Nature based play
Baromi Park design and build
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The playground was designed to reflect the local environs of Mirboo North in its natural state. To this end, there are three broad sections, each of which reflect the character of one of the three prevalent forest types found around Mirboo North; Lowland, Damp and Wet forest.
What is a nature based playground?
A nature based playground has at it’s heart the following objectives:
– provide a space which is full of potential for open, imaginative play
– engage all the senses by using natural colours, textures, smells and sounds
– encourage cooperation and positive interactions for all users of the space
– allow for engagement with raw, natural materials
– create a challenging physical environment
– accommodate a wide range of ages, interests and abilities
– opportunities and spaces for quiet reflection in a natural environment
– educate and open children (and adults) up to the broader natural environment around us, it’s living systems and our place within it
– to encourage children and parents to be active and engaged in explorative play
– to reflect the local environment in its natural state including flora, fauna and geographical elements
Why a nature based play area?There has been much research conducted in the last two decades into some of the challenges that the current generations of children face (physical, social and emotional) and how interaction with natural outdoor settings can assist with overcoming these challenges. This research shows that nature based play increases
- cognitive and executive functioning
- problem solving and creativity
- risk identification and resilience
- physical and emotional health
- social and cooperative skills
“Spending time in nature is good for us—for our children’s development, our overall health and well-being, the vitality of our communities, and our economies.”.