We brought community story telling into the play space.
CPlay integrated community storytelling through large and detailed whimsical design to promote discovery learning. These details, tied to local geology, culture, and history, offered locals and visitors the opportunity to uncover hidden surprises over time, enhancing their engagement and connection to the space. The cohesive themes and designs of bespoke play items, structures, and surfacing provided sensory stimulation and fueled imaginative play. These elements were further reinforced through park signage and extended along coastal trails, enriching the overall community experience. The self-directed nature of play nurtured a sense of ownership in learning, with educators utilizing these features in both classroom and museum settings. Through thoughtful design, our playground not only facilitated fun and learning but also contributed to community well-being by promoting active engagement and critical thinking skills.
- Artistic details increase engagement and capture attention.
- Self-directed play fosters a sense of pride and responsibility in learning.
- Active interaction with equipment improves retention of learning.
- Problem-solving activities during play promote critical thinking skills.
- Thoughtful design enhances fun, learning, and community well-being.
Traditional playgrounds are usually a piece of equipment on minimum safety surface. There isn't any open play or story telling. While providing a space for physical activity and play, often have limitations and drawbacks:
- Limited Accessibility: may not be accessible to individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges due to the design of equipment and surfacing and also the paths and access site wide.
- Lack of Inclusivity: Traditional playgrounds may not cater to the diverse needs and interests of all children, including those with sensory sensitivities or different abilities.
- Static Design: The fixed design may limit imaginative play and exploration, leading to boredom and disengagement over time.
- Minimal Educational Value: Focus solely on physical play, missing opportunities to incorporate educational elements or promote cognitive development.
Ways we worked to make the new playground even more fun and meaningful was to:
- Innovative Design: Feature innovative and creative designs that incorporate a variety of play elements, such as climbing structures, slides, swings, sensory play areas, and interactive features for imaginative play and exploration.
- Inclusive Features: Designed with inclusivity in mind, incorporating accessible equipment and surfacing to accommodate individuals of all ages and abilities. This inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging and allows children of different backgrounds and abilities to play together.
- Safety Enhancements: Prioritize safety by adhering to updated safety standards and guidelines. This may include the use of impact-absorbing surfacing materials, rounded edges, and improved fall protection measures, reducing the risk of injuries during play. But also make sure there are options for risk and challenge so people can learn to assess risk.
- Educational Opportunities: Integrate educational elements, such as themed play structures, interactive panels, and informational signage to promote learning and development while children engage in play and have fun, fostering cognitive skills and curiosity.
We met with a wide range of educators to understand how the playground could provide educational value.
https://nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz/
One of our volunteers even did a course with National Geographic into learning how to teach young people the explorer mindset https://blog.education.nationalgeographic.org/2021/09/23/in-need-of-professional-learning-worthy-of-an-explorer-create-your-own/
This was the way we used to play. We had the odd comment here and there... "what was wrong with the playground of the 1960s". We learnt that there was a lot that could be better. - CPlay Volunteer Roselyn Fauth
Caroline Bay Playground in 1970s - South Canterbury Museum: CN 2020/064.05
South Canterbury Museum educator Keely Kroening gives the first educational school visit in the new playground 21 February 2024. The students were taught about mahika kai and tuna (eel) in the local area. - Photo Roselyn Fauth