Posted on July 18, 2023

Playgrounds need to be able to stimulate children to engage in the full range of play types they need. While at the same time enabling a broad range of children to engage in those types of playing in the way they prefer. This means that playgrounds must incorporate lots of play spaces that are flexible enough to stimulate an almost unlimited combination of play potential. This is no small task. Play spaces alone cannot provide this level of flexibility. The wider environment can have a positive impact on the range of affordances required. Especially if there are a broad range of flora and fauna. Play spaces add to these affordances and also provide a cultural dimension to a playground. It is essential that playgrounds also have a broad range of loose materials available. What is widely understood as loose parts. The loose materials can be combined with other aspects of the playground or play space to add to its play potential. Thereby increasing the possibilities for playing. Loose parts are considered to be an essential element of any playground. Which is why fixed equipment playgrounds can only stimulate a narrow range of play. Also the staff that work in the playground also work in the service of the playing child. They can also be considered to be a play resource for the child at play, if they are a well trained playworker or an adult that is sensitive to the play needs of the child.

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