tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35691803167706308642024-03-21T05:51:53.186-07:00The Learning LandscapeAn exploration of the landscape we live in and learn in. As seen from the eyes of a landscape architect in Portland Oregon. This blog investigates creative playgrounds, playscapes, and natural play areas to find the most innovative and interesting examples to share.landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-16152314560324963042013-05-10T21:11:00.000-07:002013-05-10T21:11:00.734-07:00Play Water Pump Races<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.woodenshoe.com/" target="_blank">Tulip Festiva</a>l in Woodburn Oregon attracts visitors from around the region. Even on rainy and cold days you can find people there (this rainy and cold day it was me). They have some neat kids activities. One I was particularly interested in was the <b>water pump duck races.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuzGgEIJg6yoE1fL9078oFJq8vxGaSg7CW4YBMYVU_xkKEbzGYMEuQVcRk5Ugqy2vCTanpAp_XP-9nJg_fScFLfLeAaTqFQ6oTRyVTKEFJ84CDlky2sR0i7C4P6fU3vSRO69O1cOOhyphenhyphenWZ/s1600/IMG_0916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuzGgEIJg6yoE1fL9078oFJq8vxGaSg7CW4YBMYVU_xkKEbzGYMEuQVcRk5Ugqy2vCTanpAp_XP-9nJg_fScFLfLeAaTqFQ6oTRyVTKEFJ84CDlky2sR0i7C4P6fU3vSRO69O1cOOhyphenhyphenWZ/s320/IMG_0916.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kids or a helpful adult pumps the hand pumps until enough water floods their chutes to push their ducks along. I like the activity because <b>it has a lot of variation</b>; each pump has little differences, each chute has a different amount or size of ducks, and everyone pumps differently. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-guflYDJSbBdlp6eKr8e_wSxFmETZREpdDJiz9XwCZylpksMN7imGiDmMXmQz9VUXuknWAbDvO6CCiaNzC4kStx2FnqFNNaAlJUl6IGGP9dyyMXL1jTp5Z2YEhWrY-FtNbgacPxGip7T/s1600/IMG_0913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-guflYDJSbBdlp6eKr8e_wSxFmETZREpdDJiz9XwCZylpksMN7imGiDmMXmQz9VUXuknWAbDvO6CCiaNzC4kStx2FnqFNNaAlJUl6IGGP9dyyMXL1jTp5Z2YEhWrY-FtNbgacPxGip7T/s320/IMG_0913.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Only the older kids understood that is was a race, but the little ones had just as much fun.<b> I can see this providing hours of fun</b> at a school or early childhood center too.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6bnz-iGsU4zLhsCSc_ZgFOtdmwWgRQ6lwA1ANkqqno7MGDSEGQ4WAsSd9pYajNaAkjz48Z2KgcECEmDW9TMJP5djSe1_hK20uHI1sVmvoox9YcEVVoq6GCoJjQwlrQlk72DJK161ueG9/s1600/IMG_0914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6bnz-iGsU4zLhsCSc_ZgFOtdmwWgRQ6lwA1ANkqqno7MGDSEGQ4WAsSd9pYajNaAkjz48Z2KgcECEmDW9TMJP5djSe1_hK20uHI1sVmvoox9YcEVVoq6GCoJjQwlrQlk72DJK161ueG9/s320/IMG_0914.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">design details:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- both ends of the chutes sat over animal troughs that held the water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- the pumps were actually pumping water from these troughs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- the chutes were made of gutter materials</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- loos parts of the rubber ducks made it all worth while</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is another venture into the world of hand pumps. I liked these, for their intended purpose. It would not work in all applications, but on this drizzly spring day it was engaging, functional and entertaining.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See my other post on hand pumps <a href="http://thelearninglandscape.blogspot.com/2011/05/finding-perfect-playground-hand-pump.html" target="_blank">Finding the Perfect Hand Pump</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-89843310823503444932013-05-08T20:40:00.001-07:002013-05-08T20:40:50.042-07:00Learning Landscapes Start a New Design Shop<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi Readers</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am excited to announce that<b> Learning Landscapes has turned from a blog into a business</b>! After many years of thinking and researching about inspiring children's spaces I have taken the leap to owning and running a business. With 6 projects underway the business is off to a great start.