Date of Award
12-2019
Degree Type
Creative Project
Degree Name
Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
Department
Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning
Committee Chair(s)
Keith Christensen
Committee
Keith Christensen
Committee
Lisa Boyce
Committee
David Anderson
Abstract
Play environments are crucial to providing developmental opportunities for children and natural playgrounds provide a developmentally rich play environment. This study compared elementary school playgrounds and nature explore classrooms to determine what natural play spaces can be implemented into an elementary school playground for developmental benefits. The playgrounds were evaluated on safety, ADA requirements and what developmental affordances are encouraged through different play components. A Nature Playground Play Spaces List and handouts were developed, and a playground design exploration was conducted as an example for how the play spaces list can be used and to show what benefits can be seen from incorporating the play spaces.
The study suggests that there are developmental benefits in incorporating natural play spaces into an elementary school playground and through intentional design and consideration these spaces can provide greater developmental opportunities for children.
Recommended Citation
Wright, Ariel L., "Incorporating Natural Play Spaces into Elementary Playgrounds for Child Developmental Benefits" (2019). All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023. 1415.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/gradreports/1415
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