The creative/adventure playground, a restrictive modification of the true adventure playground, has been developed in various Vancouver elementary schools because it stimulates self-expression and has greater possibilities for play than does the traditional playground. This evaluation includes student, school personnel, parent, and community…

This resource book provides recommendations for constructing facilities for elementary school physical education programs and suggests equipment requirements for teaching child-centered physical education. It was written to increase the awareness of the need for improved play and movement experiences for children. Principals, elementary physical…

The school yard has been one of the least utilized of our educational resources. Surfaced with a view to his convenience and used mostly in accordance with his desires, it has practically belonged to the janitor. In the past 10 years the great play movement has burst upon us and has brought with it an illumination as to the educational value of…

People today demand a safer work environment and a safer play environment for children. Accidents such as broken arms are no longer accepted as an inevitable part of growing up. This paper presents recommendations for the maintenance of safe playground areas and equipment, covering three main areas: (1) inspections, which should follow a specified…

A nationwide survey investigated public playgrounds and found that a majority of America's playgrounds pose hidden threats to children. This report provides the survey's findings, providing summary data from 22 states and the District of Columbia. Focusing on playground hazards, the survey reports that 87 percent of the 760 playgrounds surveyed…

Advocates for safer playgrounds need to make informed decisions when purchasing play equipment and designing play areas. This updated document provides safety and design criteria in the form of model law provisions that can be used by those responsible for playground development. It reports on injury data which establish common injury scenarios…

Four major issues are explored in this study of child development research and its implications for children's playgrounds: (1) theories and philosophies of play; (2) the historical evolution of playgrounds; (3) research on child development, play, and playgrounds; and (4) creating playgrounds that meet children's developmental needs. Discussion…

Briefly describes a one-day visit to child care facilities in Denmark--a playground, a day care center, a kindergarten, and an after-school club. (ED)

The two papers focus on methods of selecting toys for handicapped children and options in playground equipment for this population. The qualities of a good toy, such as stimulation and safety, are examined. The author discusses various considerations in selecting toys for different handicaps; for example, toys for visually impaired children should…

National Children's Island provides a central place of art, education, culture and heritage for children and a headquarters for national groups whose primary interest is in child development. (For availability see EA 507 194.) (Author/MLF)

Presents ideas for outside fitness activities such as Frisbee games, juggling, blanket ball, monsterball, jogging, and throwing. (JMB)

Two constantly appearing claims in most playground accident suits are improper supervision and lack of warning to the users. This article discusses legal implications of improper signage, explains use of symbols, and presents general sign guidelines to ensure proper safety measures. (MLH)

In recent years, new developments have been made in designing play structures for disabled children and understanding their needs while they play. This article examines important questions regarding "mainstream" equipment designed for children at various development stages, design features for disabled children, outdoor classrooms, imagination,…

Seventy percent of all playground accidents result from falls from equipment onto the underlying surface. This article reviews some types of surfaces commonly found in playgrounds and how each fared under National Bureau of Standards guidelines. (MT)