THEMSELVES

"

LADY ALLEN OF HURTWOODGODMOTHER OF PLAY

Life demands courage, endurance and strength,

but we continue to underestimate the

capacity of children for taking risks, enjoying

the stimulation of danger and finding

things out for themselves

"[ ]

"All healthy children are born to climb. They climb for the same reasons that fish swim and birds fly...the primitive tools for climbing and many other skills are present at birth, but growth and elaboration of these early skills depend upon use."DR. JOE L. FROSTFormer President of the International Play Association, USA

"....children test their limits through play, and they repeat skills in order to master them--climbing onto a rock, navigating a corduroy bridge, balancing on a log. Risk is a powerful catalyst for growth--it helps children develop good judgement, persistence, courage, resiliency, and self-confidence." KEN FINCHPresident of Green Hearts INC

"The richer the network for play environments, the more opportunities children have to build their self esteem, confidence, resilience, perseverance, and creativity--all attributes of healthy child development."RICHARD LOUVAmerican Author and Journalist

2

ANDELOPE NQIOERINF

"

Scramble up the crabapple tree, pick

some apples and throw them at my brother.

Jump down? Looks too far. No. I'm going to do

it! Yes!

"[ ]

"Play allows children to create and explore a world they can master, conquering their fears while practicing adult roles, sometimes in conjunction with other children or adult caregivers. As they master their world, play helps children develop new competencies that lead to enhanced confidence and... resiliency...to face future challengesTDSB & EVERGREEN

"Risk, which accepts the possibility of minor injuries, can be a valuable part of every childhood

experience."THE SCIENCE OF PLAYby: Susan G. Solomon

"We need to appreciate how risks and hazards differ. Risk means a situation with an unclear outcome; nothing is pre-determined... Hazards, which are never acceptable, also have unclear conclusions but harbour the possibility of life-threatening dangers."THE SCIENCE OF PLAYby: Susan G. Solomon

MARK SHWARTZCO-FOUNDER OF EARTHSCAPE

."

4

MIKE SHOOTERFORMER PRESIDENT OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS

[ ]"When the distance between all the rungs in a climbing net or a ladder is exactly the same, the child has no need to concentrate on where he puts his feet...play becomes simplified and the child does not have to worry about his movements."HELLE NEBELONGDanish Landscape Architect

3

"Children and adolescents must naturally take risks

as they explore the physical world and its emotional relationships. Overprotection may

cause just as much harm as neglect. (pp)

earthscapeplay.ca

FOR THE LITTLE ONESPLAY FEATURES TAILORED TO THE CAPABILITIES AND IMAGINATIONS OF YOUNGER CHILDREN

[ ]"A child's play is his way of dealing with the issues of his growth, of relieving tensions and exploring the future. [...] Children come to terms with the world, wrestle with their pictures of it, and re-form these pictures constantly, through those adventures of imagination we call play."ALEXANDER | ISHIKAWA | SILVERSTEINfrom: A Pattern Language

6

"

KAY REDFIELD JAMISONAMERICAN PROFESSOR OF PSYCHIATRY

Children need the freedom and time to

play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.

"7[ ]

...advocates for children's play assert that risks involved in active outdoor play are greatly outweighed by the health and developmental benefits; a greater degree of self-directed learning opportunities, in the early years should be encouraged... (pp)TIM GILLFrom: No Fear; Growing up in a Risk averse society

Kids can work separately or together on building with [loose parts]. As the projects get bigger, the kids tend to become more collaborative. They all have to exercise restraint in not destroying the work before the group decides it is complete.SUSAN G. SOLOMONfrom: The Science of Play

School grounds can be a safe and exciting place to play that's close to home for most children. As an extension of the classroom, the school grounds can be used in varied ways for formal and informal learning activities...these spaces [can] be vibrant landscapes for play and learning, where children... explore nature on a daily basis.TDSB & EVERGREEN

earthscapeplay.ca

GATHERING

SPACESSPACES OFFERING SHELTER AND REST FOR QUETER TIMES

earthscapeplay.ca

HUTS AND TOWERSSTRUCTURES THAT OFFER SHELTER, HANG OUT SPOTS, AND CHARACTER TO PLAY SPACES

LADY ALLEN OF HURTWOODGODMOTHER OF PLAY

"Better a broken arm than a broken spirit. 10

[ ]"Brown did not know which factor was more important. But in the 42 years since, he has interviewed some 6,000 people about their childhoods, and his data suggest that a lack of opportunities for unstructured, imaginative play can keep children from growing into happy, well-adjusted adults."MELINDA WENNERfrom: A Serious Need for Play

"

ALEXANDER | ISHIKAWA | SILVERSTEIN from: A Pattern Language

[Children] try to make special places for

themselves and for their friends--most of the world about them is

'adult space' and they are trying to carve out a

place that is kid size.

