I believe the purpose of playground equipment is not to represent what can already be found out there in nature, but to imagine what is not — and to bring into existence creations that have integrity and are ripe for investigation, in the most activity-enticing ways! The two parks featured in this issue represent such harmonious relationships between natural elements and built designs. The key feature is to design "visual playgrounds" that spark immediate fascination among both children and adults.

Currently, we are all in the process of realizing that we have separated ourselves from nature, physical activity, and each other. Local, quality play environments for recreation, culture and socializing are the contemporary way to find our way home: reconnecting not just people to nature, but also kids to their friends and (yes) parents, and all of us to our neighbors. Greening, locomotion and interaction are important components of a space where humans thrive.

Go play…

Helle Burlingame

Psychologist

Director Kompan Institute, NA

Helle.burlingame@kompan.com

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