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will continue to blog, but <b>the interface will look a little different</b>. Updates will come from the new <a href="http://www.learninglandscapesdesign.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. <a href="http://www.learninglandscapesdesign.com/">http://www.learninglandscapesdesign.com/</a> It will also have updated sections on the company, current projects, and how we could help you realize your project. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I welcome your comments and ideas and hope you continue to enjoy the blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michelle</span>landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-38377191470590393382013-03-29T15:09:00.000-07:002013-03-29T15:09:29.399-07:00Removing Asphalt to Build a Natural PlaygroundIt seems that playgrounds consisting of a sea of asphalt with a few pieces of playground equipment off to the side have been the norm for a long time. Some of us think that it has been the norm for too long!<br />
We want to see this...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uW_Nd-zh0XtMqSqzoj1fxOA6DfBt9367CHsViJzLR8oMC9be69Nt7o9J4ZlT0llfgyVdk8UleozDqwWStJ6qaKQ3KSdqwR891QRrTqSlt7z82yGb7x0yaECafDpXiWHK9AAWK3mwUseo/s1600/seaofaspahlt+oregonlivecom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uW_Nd-zh0XtMqSqzoj1fxOA6DfBt9367CHsViJzLR8oMC9be69Nt7o9J4ZlT0llfgyVdk8UleozDqwWStJ6qaKQ3KSdqwR891QRrTqSlt7z82yGb7x0yaECafDpXiWHK9AAWK3mwUseo/s320/seaofaspahlt+oregonlivecom.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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turn to this...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-qAPIby0V8K2xjFO6b7zMtzkF9bLzEpAHEjcidcXiqYQBv9tdCd8GnwVsIK_BouV5_Acp4czSGcRUwN6tKt0uxbMWKAGwI4zPpU-Iqrn7q9v0TzlI7dh6hREFbqvVN_0JOmBXlZPKPDm/s1600/mt+hood+community+college+ecc1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-qAPIby0V8K2xjFO6b7zMtzkF9bLzEpAHEjcidcXiqYQBv9tdCd8GnwVsIK_BouV5_Acp4czSGcRUwN6tKt0uxbMWKAGwI4zPpU-Iqrn7q9v0TzlI7dh6hREFbqvVN_0JOmBXlZPKPDm/s320/mt+hood+community+college+ecc1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Hood Community College <a href="http://thelearninglandscape.blogspot.com/2011/10/mt-hood-community-college-natural.html" target="_blank">Early Childhood Center</a></td></tr>
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<b>Removing asphalt can be a tricky project</b> and I have found a few reoccurring issues that should be addressed. If you can jump through a few hoops it can be one of the most rewarding projects for your school or playground. <br />
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">1 Parking</span></b><br />
Make sure you maintain the amount of parking required by code (In <a href="http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/article/53320" target="_blank">Portland OR check here</a>). Although you may not want to use the parking spaces. There is often a minimum amount of spaces required. If you have to keep the spaces in the long run, but don't need them for the current building use consider some creative building on top of the asphalt.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thelearninglandscape.blogspot.com/2010/10/marylhurst-early-childhood-center.html" target="_blank">Marylhurst Early Childhood Center</a> in Oregon City - under 'construction'. They segmented off part of the unused parking area for play by using planters and biobags.</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">2 Soil Tests</span></b><br />
It is always a good idea to test the soil under the asphalt. Depave a Portland Organization specializing in pavement removal says,<br />
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<i>"Depave discourages community members from removing pavement that is covering contaminated soil. If contamination is currently present in the soil, the contamination is capped and is not causing any severe negative environmental or health impacts. Unless there is a cleanup plan in place, removing the pavement may do more harm than good." </i></div>