"12[ ]

"Children, who are naturally social, signal through friendship that they are ready to separate from parents. Having a friend is an early way to be independent of adults. In addition, having friends...fuels fantasy play, in which children immerse themselves in sustained and complex ways."THE SCIENCE OF PLAYby: Susan G. Solomon

"Combining features such as sand, water, hills, construction areas, and shelter; gathering spaces challenge children's bodies, test their skills, foster negotiation, co-creation, and the sharing of stories."TDSB & EVERGREEN

"Effective playground design can not only facilitate risk-taking, self-control, and problem solving but also can help to sustain friendships."THE SCIENCE OF PLAYby: Susan G. Solomon 11

earthscapeplay.ca

CREATIVE AND SENSORY PLAY FEATURES

experimental

[ ]"In childhood one is more open to sensory impressions than ever again in one's life. Smells, sensations of heat, softness, weight, beauty and much more, form the basis of all of life's later sensations."EVA INSULANDERSwedish School Ground Designer and Planner

13

M. PAUL FRIEDBERGAMERICAN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

"Interplay between object and the child makes his

total world--play. He exploits the vitality of his environment and draws upon his imagination to

create his world.

14

earthscapeplay.ca

SWINGING, SLIDING, SPINNING, AND JUMPING

MOVEMENT

[ ]"Children are built for adventure--climbing, balancing, jumping, swinging. They thrive on physical challenge, anticipation, and mystery. [...] Early years-kindergarten spaces need to feed children's natural curiosity and thirst for adventure through careful planning and design."TDSB & EVERGREEN

16

"

HUGH CUNNINGHAMFROM: THE INVENTION OF CHILDHOOD

Children in the past have been assumed to

have capabilities that we now rarely think they

have...So fixated are we on giving our children a

long and happy childhood that we

downplay their abilities and their resilience.

"[ ]

"Play energizes us and enlivens us. It eases our burdens. It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens us up to new possibilities.”STUART BROWNMD and American Pshychiatrist

"...playgrounds don't have to be the homogenous, soulless places that they are. Instead they can be places of great possibility--more stimulating, more inventive, more inclusive, more alive."NICHOLAS DAYAuthor of Baby Meets World: Suck, Smile, Touch, Toddle: A Journey Through Infancy

"Diverse play settings can liberate creative energy from children. A breadth of action and interaction distinguishes a play environment that is well-designed and well-managed; that always has something new to offer, but at the same time is thought of as a familiar friend, a comfortable secure haven.GOLTSMAN MOOREFrom: Play for All Guidelines

"

17

earthscapeplay.ca

pathways & landformsFUN AND SAFE WAYS TO GET FROM HERE TO THERE

[ ]"Children have an inborn desire to explore. They love to search out new places and find different ways to get places; for example, they might move through a backyard and excitedly declare that they have discovered a secret trail or short cut. [...] Allow children to devise their own trails, paths, and 'desire lines.'"TDSB & EVERGREEN

1219

earthscapeplay.ca

INCORPORATING NATURAL SITE ELEMENTS INTO PLAY SPACES

NATURE

EDITH COBBAUTHOR OF 'THE ECOLOGY OF IMAGINATION ON CHILDHOOD'

"Children love the natural world. An outdoor space

that is rich in natural features can powerfully stimulate their sense of wonder and discovery.

21

[ ]"Natural features play a central role in creating rich and stimulating outdoor experiences. But improving an early years-kindergarten site means going beyond simply planting trees, shrubs and wildflowers. Good design that balances neutral and built features is essential to realizing a playground's potential."TDSB & EVERGREEN

