play by design
One of PRAV’s key aims is to promote better design in playgrounds. Playspaces that are safe and innovative, and encourage developmentally appropriate play experiences for children.
The Play By Design section of our website provides a variety of information for many different play environments. We have also included a list of PRAV members who are specific playground providers in different industries and we recommend their services to you.
Design at a glance
Planning how we use our spaces effectively and efficiently also adds to the quality of outdoor play. We need to set spaces that provide opportunities for a variety of play and to meet a variety of play styles.
Children need spaces for:
- challenging activities such as balancing, climbing high, tunnelling, jumping, swinging from arms and by legs;
- sensory play opportunities that include sand, mud, water, pebbles, stones, sawdust;
- hiding away, making cubbies and campsites, having picnics;
- meandering up a shady path, stopping off to pick flowers or watch a snail;
- sitting with a friend to talk or play with dinosaurs or butterflies;
- meeting as a group to sing songs, listen to stories or play games;
- imaginative play environments with small dolls, teddies, jungle animals, blocks etc.;
- pretend work such as laying drains, washing clothes or building tunnels as well as real work such as gardening, sweeping and raking; and,
- running, ball games, chasing bubbles, pushing and pulling, rolling and spinning and riding wheel toys.
More information
Please download the files listed below from the members area. The links underneath will take you to the members log in page or alternatively if you are already logged in straight to the link. For most of the files you will need to have Acrobat Reader installed which is free to download from adobe.
Whose responsibility are animals in public space? Owner and council responsibilities discussed.
Children need to be appropriately supervised in public playspaces. Experience suggests…
Planning
a Playground (by Graham Thompson)
This article contains suggestions as to the aspects that should be considered when planning a playground. I.e. Social centre, access, equipment etc.
Children can be involved in the planting… they will also enjoy learning from participating in… Recommended types of plants for play areas… textures, smells etc considered.
List of plants suitable for coastal regions & climbers for playspaces.
Victorian Poisons Information Centre
List of poisonous plants to avoid. Victorian Poisons Information centre contact details provided.
Age Related
Play Needs of Children
Developmental perspective on planning outdoor playspaces for children. The play needs of 0-12 yr old children discussed.