Nature Play Themed Playgrounds - Garland Playground Replacement Program

Nature Play

It is critical to encourage outdoor play and find ways to reconnect children to nature in the places they live by deliberately designing nature into the everyday spaces of childhood. Incorporating high-quality outdoor environments can compel and motivate children to acquire active lifestyle habits outdoors. Naturalized playgrounds create an increase in play value, higher levels of physical activity and improved environmental sustainability.

Children need to engage with nature. Incorporating natural structures made of wood, rocks, boulders, plants and animals gives families an opportunity to educate in a fun, new and safe way. Nature play is best incorporated in sites with existing natural trees, creeks and elevation changes. The beauty of nature play is that it blends into the environment, enhances the area and leaves children wondering where the play spaces begin and end!

It is the child in man that is the source of his uniqueness and creativeness, and the playground is the optimal milieu for the unfolding of his capacities and talents.”

- Eric Hoffer