Outdoor play is about more than exercise for kids. Unstructured physical activity not only improves children’s health but also helps them develop social skills, explore their imagination and reduce their stress levels. Similarly, exposure to music offers a range of benefits for children, including brain growth, language and math skills, and increased memory and concentration. … Continued
Inclusive playgrounds are more than just a fad or trend in parks and recreation. New products, surfacing and designs have emerged to make play areas accessible for individuals of all ages and abilities — helping to bridge the gap from traditional playgrounds and equipment, which cannot always be used by kids with mobility challenges, or … Continued
When Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell belted out, “Ain’t no mountain high enough,” maybe they understood the thrill of climbing onto an artificial boulder, looking up the intimidating side and trying to figure out the best path forward. Not to mention the thrill of getting to the top! Or maybe they were just talking about … Continued
Play is a critical part of the social, cognitive and physical development of all children, but many modern playgrounds are not designed with all children in mind. Some playgrounds today still contain barriers for children or caregivers with physical and cognitive disabilities. Designing a playground without those barriers, a playground built for all, can feel … Continued
Outdoor classrooms have become very popular, and it is not hard to understand why. Regardless of age or grade, students and instructors gain many benefits from taking the classroom outdoors that include improved health, increased creativity, decreased stress, improved retention and environmental awareness. And in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools are also … Continued
Outdoor exercise and winter workouts are part of a year-round healthy lifestyle. It is important to layer up and get out in the fresh air even when it is cold outside. In fact, the cold air can motivate you to get your muscles moving and help keep your body warm. Fresh air, endorphins and Vitamin … Continued
Although this year has been full of uncertainty, there’s one thing we can be sure of: the refreshing feeling of stepping outside. Now more than ever, your outdoor space can be a place to recharge and escape from stress. And with many parks, playgrounds and other recreational facilities finding creative solutions to adapt to new … Continued
Do you ever think about how your grandparents may have used the cliché “back in my day . . .” and find yourself attaching this to your own childhood experiences? Well, a lot has changed since our formative years, and this is especially true when it comes to playground equipment! If you grew up playing … Continued
No matter the season, people head to the great outdoors for fun and relaxation: from spring picnics to outdoor pools, school field trips, outdoor concerts, play dates and more! But without a shaded space to escape the elements, the tranquility of nature can be challenged by unpredictable weather. Choosing the right shade structure for your … Continued
Are you ready to bring your community park or playground into the new decade? Whether there’s funding for a recreational project in the near future or simply an interest in gathering ideas, look no further than here. With a dose of inspiration from the National Parks & Recreation Association (NRPA) annual trend forecast, we’ve rounded … Continued