This is great advice especially when kids, gardening, or water are involved. Depave has more advice in their <a href="http://depave.org/learn/how-to-depave/" target="_blank">how to depave guide.</a><br />
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">3 Water and Traffic Flow</span></b><br />
Take a good look at your site and make sure the asphalt removal is not going to trigger any new problems. Asphalt conveys water well from one area to another, soil and play areas may erode under the same water forces. Is there anything draining to the asphalt? Where will the water go once the asphalt is removed? This is a great opportunity to incorporate stormwater features and rain gardens.<br />
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Also consider traffic. How will people get around in the new area? What effects will this have on the new uses of the space?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZfmqF-gN8TluURHfj7uv48yQMPsPVSwyI0WXpzF1RVkzs9mUZYHuvLCQ7V4gZha2F-3gClv-O1DzNNitoqCFvM-3WU01mZ0wttOhkreom1dQsmx1eUNMTgcgl9JvPoRTX8g4x8RmQG0K/s1600/IMG_5960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZfmqF-gN8TluURHfj7uv48yQMPsPVSwyI0WXpzF1RVkzs9mUZYHuvLCQ7V4gZha2F-3gClv-O1DzNNitoqCFvM-3WU01mZ0wttOhkreom1dQsmx1eUNMTgcgl9JvPoRTX8g4x8RmQG0K/s320/IMG_5960.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rainwater Feature at <a href="http://thelearninglandscape.blogspot.com/2011/10/mt-hood-community-college-natural.html" target="_blank">Mount Hood Community College Early Childhood Center</a>.<br /> It takes water from the roof top to a playground stormwater swale.</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">4 Create a New Vision Plan</span></b><br />
Develop a site plan that outlines what you will do after the asphalt is removed. Remember that under the asphalt is often 4" to 6" of rock on top of very compacted soils. Plan to help bring your soils back to life through aeration and added nutrients.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzFra6R062xH2wRwGqdB-8Xs-tNH2DjJcy93Wvx1bESs_8USoMCe9vSfktXgZOvuQBUlcNsKHh7kvvlnbGK6Tl5ob_flapWRY6Xh9EQ-nopwq6zTZBtUYoEUrb0GI4og2UonN88sl1f8F/s1600/Ant-Bear_Play.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzFra6R062xH2wRwGqdB-8Xs-tNH2DjJcy93Wvx1bESs_8USoMCe9vSfktXgZOvuQBUlcNsKHh7kvvlnbGK6Tl5ob_flapWRY6Xh9EQ-nopwq6zTZBtUYoEUrb0GI4og2UonN88sl1f8F/s320/Ant-Bear_Play.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Create a Concept Plan for the new area that includes all of the proposed elements to scale</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">5 Removal and Disposal</span></b><br />
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Always call before you dig! Running into an underground line can be a very big danger. Asphalt is also softer and lighter than concrete and is not suitable for reuse. It is readily recycled by pavement processing companies. It is not something you want to bury on your site. the <a href="http://www.asphaltpavement.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25&Itemid=61" target="_blank">National Asphalt Pavement Association</a> has further information and resources.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">6 Implement Your New Design</span></b><br />
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Now the fun can start! I would love to see your success stories of children's spaces built after asphalt removal.<br />
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<br />landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-12045136151434319142013-03-22T14:13:00.001-07:002013-03-29T15:12:10.715-07:00Universally Accessible Nature Themed Play Area<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a cool March morning, but the sand and water area at Harper's Playground was packed! Kids were sliding down all sides of the 'grassy' hill. From a distance the play area looked peaceful and really fun. My daughter ran for it across the lawn.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Harper's Playground - Portland Oregon</b></span><br />
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" <a href="http://harpersplayground.org/" target="_blank">Harper’s Playground</a> will build community by providing an inclusive playground at Arbor Lodge Park where children and adults of all abilities can play together."</div>
