go outside - DG2 Design

Apr 23 2019

Creative Playgrounds

Getting children to play outside is so important during this time of technology driven minds. Playing outside has positive effects on mind and body and there are numerous articles, reports and studies to prove it. So how do you encourage creative play? Maybe by thinking outside the box.

Playgrounds don’t have to be your traditional plastic jungle gym. Wood, rocks and other outdoor elements can spark just as much energy and play.

Take a look at some that we at DG2 have had in some of our projects. What is your favorite?

Slide on the side of an embankement

Promo photographs for Kristy DeGuire -DG2 Design Landscape Architecture

Tree climbing

Boulder climbing

Children’s tunnel house

Jun 25 2018

Modern Playgrounds

By: Christina Hughey

Playgrounds have changed a lot over the years. There is plenty of differences in materials, safety factors (playgrounds are made much safer now), differences in the activities allowed on the playground, and differences in the shapes of the playground. The design opportunities are truly endless! Although some people may argue that they prefer the style of an older playground. I think we can all agree what hasn’t changed is the hours of fun a child still experiences from visiting a playground. A child’s scale is completely different from that of an adult, to a child a slide seems as high as a skyscraper! Not only are playgrounds entertaining, they also offer many opportunities for fun and learning. Studies even show that allowing a child to play freely and take risks at a playground is good for a child’s development. Allowing a child to play freely in adventurous play allows them to learn skills and gain confidence.

Walla Holla playground

Designed by the Dutch company Carve, this playground is tall and narrow. Perfect for city spaces that aren’t very wide. Some of these structures can accommodate up to 60 children at a time! This vertical play allows for several different types of play including climbing, a goal for the soccer field, and even a fence for a basketball court.

Zachary’s Playground Lake St. Louis

In 2007 this dream of an “All Inclusive” playground became a reality. Zachary’s Playground was specifically created so children of all abilities could play side by side together. The playground offers wide spaces for wheelchairs and offers plenty of ramps too.

4th Avenue Park

This park is themed after America’s movement West. Located in Los Angeles county. This playground offers two universally accessible playgrounds, a skate park, and fun musical instruments to play with.

Apr 06 2018

Natural Surface Trails

By: Christina Hughey

(source)

There is no right or wrong trail, just the right trail for the project. Soft surface trails are a natural alternative to paved trails. Offering an inexpensive choice. One great thing about natural surface trails is that you can install them much faster than other types of trails. Although natural surface trails are inexpensive to build they do require more upkeep and maintenance to other trails. The upkeep is relatively easy to do and can be done by volunteers. It’s important to plan for maintenance and put that in place when planning for the trail. Fortunately cost go towards things like removing vegetation, and fixing drainage problems which can be done by volunteers.

Designing a soft surface trail:

Pick your trail surface. With soft surfaces you have a couple different options such as bark mulch paths, and natural earth trail. The best trail surface will depend on the setting and what the trail is intended for.
Choose the trail structure. Trail width is referred to the actual walking surfaces of the trail. Whereas the clearing width refers to the area kept free of brush and limbs. The clearing height means that the height should be cleared up to 8 feet. An overhead canopy of branches should remain to slow the growth of grasses and shrubs underneath of the canopy.
Mind the wildlife and plants that will be affected. Try to avoid having people pick wildflowers or wander of track. These things can hurt the environment in the long run.
Design for sustainability. A well designed trail can save you time and money.

Natural surface trails are great, providing the opportunity to get off the paved trails and feel emerged in nature. Whether used for biking, running, equestrian or just walking. These trails are sure to benefit you and your community!

Feb 20 2018

Outside Play Becoming Non Existent

By: Christina Hughey

(source)

Maybe one of the biggest concerns for children of this generation is the lack of time spent outdoors. Perhaps you have heard of the term Nature Deflect Disorder, this phrase came from the book Last Child in the Woods. Basically, describing the epidemic children especially are facing today. The problem is that kids on average are spending less than an hour outside a day when they should be spending 3 hours a day outside. With the increase of technology, some kids prefer to stay inside using electronics. They just don’t know what they are missing. Another reason kids aren’t getting outside is because parents fear their child’s safety, keeping children in smaller boundaries than ever before. Even though there has been no increase in abductions in the suburbs.

Ask any adults about childhood memories, and most will recall their favorite childhood memories being outdoors. We know the personal impact the outdoors has on us. Health may be one of the biggest reasons to get a child outside too. Research shows us that children participating in sports is at an all-time high, and even though that’s the case obesity amongst children has skyrocketed also. There are studies that show us that time spent outdoors cuts down obesity rates. Other studies showing us that overall health is improved when spending time outside. Some would even say being outside makes you smarter.

Kids need the outdoors, so let us all try to encourage them to be outside as an old but now nonexistent trend.

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