ABSTRACT

How to Grow a Playspace takes you through a global perspective of the different stages of child development and the environments that engage children in play around the world. From the urbanity of Mumbai; to rainbow nets in Japan; nature play in Denmark; recycling waste in Peru; community building in Uganda; play streets in London; and gardens of peace in Palestine, it proves that no matter where play occurs, it is ubiquitous in its resourcefulness, imagination and effect.

Written by international leaders in the field of play including academics, designers and playworkers, How to Grow A Playspace discusses contemporary issues around children and play, such as risk benefit in play, creativity and technology, insights into children’s thinking, social inclusion and what makes a city child-friendly.

With its own ‘Potting Shed’, this text is also a practical guide to support playspace projects with advice on teams, budgets, community engagement, maintenance and standards. How to Grow a Playspace is a comprehensive ‘go-to’ guide for anyone interested or involved in children’s play and playspaces.

part I|1 pages

Ground

part II|3 pages

Sowing

chapter 1|76 pages

A History of Playspaces

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chapter 2|6 pages

Fundamental Perceptions of and Ingredients for Play

Having fun, opening up and letting go

chapter 3|63 pages

Insights into the Mind of the Child

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chapter 4|11 pages

Play Environments and Affordances

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chapter 5|42 pages

Chaos and Confusion

The clash between adults’ and children’s spaces

chapter 6|9 pages

City Play

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chapter 7|27 pages

Of Agency, Participation and Design

Two contrasting play scenarios in Indian cities

chapter 8|6 pages

Designing Inclusive Playspaces

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chapter 9|8 pages

Glenallen School

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part III|4 pages

Seedlings

chapter 10|8 pages

Child Development

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chapter 11|10 pages

The Natural Environment as Playspace

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chapter 12|48 pages

Planting for Children’s Play

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chapter 13|8 pages

Introducing Water Play Environments to Early Years Settings

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chapter 14|10 pages

The Development of Forest School in the UK

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chapter 15|8 pages

Children’s Gardens

A tale of two cities

chapter 16|7 pages

Reflections on Designing Lafayette Park Playground

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part IV|1 pages

Sprouts

chapter 17|6 pages

Child Development

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part |2 pages

Playspaces and Art

chapter 18|6 pages

Colours and Materials

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chapter 19|8 pages

Embedded Art in Playspaces

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chapter 20|6 pages

Child Led Creativity

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chapter 21|9 pages

Art as Playspace

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part |1 pages

Schools

chapter 22|11 pages

Quintessential Play Patterns in Schools

The interface of space, materials and play behaviour

chapter 23|27 pages

When is a Slide Not a Slide?

(Or what if we think differently about and beyond design?)

chapter 24|20 pages

‘This Place is Like a Building Site… .’

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chapter 25|10 pages

The Stepping Stones to Many Playgrounds

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part V|4 pages

Saplings

chapter 26|6 pages

Child Development

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chapter 27|8 pages

Beyond 14+ Years

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chapter 28|2 pages

Technology in Playspaces

A snapshot

chapter 29|7 pages

Lima and the Ever-Postponed Electric Train

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chapter 30|32 pages

Be Not Afeared

Embracing the need for risk in play

chapter 31|10 pages

Not in My Front Garden!

Play Streets: A doorstep controversy

chapter 32|9 pages

We are such Stuff as Dreams are made on

Paraphrased conversation with Mark Halden, Senior Playworker, Glamis Adventure Playground

part VI|4 pages

The Potting Shed

chapter 33|2 pages

The Team

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chapter 35|4 pages

Social and Environmental Responsibilities

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chapter 36|2 pages

Site Analysis and Opportunities for Play

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chapter 37|4 pages

Playspaces and Community Engagement

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chapter 39|2 pages

Staging

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chapter 40|2 pages

Planting Maintenance

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chapter 41|2 pages

Maintenance and Longevity

chapter 42|2 pages

Supporting Infrastructure

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chapter 43|4 pages

Standards and Regulations (General and Best Practice Principles)

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chapter |2 pages

Conclusion