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- The Harper's Playground Mission</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The playground is beautiful and well laid out. Every feature is accessible or has an accessible type. An artificial turf grass surfacing was used in some of the use zones. I thought it would look pretty fake. But, with all the action of the kids and other design features it melted to the background really well. There are lots of different types of play (including just exploring and running around, which seems to be ever popular). The central mound with the slide is a really great feature. It adds topography and interest to the overall design.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a beautiful asset for this City of Portland Park. Project Partners included Place Studios, Walsh Construction and lots of other donors.</span><br />
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<br />landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-465402229115934992013-03-13T12:46:00.000-07:002013-03-29T15:12:32.329-07:00National Wildlife WeekThe National Wildlife Federation is celebrating <a href="http://www.nwf.org/National-Wildlife-Week/Educators.aspx#cards" target="_blank">National Wildlife Week</a> with some great information about animals and how they depend on trees. There is a 6' tall poster, trading cards on animals and trees as well as free trees for students to plant. These are great resources to jump start a conversation with the young people in your life. Enjoy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-8105170841294072822013-02-18T22:00:00.000-08:002013-02-18T22:00:09.576-08:00The Five Way Tire Swing<span style="font-size: large;">A Month of German Inspiration</span><br />
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This is one of the mist engaging pieces I saw in Germany. (Completely against the ASTM safety rules in the US.) This 5 sided wood pole swing structure lets kids swing toward one another and makes for a very dynamic and social swinging experience.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com0Berlin, Germany52.519171 13.40609119999999252.209891 12.760644199999991 52.828451 14.051538199999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-90711295166669297792013-02-17T20:30:00.000-08:002013-02-17T20:30:03.598-08:00<span style="font-size: large;">A Month of German Inspiration</span><br />
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Introducing the bug hotel, built by high school students to house bugs near their garden. It is also beautiful and artistic.landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-81379429997351917852013-02-16T23:00:00.000-08:002013-02-16T23:00:03.945-08:00Play in Unlikely Places<span style="font-size: large;">A Month of German Inspiration</span><br />
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A reminder not to take myself to seriously! These hand rails on the stairs provided a bunch of play value too. Kids seem to find something to entertain themselves no matter what.landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-10378101878474688482013-02-15T20:30:00.000-08:002013-02-15T20:30:02.312-08:00Water Channels<span style="font-size: large;">A Month of German Inspiration</span><br />
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This hand pump and water channel were by far the most popular event in this very busy schoolyard. You can see the boulder water channel that continues into the playground. I am not sure what the vision was, but when we were there the water never got further then 20 feet from the pump. This left the serpentine boulder 'creek bed' dry. In the end I think it was more of an obstruction to running and chasing in the rest of the play area.landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-67408445775020974222013-02-14T22:30:00.000-08:002013-02-14T22:30:03.552-08:00Little Forts: In, On and Around<span style="font-size: large;">A Month of German Inspiration</span><br />
