Lucky Kids

I live in Peregian Beach and the kids in the neighbourhood were lucky enough to get a brand new playground! I had a good look at it (and was dragged through the tunnel!) the other day while visiting with my little buddy Jake. It made me think about what makes a playground a 'good' playground.

Unfortunately often times older playgrounds are torn down to sadly be replaced with much simpler versions, minus the swings (for safety reasons), and less enjoyable than the last! The playground is meant to be a learning experience that includes trial and error, if you take away what challeges the children then they are no longer stimulated and the space is left empty of true experience.

Landscape Architects are however creating great play places that inhibit learning in children and steer away from some of the less successful modern 'asphalt-desert' playgrounds. Peregians new playground is mostly made of timber that is meant to last the beachside, salty conditions. It is colourful, fun and incorporates the true feeling of the village adding to the current strong sense of community. It includes a swing set, viewing platform, climbing nets, slides, tunnel, activity walls and more.

The only critique I have is the sand replacement. The pit is topped with bark which is meant to be soft on a fall. It looks great but sand is easier to clean up after. Otherwise I say its a success, and the kids seem to love it (the getting filthy with bark part too)!