Innovative natural playscapes incorporating design features that address critical aspects of child developmental and social play so often missing from conventional playgrounds.
Conventional playground equipment and wooden play structures can be very expensive and provide a limited range of experiences where children may quickly lose interest. Our “playscapes” incorporate playful and intricate topography, creative stone sculpture, natural plantings, innovative building materials and play features. Our designs are often inspired by geometric patterns and sacred designs that have intrinsic educational opportunities to create safe play and learning environments.
Earthartist playscapes encourage a wide range of play options and exciting learning opportunities for children of varied personalities and abilities with meaningful occasions to encourage social skills, improve motor skills, experience risks and test boundaries in a safe and challenging manner.
Whole environments for the whole child
While site-specific opportunities and constraints will dictate the most appropriate options for playground components, during the stakeholder consultation process we will explore options for the full range of play structures and spaces in the following broad classes:
Large Play and Social Spaces
To accommodate larger group gatherings and class events
Small Passive Play Areas
Intimate spaces separated from large, noisy, active play areas
Hard and Soft Play Surfaces
Open space for games and active play
Sheltered / Natural Areas
For quiet play
Learning and Creative Spaces
Gardens, interactive features or a performance stage
Connecting Spaces
Trails and paths that become activities in themselves
Playground Safety
We design our playscapes to meet or exceed Canadian Standards Association (CSA-Z614) playground safety standards which deal with the most common playground hazards; however, we believe a safe playground is far more than one that simply meets the standards!
- Playground boredom often leading to inappropriate use of existing facilities
- Critical fall injuries and equipment deterioration/inspection issues
- Safe multi-season play opportunities
- Issues regarding supervision and visibility
- Lack of shade for comfort and protection from the sun
- Limited range of play facilities resulting in aggressive play and bullying
- Social environments that foster friendship and cooperation
Accessible and Inclusive
Every child has the right to play. Our goal is to create playscapes that provide opportunities for all children regardless of physical, cognitive, emotional or psychological ability. All of our playground designs meet or exceed Canadian Standards Association (CSA-Z614) playground safety standards and adhere to “Annex H” guidelines for children’s play space accessibility. We are proud to be an OPA Accredited Accessibility Practitioner for children’s play spaces.
Research
Behavior Mapping: A Method for Linking Preschool Physical Activity and Outdoor Design
Designing for Playful Experiences
Children as experts in designing a play environment
Organisations
Child and Nature Alliance
Green Communities Canada
Take Me Outside