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There are so many types of little forts, houses and play buildings. Kids use every inch (and side) of these spaces. At this school the roofs were getting just as much use at the inside. Remember this when you decide what is surrounding your fort or house. Make the spaces safe for climbing, jumping and falling.<br />
<br />landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-23550238784084476062013-02-13T22:00:00.000-08:002013-02-13T22:00:02.667-08:00Wild Play in the City<span style="font-size: large;">A Month of German Inspiration</span><br />
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In the heart of the Berlin, this long linear park gave kids a sense of wilderness even though it is packed between two 4 story apartment buildings. At first it seems kind of boring, lots of messy vegetation and undeveloped paths. But, this is the empty lot nature experience that urban kids need they can roam, build and manipulate to their hearts content.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-17647445340558545752013-02-12T22:00:00.000-08:002013-02-12T22:00:04.263-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This neat little log wall separated the play area from adjacent uses. Large wood burned designs gave it a nice organic feeling.landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-60201374880997874462013-02-11T22:00:00.000-08:002013-02-11T22:00:02.543-08:00A Log Without The Collapse Danger<span style="font-size: large;">A Month of German Inspiration</span><br />
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<br />I really liked this piece because it was simple and afforded the experience of climbing on and in a log type structure. The steps and slide really enhance the active play options.landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-7148404580980851332013-02-06T04:00:00.000-08:002013-02-11T10:34:03.708-08:00Fall Surfacing?!?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A Month of German Inspiration</span></div>
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I am not sure that German kids are tougher then American kids, or less prone to falling. But, their play environments are not as focused on fall surfacing and use zones. It allows a freedom that we don't see. On this hill a variety of climbing net activities were arranged above a cobble stone pavement. Not only was it stone, but it had a protruding stone every 24" or so. In the Us you would probably see poured in place rubber surfacing. I think the approach above fits the City landscape and has a stronger natural feeling while offering a more interesting risk for kids.landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-42883017250989044922013-02-05T05:00:00.001-08:002013-02-11T10:32:50.935-08:00Climbing Play Spider<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A Month of German Inspiration</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>This wooden spider and his accompanying net offered a fun climbing event for little ones. Custom wood creatures were found all over Berlin.<br />
landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-49735924111760127822013-02-04T05:00:00.000-08:002013-02-11T10:32:50.936-08:00Build Your Own Fort!<span style="font-size: large;">A Month of German Inspiration</span><br />
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This adventure play area was fantastic! If I lived near this as a kid this is where you would have found me every day. Each kid can rent a numbered platform for 2 weeks and build their own fort. Two of my favorite management aspects were-<br />
1. They were organized - see the tool rental cabinet above<br />
2. They were creative - kids could pick up old nails and trade them in for new ones to build with!<br />
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<br />landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-29117188679133843892013-02-03T06:00:00.000-08:002013-02-11T10:32:50.932-08:00Creative use of ping-pong tables<span style="font-size: large;">A Month of German Inspiration</span><br />
