Why safe playgrounds aren't great for kids

Summary

The video script explores the concept of adventure playgrounds, which contrast with traditional playgrounds by offering children a space to engage in riskier play with real tools and materials. Originating from Copenhagen, these playgrounds were designed to foster creativity and self-confidence in children by allowing them to make decisions and overcome challenges. The script discusses the importance of controlled risk and the benefits of such playgrounds, including increased physical activity and improved risk detection, creativity, and self-esteem. Despite criticism and the prevalence of overly safe playgrounds in the US, adventure playgrounds are gaining popularity as a means to introduce more unstructured play and address the shortcomings of traditional playground design.

Takeaways

• 🤔 Adventure playgrounds are designed to let children take more risks, which is a debated concept in play architecture.
• 🏗️ These playgrounds feature raw materials like old tires and wood planks instead of traditional plastic play structures.
• 👶 The idea behind adventure playgrounds is to foster self-confidence in children by allowing them to overcome risks.
• 🇬🇧 Marjory Allen, a British landscape architect, introduced the concept of adventure playgrounds after visiting Copenhagen.
• 👦 Carl Theodor Sorensen created the first 'junk playground' in Copenhagen, where children could play with building materials and tools.
• 🌍 Adventure playgrounds have become a global phenomenon, spreading to various cities across the world.
• 🔨 Controlled risk is a key element in the design of adventure playgrounds, distinguishing between hazards and manageable risks.
• 🧩 Six categories of controlled risk include heights, speed, tools, dangerous elements, rough play, and the ability to get lost.
• 🚫 Separation of space is important, keeping parents out to allow children to explore and discover on their own.
• 🛠️ Loose parts such as planks and barrels are used to encourage risky play and experimentation.
• 🤷‍♂️ Despite criticism and concerns about aesthetics and maintenance, adventure playgrounds promote physical activity and have been linked to benefits in risk detection, creativity, and self-esteem.

Q & A

What is an adventure playground?

An adventure playground is a type of playground that does not feature conventional plastic play structures. Instead, it offers raw materials such as old tires, wood planks, hammers, and nails, allowing children to engage in risky play and learn through exploration and creativity.

Why are adventure playgrounds considered healthier and safer for kids?

Adventure playgrounds are considered healthier and safer because they allow children to take calculated risks, which can lead to a sense of self-confidence and accomplishment. This type of play encourages children to assess risks, make decisions, and learn from overcoming challenges.

Who was Marjory Allen and what was her contribution to adventure playgrounds?

Marjory Allen was a British landscape architect and children’s welfare advocate who visited Copenhagen in 1945 and was inspired by Carl Theodor Sorensen's 'junk playground' concept. She introduced similar playgrounds in London, renaming them from 'junk' to 'adventure' playgrounds, which then spread globally.

What did Carl Theodor Sorensen observe about children's play habits during the German occupation of Denmark?

Carl Theodor Sorensen noticed that children in his neighborhood were not using the playgrounds provided. Instead, they were playing in construction sites and bombed-out buildings, which led him to create a playground filled with building materials and discarded objects where children could play and invent on their own.

What is the concept of 'controlled risk' in adventure playgrounds?

Controlled risk in adventure playgrounds refers to the intentional inclusion of elements that pose manageable risks, requiring children to make active decisions about their play. This is different from hazards, which are unexpected threats, and it encourages children to engage in cautious and experimental play.

What are the six categories of controlled risk in adventure playgrounds?

The six categories of controlled risk in adventure playgrounds are heights, speed, tools, dangerous elements, rough and tumble play, and the ability to disappear or become lost. These elements are designed to provide a mix of challenges and experiences for children.

Why is separation of space important in adventure playgrounds?

Separation of space in adventure playgrounds is important to give children the feeling of discovering and exploring on their own. It often involves creating a physical barrier or providing amenities like restrooms, cafés, and seating to keep parents at a comfortable distance without being directly involved in the children's play.

What are 'loose parts' in the context of adventure playgrounds?

Loose parts in adventure playgrounds are manipulatable objects such as planks, barrels, bricks, and tools. These elements are used to fuel risky play and allow children to engage in creative and imaginative activities.

How does the design philosophy of adventure playgrounds differ from traditional playgrounds in the US?

The design philosophy of adventure playgrounds focuses on providing a space for children to engage with risky play and learn through exploration, whereas traditional playgrounds in the US are often designed to be lawsuit-proof, with an emphasis on reducing height, movement, and hard materials, which can result in less engaging and overly safe environments.

What are some of the criticisms and downsides of adventure playgrounds?

Some criticisms of adventure playgrounds include their aesthetic, which can be perceived as unattractive, the requirement for a lot of space, and the need for resources to staff and maintain them. Additionally, there is always an opportunity for injury, although studies have shown that children who engage in risky play can develop better risk detection, creativity, and self-esteem.

How do adventure playgrounds compare to traditional playgrounds in terms of physical activity and injuries?

Studies have shown that children using adventure playgrounds, such as those in London, are up to 18 percent more physically active compared to those in traditional playgrounds in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York. Furthermore, the London playgrounds were found to be cheaper and had fewer injuries.