22

Recipient of:LANDSCAPE ONTARIO Award of Excellencefor Commercial Design

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25

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pg.2top left:Richter Spielgerate GmbH,. (2015). Richter Spielgeräte Climbing Structures play equipment - See more at: http://www.externalworksindex.co.uk/entry/32748/Timberplay/Richter-Spielgerte-Climbing-Structures-play-equipment/#sthash.uaTPxEfV.dpuf. Retrieved from http://www.externalworksindex.co.uk/entry/32748/Timberplay/Richter-Spielgerte-Climbing-Structures-play-equipment/

top right:Casper Dalhoff,. (2015). Log Structure in 'The Playhouse Belleville Park,' Paris. Retrieved from http://arcadiala.com.au/changing-playscape/

middle left:Nature Play Solutions,. (2015). St. Mary's Anglican Girl's School Pre-Primary. Retrieved from http://www.natureplaysolutions.com.au/Schools.aspx

middle right:Nature Play Solutions,. (2015). St Mary's Anglican Girls' School Pre-Primary--planks in stumps. Retrieved from http://www.natureplaysolutions.com.au/Schools.aspx

bottom right:Earthscape,. (2015). Albert Street Railyard Log Jam. pg.6

top left:Earthscape,. (2013). Concrete Tunnel at King George Public School.

top right:Earthscape,. (2014). Caterpillar at Good Beginnings Day Nursery.

bottom left:Earthscape,. (2014). Stallions at Good Beginnings Day Nursery.

bottom centre:Richter Spielgerate GmbH,. (2015). 5.00000ff Caterpillar 011. Retrieved from http://www.richter-spielgeraete.de/small-children.html

bottom right:Richter Spielgerate GmbH,. (2015). 4.24240 Duck Family 001. Retrieved from http://www.richter-spielgeraete.de/animals.html

pg.3top right:Learning Landscapes,. (2013). Natural Playground at Westmoreland Park. Retrieved from http://www.learninglandscapesdesign.com/portfolio/westmoreland-park/

middle left:Learning Landscapes,. (2013). Stacked Log Slices at Westmoreland Park. Retrieved from http://www.learninglandscapesdesign.com/portfolio/westmoreland-park/

middle right:Nature Play Solutions,. (2015). Ngala Child Care Centre. Retrieved from http://www.natureplaysolutions.com.au/ELC.aspx

bottom left:

PHOTO

CREDITSpg.1top:Earthscape,. (2015). Log Jam at la Mosaique.

bottom left:Play Furniture,. (2015). Play Furniture--Metal dome. Retrieved from http://www.archiexpo.com/architecture-design-manufacturer/play-furniture-818.html

bottom right:Monstrum,. (2015). Gorkey Park Moscow Playground; Wavy decking. Retrieved from http://www.monstrum.dk/en#/en/projects/ss-oceanliner-i-gorky-park

pg.4top left:Svane Frode

top right:Image Playgrounds,. (2015). Stepping Stumps Adventure Trail. Retrieved from http://www.imageplaygrounds.com/case-studies/nottinghamshire/ordsall-primary-juniors

middle left:Parent Buzz Blog,. (2015). Brown Street Park. Retrieved from http://www.boston.com/community/moms/blogs/parent_buzz/2012/09/

middle right:Richter Spielgerate GmbH,. (2015). 10.80000 Climbing forest 013. Retrieved from http://www.richter-spielgeraete.de/climbing.html

bottom right:Cristobal Palma,. (2014). Sculptural Park at Chile's Bicentennial Park. Retrieved from http://m.homesandhues.com/The-Brilliant-Design-Choices-Behind-Chiles-Bicentennial-Park/

pg.5top:Earthscape,. (2013). Caterpillar Crawl; Kitchener Daycare Playground Playable Sculpture.

bottom left:Tilman Stachat,. (2008). Boy Sitting on Spider; Großes Krabbeln, Spielplatz Lohmühleninsel, Berlin Kreuzberg 2008. Retrieved from http://www.tilmanstachat.de/spielplatz_krabbeln_berlin_2008.html

bottom right:Earthscape,. (2014). Loose Parts Play at Good Beginnings Day Nursery.

Svane Frode

pg.9 continued...bottom left:Playground Centre,. Stilts House. Retrieved from http://www.playgroundcentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Stiltshouse-3-800x571.jpg

bottom right:Richter Spielgerate GmbH,. (2015). 4.10105 Smallest Play House 001. Retrieved from http://www.richter-spielgeraete.de/play-houses.html

pg.10middle left:Earthscape,. (2012). Daycare Natural Playgrounds Waterloo Teepee; Emmanuel at Brighton.

bottom left:Earthscape,. (2013). Montessori School Playground Wigwam Village.

large image on right:Tilman Stachat,. (2009). Leuchtturm, Spielplatz, Berlin Kreuzberg 2009. Retrieved from http://www.tilmanstachat.de/spielplatz_leuchtturm_berlin_2009.html***Could not find source for wooden teepee hut

pg.11top left:Earthscape,. (2012). Natural Playground at Lakeshore Daycare.

