Playgrounds are what children see as a place where they can have fun all day long. Even though envisioned by adults, children still have the time of their lives.
But what if children were asked to tell adults what they think playgrounds should have? This is precisely what architect Shane Cotter did, in which The Irish Times reported.
Cotter asked children studying at St Mary’s Woodside National School and Stepaside Educate Together Secondary School, which are both located in Dublin, on the design of the playground that will be built on Fernhill Gardens in Stepaside. The soon-to-be play area was recently opened as a public park.
And to the adult’s surprise, the children provided ideas that were better than what the adults were planning. Definitely, the children knew what they wanted. When it comes to becoming one with nature, the kids suggested for the playground to have building dens, climbing trees, and jumping rivers.
“We were blown away by how many ideas they had,” Cotter told The Irish Times. “We offered a couple of prompts, but what they came up with was so much better, and so much more craic.”
What the Children Have to Say
Hugo Fitzgerald-Selby, a nine-year-old pupil from St Mary’s Woodside National School, said he loves “being high and going fast,” and expressed his ideas about a zip-line to be used as transportation to the other side of the stream, which the children call as “the hideaway,” and back. The nine-year-old pupil also said that hanging over a tire wire over shallow water “is really exciting.”
Meanwhile, his schoolmate, Isabelle Keddy, is the same as him. The eleven-year-old Keddy suggested a transparent Perspex bridge and slide, describing it something that will allow them to see underneath when they are moving.
“I thought it would be scary; that you would be crossing hoping you won’t drop into the water, eleven-year-old Kelby said.
Nine-year-old Ruby Stronge from Stepaside Educate Together Secondary School, on the other hand, said she wanted to make sure “you don’t have to leave if it starts raining and you are having fun”. The pupil’s idea revolved around an eco-powered retractable canopy that serves as a roof and shelter during inclement weather.
Besides these three suggestions, other elements mentioned are accessibility ramps for wheelchair users and buggies, and also a parent’s area.
“They were really thoughtful and considerate and, without any prompting, central to all the discussion was how everybody should be able to enjoy it, not just children like them,” Cotter told The Irish Times.
Playgrounds are a place to be when it comes to children. The fun and chances to be with their friends allow them to have the best day of their lives. As for parents, it’s best to let children have fun in the playground at least 60 minutes a day to allow them to develop their social, cognitive, and physical skills better. However, better make sure that playgrounds are safe before letting children play to avoid accidents or injuries.
Aside from fun and excitement, safety is also a main component in manufacturing a playground. It’s vital for playground owners to consult trusted manufacturers. iREC is an indoor playground manufacturer that has a proven track record in manufacturing equipment that is both high-quality and durable. For more information about our equipment, contact +63 047 250 2779 / +63 047 251 3139 or email sales@irec.ph to get in touch with us.