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Just because a play space is made up of many elements doesn't mean it's a cookie-cutter free-for-all. Attention should be given to how pieces are arranged within a space. Particularly for high population schools, it is important to create a "flow" within the play area.

Designers must get in the mind-frame of children to consider how play is connected from one element to another; to create space between quite, retrospective play and active, loud areas for free expression.

This wonky caterpillar makes a fun, imaginative addition to a play space, particularly for young children. It works great in a narrow space, or as a pathway between elements or play areas, either to divide or connect.

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own “Crazy Caterpillar."(Note: must create a free user account to see full instructions.)

Got an idea for a playground element?Join our community and submit your designs here.

Okay, technically speaking, the "Octopus Icosahedron" should really be called the "Octopus Pentagonal Dodecahedron." Whatever it is we love this thing.

Our octopus was recently featured in one of MelbourneParking Day's pop up parks.

And afterwards underwent some "product testing" by this guy.

Everywhere we build the "Octopus" it's a hit. Check it out:

 

Philippines

 

Play Philpinas Philippines

 

Philippines

 

Thailand

 

Thailand

 

Play Philipinas – Philippines

 

Thailand

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own “Octopus Icosahedron.”(Note: must create a free user account to see full instructions.)

Got an idea for a playground element?Join our community and submit your designs here.

Playgrounds are often designed as spaces for active, gross motor play. But a well-rounded playground should also cater for different expressions of play: imaginative, dramatic, creative and sensory.

Incorporating a stage in a play site is a simple way to encourage performance forms of play. Children will develop confidence as they put on their own theatrics, practice story-telling, dance performances, give speeches, or classroom lectures. The stage can also be used for organized events like school performances, talent shows, or graduations, making the play space a part of the larger community. The stage could be supplemented with a music centre, a mural, props, or a blackboard backdrop. It can be an elaborate built structure or just a dirt clearing with stone seating.Take a look at a few examples:

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AMV Playground Equipment

 

Playground Ideas

Playground Imagineering

 

Photo by Flickr: veisto

 

Pendlewood

 

Playground Ideas

 

Grass Roots Play Clore Shalom School

 

Nelson Area Waldorf School

 

East African Playgrounds

 

Photo by Flickr: camknows

 

Pendlewood

 

Pendlewood

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own "Stage."(Note: must create a free user account to see full instructions.)

Got an idea for a playground element?Join our community and submit your designs here.

The "Cube Climber" is a tried-and-true playground classic. One of the great things about this element is its dual use – kids love climbing all over the outside, or hiding inside the protected cove it creates. One site we built it at reported months later that the preschool kids had taken to bringing branches and leaves inside and using it as a fort building nook.

Take a look at this rainbow "Cube Climber" recently built by ourGlobal Play Alliancepartners,East African Playgroundsat Madrasat Primary School in Jinja, Uganda.

You can see the rest of Madrasat Primary School'samazing new playground here.

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own “Cube Climber.”(Note: must create a free user account to see full instructions.)

Got an idea for a playground element?Join our community and submit your designs here.