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The Risk-Benefit Equation of Challenging Playgrounds

Exploring the benefits of challenging playgrounds

This article explores the importance of thrill in children’s play. Playgrounds are places where children learn how to navigate the world securely. This is an important life skill that children only learn by doing.

Many parents and grandparents find playgrounds too risky. However, existing research shows that good playgrounds are important for developing children’s physical literacy and that physically challenging play actions teach children to handle risk.

Expand your understanding of the benefits of challenging playgrounds by reading this article.

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The Risk-Benefit Equation of Challenging Playgrounds

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tips for securechallengingplay

5 Tips for Secure Challenging Play

  1. Take advantage of the natural landscape to create fun and thrilling designs (eg. slopes, streams)

  2. Choose play equipment that is age appropriate and developed with input from children

  3. Make sure that the play equipment you choose is certified to meet safety standards

  4. Make sure that the play area meets space and surfacing safety guidelines

  5. Choose robust, durable technical solutions for equipment that moves

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