Are playgrounds becoming too safe?

An interesting video published by VOX discusses the concept of adventure playgrounds, which offer children unstructured play experiences with loose parts and controlled risks. Originating in Denmark and popularized by Marjory Allen in England, these playgrounds prioritize children’s autonomy and creativity. They involve elements like heights, speed, tools, dangerous elements, rough play, and the ability to disappear.

Adventure Playground featuring unstructured play.

While traditional American playgrounds tend to prioritize safety to the point of being overly sanitized, adventure playgrounds promote healthier physical and cognitive development through risk-taking. Despite criticism and challenges such as space requirements and maintenance, studies suggest that adventure playgrounds lead to increased physical activity, better risk detection, creativity, and self-esteem in children. The video also touches upon the debate surrounding adventure playgrounds and the role of design in shaping children’s play experiences.

Traditional playground featuring safe and structured play.

Adventure playgrounds and traditional playgrounds offer contrasting approaches to play experiences for children.

1. Design and Materials:
   • Traditional playgrounds typically feature fixed, manufactured equipment such as slides, swings, and climbing structures made of plastic or metal.
   • Adventure playgrounds provide loose parts and natural materials like wood, tires, and tools, allowing children to engage in more imaginative and creative play.
2. Risk and Safety:
   • Traditional playgrounds prioritize safety by minimizing risks, often resulting in predictable and controlled play environments.
   • Adventure playgrounds embrace controlled risks, encouraging children to explore and engage in activities like climbing, building, and rough play, which can foster resilience, problem-solving skills, and confidence.
3. Parental Involvement:
   • Traditional playgrounds often encourage parental supervision, with designated areas for adults to oversee children’s play.
   • Adventure playgrounds may limit parental involvement to promote children’s independence and exploration, although supervision is still necessary to ensure safety.
4. Physical Activity and Engagement:
   • Traditional playgrounds offer structured play experiences that may limit children’s physical activity and opportunities for creative expression.
   • Adventure playgrounds promote unstructured, child-led play, encouraging greater physical activity, social interaction, and cognitive development through exploration and experimentation.
5. Aesthetics and Environment:
   • Traditional playgrounds tend to have a standardized, uniform appearance, with brightly colored equipment and rubberized surfaces.
   • Adventure playgrounds may have a more organic and dynamic aesthetic, integrating with natural landscapes and evolving over time based on children’s input and interactions with the environment.

In summary, while traditional playgrounds prioritize safety and structured play, adventure playgrounds offer opportunities for greater risk-taking, creativity, and exploration, ultimately contributing to holistic child development. Both types of playgrounds serve distinct purposes and cater to different preferences and philosophies regarding children’s play.