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This concrete ping pong table was everywhere! In so many schools I saw groups of kids using it creatively. Here a dozen kids walk in a circle around the table while the ball goes back and forth, turning a 2 person game into an active group event.landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-11702991564342568102013-02-02T12:47:00.000-08:002013-02-11T10:32:50.927-08:00A Hidden Art Studio on the Playground<span style="font-size: large;">A Month of German Inspiration</span><br />
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This rock with small bowl shaped divots, sat under a willow dome. It served as a quieter place on a busy schoolyard for a small group of girls to gather. The activity today was' tattoos' with a wet colored pencil. It actually worked really well!<br />
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<br />landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-31404259674515582722013-02-01T12:43:00.001-08:002013-02-11T10:32:50.933-08:00A Month of German Inspiration!I visited Germany, Berlin specifically, a few years ago and did a 4 day bike tour of nature playscapes. The spaces were amazing. Their outlook and approach to play are very different then the US. I returned feeling energized and hopeful. This month I want to share some of those images with you. I will focus on visuals with a little explanation rather then my regular depth into a topic.<br />
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This climbing wall was designed by the school children. they helped carve it out of native stone. There were about 8 large stones all lined up. It seemed to be one of the most popular spots on the playground! May of the schools we saw had carving rocks for the kids to use on the playground.<br />
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PS: If you get irritated with the frequent emails, stick with me. I will be back to my usual blog approach next month. :)landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-84720408532573108612013-01-17T17:10:00.000-08:002013-01-17T17:10:47.085-08:00Stormwater at Schools<br />
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It is the middle of winter and stormwater is on our minds here in Portland. It is a topic most kids are drawn to. What little kid can resist a puddle? We have a fabulous opportunity to teach with stormwater at our schools. It is visible, occurs all winter long and can be quite beautiful.<br />
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<b>Collecting Stormwater at Schools</b><br />
Schools often have large surrounding sites. In Portland they are one of the largest urban land holders. That means lots of rain and lots of roof to capture rain. Plenty of our schools have lots of asphalt too. The wonderful thing about working at the school is students can help throughout the entire process. See some of my favorites below.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Bridge Water Garden Before</td></tr>
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At Bridge School not only was asphalt pavement removed, but stormwater from the roof was diverted into the water garden.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsyEcXbyc2mBJTaVxhzW6FwxpbzN5qEPh5LDyyze2Up0KC1lq-_ObmvrbPZozmqRe7AuycGLMsBMUuh4EWpo8M_hP_Stm28h0epK4FACkdtx3w7L_YfpWYApz0gAGUdhz3wxtoaAxZx58/s1600/watergarden-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsyEcXbyc2mBJTaVxhzW6FwxpbzN5qEPh5LDyyze2Up0KC1lq-_ObmvrbPZozmqRe7AuycGLMsBMUuh4EWpo8M_hP_Stm28h0epK4FACkdtx3w7L_YfpWYApz0gAGUdhz3wxtoaAxZx58/s320/watergarden-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Bridge Water Garden After<br />http://www.pps.k12.or.us/schools/bridger/208.htm<br /></td></tr>
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<b>Safety Hurdles</b><br />
Safety is always a top concern at schools. Some of the ways you can avoid the unwanted combination of kids and water (or kids and mud) are<br />
- locate the stormwater facility away from the high traffic areas liek the playground or main door. Place it somewhere there is a watchful eye; outside the office or classroom.<br />
- Design it to have a maximum level of water that is still very shallow<br />
- Avoid steep slopes<br />
- Don't try to hold the water in a container and release it later, especially if kids will come in contact with it. You start to get into sanity issues.<br />
