White Paper
More Play and No Conflicts
How to create more play and less conflict in out-of-school programs
Millions of children benefit from programs and places to spend their time when school is not in session. A well-designed outdoor playground is a major component of a high-quality program. But what is a high-quality outdoor play environment for an out-of-school program?
Our current study takes a look at popular play spaces, active dwell time, and positive social play in outdoor playgrounds for after-school care.
6 Tips for designing playgrounds for out-of-school programs
Design for active social play: Choose high-capacity responsive equipment.
Design to enhance chase games: Chose a high-capacity climbing and perching piece.
Incorporate paired spinning structures.
Include a balance of "cool" yet challenging structures for older children.
Create special hang-out spaces so children can retract or retreat but still see the playground.
Design for gradual challenges when children of different age groups will use the same space.