Nestled in the woods, the Pumpkin Patch Playground in Tennessee.
The most distinguishing feature of a community-built playground is its skyline. From a distance your sight is drawn to looming towers and castle tops that adorn the playground. As you approach the playscape and upon closer inspection, you realize that many of the structures are unique – unlike anything you have seen before on a playground.
Train being built by volunteer on Barrington Community Playground
For example, you may encounter a giant Archimedes lever on a science themed playground, which teaches kids about fulcrums and resistance as they lift each other into the air. Or, a train-themed playground that honors the railroad history and heritage of the community.
This is the magic of a themed playground! Since community-built playgrounds are custom-designed, using the inspiration, ideas, and dreams of a community – you will never find two alike.
What’s so important about that? When a playground celebrates a community’s history, culture or heritage – it is a celebration of the people who live there. When a Church Playground is designed and built to celebrate their members’ faith, a more meaningful play environment is created for their children. A Park Playground that celebrates the history and culture of their town is affirming every citizen in that community. And when a school builds a science or math themed playground, they create more than just active, fun play. They include playground activities that can be incorporated into the school’s educational curriculum.
Celebration of Adobe architecture at Arizona playground.
Next time you see that distinctive, playground skyline in your travels, stop in for a closer look at the theme or motif. You just may learn more about the community you are visiting.