top right:Sven Frode

bottom:Thoughtbarn,. (2014). Playhive. Retrieved from http://thoughtbarn.com/projects/furniture/playhive1

pg.12top:Learning Landscapes,. (2015). Mt. Hood Community College; Early Childhood Center Nature Play Area. Retrieved from http://www.learning landscapedesign.com/portfolio/488

bottom left:Landartista,. (2015). Loose Parts Play and Fort Building; Westmoreland Nature Play Area. Retrieved from http://www.learninglandscapesdesign.com/westmoreland-nature-play-area-opens/

bottom right:Earthscape,. (2013). Kitchener Daycare Playground Sand Play; YMCA St.Paul.

PHOTO

CREDITS

pg.8

top:Earthscape,. (2013). Kitchener Daycare Playground Wood Bench.

bottom left:Earthscape,. (2013). Gathering Space Beneath Tree at Ottawa Montessori School.

bottom left of centre:Tilman Stachat,. (2009). Girl Sitting in Wooden Safety Ring; Leuchtturm, Spielplatz, Berlin Kreuzberg 2009. Retrieved from http://www.tilmanstachat.de/spielplatz_leuchtturm_berlin_2009.html

bottom right of centre:Johnson, P. (2009). Weeping Mulberry for the Playground. Retrieved from http://www.play-scapes.com/play-design/natural-playgrounds/weeping-mulberry-for-the-playground/

bottom right:Babble,. (2015). How Does Your Garden Grow. Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/398076054538874193/

pg.9top:Earthscape,. (2013). Kitchener Daycare Playground Outdoor Playhouse; YMCA St.Paul.

pg.7top left:Richter Spielgerate GmbH,. (2015). 4.24145 Pony and Trap 001. Retrieved from http://www.richter-spielgeraete.de/small-children.html

top right:Tilman Stachat,. (2006). Timber Bundles; Stückgut, Spielplatz gegenüber dem alten Salzhafen, Lübeck Obertrave 2006. Retrieved from http://www.tilmanstachat.de/spielplatz_stueckgut_luebeck_2006.html

middle left:Earthscape,. (2012). Daycare Natural Playgrounds Waterloo Willow Tunnel; Emmanuel at Brighton.

middle right:Richter Spielgerate GmbH,. (2015). 5.00000ff Caterpillar 008. Retrieved from http://www.richter-spielgeraete.de/small-children.html

bottom right:Sansehaver,. (2003). Nature playground in Valbyparken. Retrieved from http://www.sansehaver.dk/asp/side/naturlegepladsen.html#engelsk

pg.13top left:Earthscape,. (2013). Runnel at Emmanuel at Brighton.

top right:Earthscape,. (2013). Montessori School Playground Water Feature.

bottom left:Earthscape,. (2013). Water Spout at Good Beginnings Day Nursery.

bottom left of centre:Richter Spielgerate GmbH,. (2015). 5.20930 Lock Gate 002. Retrieved from http://www.richter-spielgeraete.de/water-play.html

bottom right of centre:Richter Spielgerate GmbH,. (2015). Water Tables. Retrieved from http://www.ckchilddevelopmentcenter.org

bottom right:

pg.14top left:Green Dragon Woodworks,. (2014). Cedar Marble Run. Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/297096906641139871/

top right:Living Crafts,. (2014). Garden Loom. Retrieved from http://livingcrafts.com/blog/?s=garden+loom

middle left:Tricia,. (2011). Sand and Seashell Discovery Bucket; Natural Backyard Playground 1. Retrieved from http://www.littleecofootprints.com/2011/06/our-natural-outdoor-play-space.html

bottom left:Svane Frode

large image on right:Kukuk,. (2010). Langensteinbach, FSK Schule für Körperbehinderte 2009 / 2010. Retrieved from http://www.zumkukuk.de/en/references/all-references/langensteinbach-fsk-schule-fuer-koerperbehinderte-2009-2010.html?tx_bxprojects_pi1[backPid]=20

pg.15 continued...bottom right:Huck,. (2015). Huck Swing; BALANÇOIRES NID D'OISEAU 4650. Retrieved from http://www.be.all.biz/balansoires-nid-doiseau-4650-g8119#.VOwhiktK_s

pg.16top left:landscape structures,. (2014). Saddle Spinner. Retrieved from https://www.playlsi.com/en/commercial-playground-equipment/playground-components/Saddle-Spinner

