A child's work is play.
- Maria Montessori
Nature Play is coming to Stone-Robinson Elementary!
The idea behind a nature play space is that instead of the standard, cookie cutter metal and plastic structures that make up the bulk of today's playgrounds--people can incorporate the surrounding landscape and vegetation to bring nature to children's daily outdoor play and learning environments.
There is a growing body of research data about the multiple positive impacts of nature play on children’s social, emotional, intellectual, and physical well-being. Nature play fosters soft skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem solving, and critical observation. Research also shows that students are more intentional and use more creativity when using nature play. Some examples of nature play installations might include:
- Boulders to climb
- Water features
- Logs to practice a balancing act
- A multi-sensory garden to explore
Studies also indicate that when children play and learn in nature, they do so with more vigor, engagement, imagination and cooperation than in wholly artificial environments and that symptoms of attention deficit and depression are reduced.
The Stone-Robinson Elementary PTO and Mr. Visel are currently in the design stage of introducing nature play features to our playground. Mr. Visel is reviewing other playgrounds around the country as well as going to workshops on the topic. Mark Lieberth, one of our Stone-Robinson parents, is an experienced landscape architect and is assisting with the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the timeline for this project?
The playground project has been in motion for almost two years. It will be completed in phases starting in the spring of 2017. Our goal is to plan, develop and build the first nature play installations at Stone-Robinson by May 2017.
What does it cost?
Nature Play installations cost around 1/3 of traditional playground equipment.
Is it safe?
Studies show that children are more mindful of their own safety on a nature play playground. The ACPS central office (Building Services) will be inspecting approving any structures added to the playground.