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<b>Examples</b><br />
Portland Public Schools has a great <a href="http://www.pps.k12.or.us/departments/facilities/3233.htm" target="_blank">stormwater website</a> with photos of their school stormwater facilities. Below are some of my favorite projects. The best projects,<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">GET THE KIDS INVOLVED!</span></h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fernwood MS Students Installing Their Swale</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fernwood MS Downspout Disconnect and Swale</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;">*********************<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJb76QTrse_I7FjXIzEUJGpEweK12WJPKVam-Zg_kYTc0hxjgCnTmfYd3-82OG4gLHN8btkryDHddUVl2ztOOxdLV7V_4H1gY7EeOp8F3h345SHIxh7e1aYxMwUTQu7pojsaEk36Ad_sD/s1600/11.05.07+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJb76QTrse_I7FjXIzEUJGpEweK12WJPKVam-Zg_kYTc0hxjgCnTmfYd3-82OG4gLHN8btkryDHddUVl2ztOOxdLV7V_4H1gY7EeOp8F3h345SHIxh7e1aYxMwUTQu7pojsaEk36Ad_sD/s400/11.05.07+007.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harvey Scott Students Forming Their Swale</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOmuxshqAIgpcPPzLAY7arwfdmhw8AIXSdwRSHt35AEGY7lucjK3iImOVCQ8ZUyngAzmSHthbiB7exPcP98Ohar-mb2P4_oyQmmwafRuJC-w64l_1rGdeKMh6XJ4ItocjvMFceHMvkcUo/s1600/pics10.26.10+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOmuxshqAIgpcPPzLAY7arwfdmhw8AIXSdwRSHt35AEGY7lucjK3iImOVCQ8ZUyngAzmSHthbiB7exPcP98Ohar-mb2P4_oyQmmwafRuJC-w64l_1rGdeKMh6XJ4ItocjvMFceHMvkcUo/s400/pics10.26.10+012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harvey Scott School Swale and Outdoor Classroom<br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">*********************</span><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZrlEI1lONU4Ox9mIQw4YVCUrMCp0owIujom-tCDUCVz6UHtr1IFKpac3sPU0TVyU-beinWoq3T9FNUATy7M3Eeqp6R200U3AqElHi5pZUFpDNvbUMWUl8NY2kq0R-urwlLFZauNJKSFI/s1600/CIMG0382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZrlEI1lONU4Ox9mIQw4YVCUrMCp0owIujom-tCDUCVz6UHtr1IFKpac3sPU0TVyU-beinWoq3T9FNUATy7M3Eeqp6R200U3AqElHi5pZUFpDNvbUMWUl8NY2kq0R-urwlLFZauNJKSFI/s400/CIMG0382.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maintenance at DaVinci Middle School</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKNhunoE127oIrPl_DWXzQOxxi7jHwDmPSdYVQuJqetcfIw2TP2c61S3CpSUBrhUb2qY5_SlKoGqUrr1FL6cMWpbwbx4eDVTYfq6DW117QXF7jIr3llKfbvyCcZuTMgOsoCMwuGyCPPR_/s1600/CIMG0384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKNhunoE127oIrPl_DWXzQOxxi7jHwDmPSdYVQuJqetcfIw2TP2c61S3CpSUBrhUb2qY5_SlKoGqUrr1FL6cMWpbwbx4eDVTYfq6DW117QXF7jIr3llKfbvyCcZuTMgOsoCMwuGyCPPR_/s400/CIMG0384.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Da Vinvi Middle School Rain Garden<br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">*********************</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8P0zBFcI0KnTs6jgL6ksXh33jQ3xVtOOWTcqD4PXSqDBWBC86nYbmTfmK8S6vTsM3I08eqCNXQYQWAL5GPnw3HvHLGI-fxitXGW9uC8gpf0CDaLMs2fX5AIQIpGDaf4Bwv-Vv5wkzV-T-/s1600/mlc+plant+research.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8P0zBFcI0KnTs6jgL6ksXh33jQ3xVtOOWTcqD4PXSqDBWBC86nYbmTfmK8S6vTsM3I08eqCNXQYQWAL5GPnw3HvHLGI-fxitXGW9uC8gpf0CDaLMs2fX5AIQIpGDaf4Bwv-Vv5wkzV-T-/s400/mlc+plant+research.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metropolitan Learning Center <br />Students picking water loving plants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVXz7TVmyeg2E9uJ3W39a2kUBVRmEM5uzMNyR_dH3GWPFpGLjdpXQWmEknHx-zz3lpRZlbeyDigv2ZH86sxVHtLM3BFyDpZH_9LbP2JvSdER_MrAVSIwKpdCvEWhyb86j0sSWNR4SsU9I/s1600/kids+plant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVXz7TVmyeg2E9uJ3W39a2kUBVRmEM5uzMNyR_dH3GWPFpGLjdpXQWmEknHx-zz3lpRZlbeyDigv2ZH86sxVHtLM3BFyDpZH_9LbP2JvSdER_MrAVSIwKpdCvEWhyb86j0sSWNR4SsU9I/s400/kids+plant.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metropolitan Leaning Center Swale- <br />Kindergarden kids compacting the soil on the edges.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_rU3QuaOcz-zUpaGQ9FFl-yNcUccDk-ZdFi2Ugf1YcuaCnCwfmUwSakdrYe4E7fRmU0C1FiDCRDQbuCZNT7NqwrwwNqkbBE1zzlbiefuy3Dh30i47pUPnNKAwhekQHlaMEfr1ffbHiwl/s1600/IMG_3634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_rU3QuaOcz-zUpaGQ9FFl-yNcUccDk-ZdFi2Ugf1YcuaCnCwfmUwSakdrYe4E7fRmU0C1FiDCRDQbuCZNT7NqwrwwNqkbBE1zzlbiefuy3Dh30i47pUPnNKAwhekQHlaMEfr1ffbHiwl/s400/IMG_3634.