Design a Playground

Use imagination and problem-solving skills to build a model of a dream playground, taking into special consideration kids' favorite equipment and safety.

• 1.

  Take a survey to identify your classmates' favorite playgrounds. What pieces of equipment are favorites? What safety features can you identify in this playground equipment? How high can children climb? Measure the depth of cushioning material in fall zones. See how movable parts are protected so they can't pinch. Measure how much space there is between pieces of moving and stationary equipment.

• 2.

  If you could design the playground of your dreams, what would it look like? Sketch your ideas with Crayola® Colored Pencils on white paper. Figure out how to draw the playground to scale.

• 3.

  Find a large piece of recycled corrugated cardboard to use as a base for your playground. Which recycled and craft items can you use to construct a model of each piece of equipment? (cardboard tubes, boxes, craft sticks, bottle tops, feathers) Be creative and think up new possibilities. Construct the model to scale if possible. Cut pieces with Crayola Scissors. Use Crayola School Glue, string, chenille sticks, and tape to help hold pieces together. Shape Crayola Model Magic into playground equipment or anchors, too. Dry.

• 4.

  Cover a table top with recycled newspaper. Paint playground and equipment surfaces using Crayola Washable Paint and Paint Brushes. Dry.

Benefits

• Children survey favorite outdoor equipment and identify safety concerns and measures related to playground apparatus and design.
• Students explore spatial relationships and their importance in safe playground design.
• Children design an original playground that incorporates information about children's preferences and safety.

Adaptations

• Older and younger children work together to research and design a dream playground.
• Design a toy, considering both safety and fun. Name your toy, write directions for using it, identify the ages for which it is intended. Design an attractive box in which it could be marketed.
• With adults in the community, survey playgrounds in your area to identify safety features and hazards. How can you advocate for safer playgrounds?
• Design a playground especially for children with special needs. Which safety features would you be needed to protect differently-abled children? Think of fun new equipment that would take into consideration the unique abilities of special needs children.