General Design Ideas
I. General Design Idea 1: Pre-School Aged (2-5 years)
Consideration |
Components/Description |
Rationale |
Whole child development |
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Soul of community |
Playhouse |
The playhouse, Home for All, was incorporated because the children indicated that their playground was a home away from home, and because children who played together in this space came from different backgrounds. The playhouse is intended to provide a comfortable area where children can embrace that “home feeling.” |
Accessible |
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Age appropriate |
All components are intended for preschool age children, for example, the spiral slide has only one turn. |
Section 2.2.2-2.2.3 in the CPSC Handbook Spiral slides must have only one spin that is 360° or less because pre-school aged children lack the ability to maintain their balance. |
Safety |
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Layout |
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II. General Design Idea for School Aged (5-12 years)
Consideration |
Components/description |
Rationale |
Whole child development |
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Soul of community |
Mardi Gras and New Orleans |
New Orleans is famously known for its carnival celebration, Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras originated in the 1730s with the colors purple, green and yellow covering the streets of New Orleans till today. Jazz music is an integral part of the festivities, so to incorporate this into the design they included bongos. The alternating colors of the merry go round resemble that of a jester’s hat which is a symbol of Mardi Gras. All of these components together allow the children to feel the historical connection of this festivity through their play. |
Accessible |
Transfer station |
Transfer stations provide children in wheelchairs an accessible route onto the composite structure |
Age appropriate |
All components are intended for school age children, for example, the overheard monkey bars are only allowed for children aged 5 and up |
Section 2.2.2-2.2.3 in the CPSC1 Overheard play components are not allowed for pre-school aged children because they have not fully developed the necessary physical abilities to hold themselves. |
Safety |
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Layout |
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III. General Design Idea for School Aged (5-12 years)
Consideration |
Components/description |
Rationale |
Whole child development |
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Soul of community |
Nostalgic, Medieval themed |
This playground was designed to create the ambience of medieval times, with castle like structures and colors that would trigger the imagination of children while at play. The designers of this playground wanted to bridge the gap of their childhood to the children of this generation. This theme stimulates child development by encouraging creative thinking. |
Accessible |
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Age appropriate |
All components are intended for school age children, for example the monkey bar and sliders are only allowed for children 5 and up |
Section 2.2.2-2.2.3 in the CPSC1 Overheard play components are not allowed for pre-school aged children because they have not fully developed the necessary physical abilities to hold themselves. |
Safety |
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Layout |
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