Playground Equipment and Its Developmental Impact
Everyone remembers their first experience climbing up a playground, swinging back and forth on a swing set, or feeling the rush of sliding down the biggest slide. But what a lot of people don’t know about are the benefits each of those amazing experiences bring!
Playgrounds and all they offer bring kids incredible learning opportunities. Now more than ever, kids are consumed by electronics, sitting indoors, and are connected to the world through their fingertips. Building safe, inclusive, and inviting play spaces for kids is a great way to bring out that creative spark all kids have inside of them. And with the help of unique playground equipment, they can also start building on their physical, social, emotional, and imaginative skills at a young age.
In this blog we will highlight some of your classic playground features, with an updated spin on design from our partners at Landscape Structures.
We-saw™
The new take on your traditional seesaw! This unique design has a gentle rocking motion and is perfect for kids and families of all ages to get in on collaborative and creative play. The We-saw is also wheelchair accessible, making it a great piece for your inclusive playground.
Developmental Benefits:
- Sensory: Proprioception, Vestibular+
- Motor Skills: Balance, Core Body Strength, Flexibility, Lower Body Strength, Upper Body Strength
- Cognitive Skills: Problem Solving
- Social/Emotional Skills: Cooperation, Social Skill Development, Imaginative Play
Oodles of fun are to be had on this twist on a traditional swing set. The Oodle® Swing makes for a great accent piece to your new or existing playground, and is a great way for friends to get together and be imaginative.
Developmental Benefits:
- Sensory: Proprioception, Tactile, Vestibular+, Visual
- Motor Skills: Balance, Coordination, Core Body Strength, Lower Body Strength, Motor Planning, Upper Body Strength
- Cognitive Skills: Problem Solving
- Social/Emotional Skills: Cooperation, Imaginative Play, Social Skill Development
Looking for sensory play in your slide? Change up your traditional slide to a Rollerslide! Exclusive to Landscape Structures, this unique piece brings in a cool sensory and inclusive play experience to all kids and their abilities.
Developmental Benefits:
- Sensory: Auditory, Proproceptions, Tactical, Vestibular+
- Motor Skills: Balance, Coordination, Motor Planning
- Cognitive Skills: Problem Solving
- Social/Emotional Skills: Social Skill Development
Playground design is continuing to evolve, and partners like Landscape Structures do an incredible job at creating products that are inclusive by bringing multiple psychological benefits to all kids. It is our job as Playground Experts to bring you the right equipment for your space. Gone are the days of a one-size-fits-all playground. We have the ability to craft custom play experiences that give kids a multitude of ways to explore their creativity through play.
Be sure to contact us to set up a free consultation to get started on designing your new space, or enhancing your current site!