top right:Runge, S. (2013). Swing; Hirschhof, Spielplatz, Berlin Prenzlauer Berg 2013. Retrieved from http://www.tilmanstachat.de/spielplatz_hirschof_berlin_2013.html

bottom left:PlayRope,. (2011). Kaiser & Kuhne Spinner. Retrieved from http://www.playrope.com.au/gallery/recent-playground-equipment-installations/

bottom centre:Runge, S. (2010). Platform on Springs; Zirkus, Spielplatz, Berlin Prenzlauer Berg 2010. Retrieved from http://www.tilmanstachat.de/spielplatz_zirkus_berlin_2010.html

bottom right:***silver ball spinner source

pg.15top:Earthscape,. (2013). Butterfly Slide at Millen Woods Public School.

bottom left:Eurotramp,. (2015). Kids Tramp "Playground Loop". Retrieved from https://www.eurotramp.com/us-en/products/playground--kindergarten-trampolines/kids-tramp-playground-loop/

pg.17top left:theeagle.com,. (2015). Hillslide with boulders and dirt steps. Retrieved from http://www.theeagle.com/news/nation/natural-playgrounds-stimulate-kids-imaginations/article_c2ddea89-6f57-5f08-81c3-67b0fefef135.html?mode=image&photo=0

top right:Richter Spielgerate GmbH,. (2015). 3.63300 Small Children Slide width 1.00 m 001. Retrieved from http://www.richter-spielgeraete.de/sliding.html

middle left:Earthscape,. (2013). Hillslide at Victory Public School.

middle centre:Richter Spielgerate GmbH,. (2015). 4.18000 Spiral Stairs Slide 001. Retrieved from http://www.richter-spielgeraete.de/sliding.html

middle right:Storey, T. (2015). Mission Dolores Park, San-Francisco, extra wide super-slide. Retrieved from http://www.sunset.com/travel/insider-guides/helen-diller-playground-san-francisco

bottom right:Earthscape,. (2013). Hillslide at Emmanuel at Brighton.

Sven Frode

PHOTO

CREDITS

pg.19top left:Earthscape,. (2012). Daycare Natural Playgrounds Waterloo Teepee; Emmanuel at Brighton.

top right:Learning Landscapes,. (2013). Cleveland Metro Parks Zoo: Discovery Ridge. Retrieved from http://www.learninglandscapesdesign.com/portfolio/cleveland-metro-parks-zoo-ohios-backyard-discovery-area/

bottom left:Earthscape,. (2013). Big Foot Stepping Stones at Ottawa Montessori School Playground.

bottom centre:Earthscape,. (2013). Private School Playground Maze; Havergal College.

bottom right:Canadian Centre for Architecture; The Oberlander Archive,. (1967). Expo 67 Playground; Cornelia Hahn Oberlander. Retrieved from http://www.cca.qc.ca/en/collection/453-cornelia-hahn-oberlander-archive

pg.20top:Lloyd, A. (2009). The Harbour Family and Children’s Centre by HASSELL. Retrieved from http://www.landezine.com/index.php/2013/01/the-harbour-family-and-childrens-centre-by-hassell/

bottom left:Anthony Paul Landscape Design,. (2015). Wooden sphere sculpture. Retrieved from http://www.anthonypaullandscapedesign.com/layers_art_and_sculpture.html

bottom right:Earthscape,. (2014). École élémentaire La Mosaique; Project Ariel Image.

pg.21middle left:Lloyd, A. (2009). The Harbour Family and Children’s Centre by HASSELL. Retrieved from http://www.landezine.com/index.php/2013/01/the-harbour-family-and-childrens-centre-by-hassell/harbourfcc_hassell_image_01/

bottom left:Earthscape,. (2013). Hillslide from Above at Emmanuel at Brighton.

bottom right:Earthscape,. (2013). Stone Creek at Emmanuel at Brighton.

large image on right:LUC,. (2011). Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Playground. Retrieved from http://

pg.22-26projects courtesy of Earthscape

PHOTO

CREDITSpg.18top:Earthscape,. (2013). Montessori School Playground Hillside.

bottom left:donnymorin88,. (2015). Playa Vista central park playground by Micheal Maltzan Architecture. Retrieved from https://playenthusiast.wordpress.com/tag/adult-playground/

bottom right:Earthscape,. (2013). Hillside Steps at Ottawa Montessori School Playground.