Spaces
The play area is currently divided into four areas with chain link fencing bounding most areas. There is an area with two metal play structures and wood chips, a fenced in toddler area, a blacktopped basketball court, and a grassy field. At this point, the permanent aspects are the large play structure, the blacktopped area and the division between areas. We will be brainstorming how the spaces are used and how they could be improved upon.
Play Structure Area
There are currently two play structures in this area. One structure is a domed climbing bar structure that will probably be removed because it can only be used by elementary students. The other structure has steps, platforms, and slides and will stay. There is also one bench. The whole area has a wood chip base which must be separate from the rest of the playground (no soil can be in this area).
There is empty space around the periphery of the structures and near the back fence. It is possible that we can add some things to this area.
There isn't any direct access to the rest of the playground from this space. Students have to exit one gate near the parking lot and enter another gate a few feet away that leads to the other spaces.
There is empty space around the periphery of the structures and near the back fence. It is possible that we can add some things to this area.
There isn't any direct access to the rest of the playground from this space. Students have to exit one gate near the parking lot and enter another gate a few feet away that leads to the other spaces.
Infant & Toddler Area
The infant and toddler area is separated from the rest of the playground by a chain link fence. Infants and toddlers cannot be in an area with loose parts less than an inch in diameter (gravel, sand, wood chips). We need to keep this in mind when designing their space.
They currently have a plastic play structure, sand/water tables, a small picnic table and various other toys.
They currently have a plastic play structure, sand/water tables, a small picnic table and various other toys.
Grassy Field
The grassy field is quite varied. In the front corner by the trees the children have been digging and the grass is gone. There are 8 picnic tables near the blacktop, and there are two planter boxes near the entrance to the play area. There is also a slight slope near the street.
The grassy field is open to the black topped area and the entrance to the playground. The front side is bordered by a strip of grass, the sidewalk and then the road. Some bushes and tall grasses were recently planted on the sidewalk side of the tall fence. The north side borders the driveway and some parking spaces.
The grassy field is open to the black topped area and the entrance to the playground. The front side is bordered by a strip of grass, the sidewalk and then the road. Some bushes and tall grasses were recently planted on the sidewalk side of the tall fence. The north side borders the driveway and some parking spaces.
Blacktop
The blacktopped area has two high basketball hoops and black top that is in good condition. Regarding this area:
How is this area currently used?
Do elementary students use the basketball hoops?
How could this area be better used?
Do we want to add painted areas? (Maps, hopscotch, four square...)
How is this area currently used?
Do elementary students use the basketball hoops?
How could this area be better used?
Do we want to add painted areas? (Maps, hopscotch, four square...)
Entrance
The entrance to the playground area has a path leading to the black topped area the toddler area. Along the cement path there is a strip of grass that could be a good location for raised beds or something else that could fit in a small long space. This space is currently unused space because the children are not allowed to play here since it is hard to monitor.