How do I figure out how to build a playground for kids without asking them what they want?

Question

Project for school that I need help with

Answer 1

Start hanging around public playgrounds and watch what the kids like to play on (just be careful you don't get arrested for stalking or being a pedophile).

Answer 2

Do your research. You can visit playgrounds whether kids are there or not, to see what they like to play on. If it's there, they play on it. They like things that are familiar, but they also like things that are different, so offer the staples: swings, monkey bars, slides, etc., as well as things they might not see at their school playground. Offer ideas for creative play so they can use their imagination (this can be done with design, such as ships and castles and color). They like climbing, finding places where they can "hide," poles to slide down, corkscrew tunnel slides, rope bridges, balance beams, moving stairs. They also like learning, so painting a map of the US with each state a different color on a sidewalk is a lot of fun. Hopscotch games and others are also great.

Consider your target, what age are you going for? If it's an open park you'll want things for the little ones, too. They like smaller things, more open areas. They usually don't like tiny, dark spaces but they like space of their own -- and it's safer if the Tots have a separate play area from the bigger kids. (You can put this right next to the older kids area. The kids tend to go back and forth, but the really big kids get bored in the tot lot and go back to their own area. The little ones might visit the big kid area, but stay where they feel comfortable.) And don't forget the parents! Shaded benches are wonderful if they are strategically placed so they can keep an eye on their little ones.

You can look up companies that make and sell playground equipment online and get free catalogs to help get you started. Good Luck.

Answer 3

If it is for kids that you are with on a pretty regular basis, take them to a park and watch what jungle gym parts they like, or use the most and go from there...