Innovative Designs
How to Design a Park to Build Community
Several weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting a stop along The 606 for a family night organized by the Trust for Public Land. The linear park, designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh and Associates, is work of art in its own right, a nearly three-mile-long trail for bikers, runners,…
The Van Beuningenplein
Old situation The former Staatsliedenbuurt is an early 20th-century layout of Amsterdam. In recent years this area has undergone an extensive urban renewal. Social houses are renovated and partly sold to stimulate diversity among the inhabitants. A lot of emphasis is put on upgrading the public space’s quality. Gentrification has…
Top 3 Ways Surfacing Boosts Play
Encouraging Beneficial Play with Surfacing Reducing risk while maintaining a fun play area often represents the main focus when discussing a playground’s surface. All of Goric’s Surfacing and Accessories products meet important ASTM standards for reducing the frequency and severity of fall-related incidents. Such risk reductions are supremely important, and…
Creating Intergenerational Public Spaces
A Place and Space for All Benefits Everyone Many are well aware that intergenerational interactions create enriching experiences for all involved. With the incorporation of design elements that effectively encourage an active involvement from the many adults in a child’s life, a play area’s overall value and ability to promote strong…
Designer Spotlight – Ilisa Goldman and the Power of Our Natural World
Reclaiming Community Spaces Creates Healthier Environments for us All This past November, Rooted in Place, the design firm founded by Ilisa Goldman,orchestrated a 4 day community build event to transform a parking lot just outside ARTS (a local arts based youth center) into an, ‘arts-dedicated community space for art-making, performing…
Play Garland Oosterpark by Carve
Play Garland Oosterpark by Carve The Oosterpark, built in 1891, is part of the Amsterdam 19th century extension girdle, and is the first large public park that was realised by the municipality. Since 2011, plans are being made to integrate the monumental public buildings in the northern zone into the…
Integrating Music with Playscapes
Complementary Benefits Makes Adding Musical Elements to Playgrounds a Truly Smart Idea Play and music already share a vocabulary. A self-contained part of a musical composition is called a, ‘movement.’ It is common for sportscasters to describe an athlete or team as, ‘getting into rhythm.’ The laughter that emits from…
Going Against the Grain of Modern Materials with Robinia Wood
Natural Karolam® Robinia Wood Offers Impressive Benefits Over Modern Materials K&K Karolam® – Robinia Wooden Posts | Video via YouTube.com At their very best, playgrounds and playscapes mimic the joy of running, jumping, climbing, and otherwise playing in a wild and natural setting. They fulfill our instinctual desire to…
Designer Spotlight – Mitch Ryerson’s Woodworking and the Art of Play
Mitch Ryerson | Image via ryersondesign.com The Original Jungle Gym was a Tree, and Mitch Ryerson Knows How to Use Them Creating a Playground Tree | The Esplanade Association via YouTube.com When explored by the hands of a skilled artist, playfulness itself becomes an expressive language. At its best, the work of a well-seasoned woodworker, designer, and artist such…
Euroflex Balls and the Importance of Tactile Elements in Playscapes
Supporting Sensory Play by Adding Texture One of the best ways for playground and playscape designers to improve the quality of any surface space or area is by including a variety of tactile elements. Whether cut in half, or presented in full, Euroflex Balls invite exploration and encourage curiosity….
Our Top 5 Playground Related Blogs
Image via Goric A Small Collection of Resources on the Importance of Quality Playground Equipment and Design One of the more wonderful aspects of play is how it can foster a sense of community. It is no accident that many of our first friendships were formed while using playground equipment. And just on…
The Touch and Feel of Play in Toshiko MacAdam’s Textile Playgrounds
Structures Made from Nets of Rope Inspire in This Designer’s Wonderfully Crocheted Playscapes Toshiko Horiuchi MacAdam video via PlayArt11 on YouTube.com Toshiko MacAdam was already an accomplished artist in the Fibre Arts movement long before she began exploring the possibilities of creating textile playscapes. In fact, she was exhibiting a…