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metropolitan Learning Center Swale Completed<br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">*********************</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYou9C-XIxvKZbMUaD8rthY-QBjyI_LuNfS-J70hvfwmwWg6hMuXdLtyL8FQI6pVfW3ChmGpdqGQrK8Z4V7ONGf7AsI1daAotQx_7qxowHE8DzdwDheWeaaiBPXuR2a0QFzE5wkEGcGwG/s1600/DSC_0372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYou9C-XIxvKZbMUaD8rthY-QBjyI_LuNfS-J70hvfwmwWg6hMuXdLtyL8FQI6pVfW3ChmGpdqGQrK8Z4V7ONGf7AsI1daAotQx_7qxowHE8DzdwDheWeaaiBPXuR2a0QFzE5wkEGcGwG/s400/DSC_0372.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DeLaSalle Parking Lot Swale<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-79316377974234887202012-12-20T22:30:00.000-08:002012-12-20T22:30:04.075-08:00It Wood, Its Outside, Lets Build!Some kids are born to build! I can remember building lots of forts indoors and out. My favorite hiding place with a grove of fir trees (old family Christmas Trees) with a concrete block inside that was my table, couch, potions lab all in one. There are a lot more tools out there today for building and creating outdoors.<br />
<h3>
BLOCK TYPE CONSTRUCTION</h3>
<a href="http://blog.bellalunatoys.com/cat/waldorf-toys" target="_blank">Imagiplanks</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1y7DoMN3-n-AqWvzLu2D4Z8Cl4s9HxD0uVkEU5ydK7HfmuSBhMlniwe0HwSNfgkpLmMQ9MQhSz6n2X1KmHQN2oGJbzOp0SGuBlwuWuINcUCBh_qcR2_66su4mOsgFl-SKVL0cPhbwjYuV/s1600/imagiplanks-waldorf-wooden-play-5001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1y7DoMN3-n-AqWvzLu2D4Z8Cl4s9HxD0uVkEU5ydK7HfmuSBhMlniwe0HwSNfgkpLmMQ9MQhSz6n2X1KmHQN2oGJbzOp0SGuBlwuWuINcUCBh_qcR2_66su4mOsgFl-SKVL0cPhbwjYuV/s320/imagiplanks-waldorf-wooden-play-5001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.woodshop4kids.com/Hands_On_Books/builder.html" target="_blank">Builder Boards</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVYsX-PaQoIqooGYlIOl4pom2V9sUpJgB_YafiHiVdJ142tf1VoFuUWH-PiE8EbVC_CM30HekxlegtP4LhAgtL_EKAaSq0Lgc5vLbOVRwLyB6YRogy3hnuL4_I3_-aQFht24PDbqiFqe3/s1600/BB+Set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVYsX-PaQoIqooGYlIOl4pom2V9sUpJgB_YafiHiVdJ142tf1VoFuUWH-PiE8EbVC_CM30HekxlegtP4LhAgtL_EKAaSq0Lgc5vLbOVRwLyB6YRogy3hnuL4_I3_-aQFht24PDbqiFqe3/s1600/BB+Set.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-fy1Jp_2zLt-Zg5LHzLXqrPAWR3Z7s8f1J654FJ9nOPk-T80E2iTgWOvunFq3mDvKQTcuknr6k6wZttC-TsXqZkZ4W2PXWVC9OovdSxGpJSpaNNzfvMc4_7lnZUo13RGjBE5pJfhGxkM/s1600/Felix+giant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-fy1Jp_2zLt-Zg5LHzLXqrPAWR3Z7s8f1J654FJ9nOPk-T80E2iTgWOvunFq3mDvKQTcuknr6k6wZttC-TsXqZkZ4W2PXWVC9OovdSxGpJSpaNNzfvMc4_7lnZUo13RGjBE5pJfhGxkM/s1600/Felix+giant.jpg" /></a></div>
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<h3>
LOOSE PARTS FOR CREATIVE BUILDING</h3>
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<a href="http://www.kodokids.com/curvy-1.html" target="_blank">Curvy Board</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb79G2S9ca0k6lSA5EvBhqqRGfRsxwAohm23VDG3UpDjTU3vS-zTgNuHYH_9JLxsPcBjdBHhBPQngxv3uasIdrAMcHPazcTIC76ttibfbOrTr-gYaYIQ3ElEP494WnlFrjEA3waO8wiNxO/s1600/curvy+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb79G2S9ca0k6lSA5EvBhqqRGfRsxwAohm23VDG3UpDjTU3vS-zTgNuHYH_9JLxsPcBjdBHhBPQngxv3uasIdrAMcHPazcTIC76ttibfbOrTr-gYaYIQ3ElEP494WnlFrjEA3waO8wiNxO/s320/curvy+board.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrnj0ugMtZ6viuNofSwkZ42D9q9CHt7a1Ta-m5scHr6H56yYWR8VsDMwFKJBlGbF0Sn5c_EsvS9NFLYS4VuTWOiFlPd0gJbTvlGguusWCMJJ_IW8gnPEALExSsQZNEc0f90u6b_4UYoAx/s1600/rocker-board-slides.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrnj0ugMtZ6viuNofSwkZ42D9q9CHt7a1Ta-m5scHr6H56yYWR8VsDMwFKJBlGbF0Sn5c_EsvS9NFLYS4VuTWOiFlPd0gJbTvlGguusWCMJJ_IW8gnPEALExSsQZNEc0f90u6b_4UYoAx/s320/rocker-board-slides.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thehighline.org/workyard-kit" target="_blank">NYC High Line building kits</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijU08epfcJNum58SGqo7Jbq23J2jk0v-xmyeD2Sc6Mso78FrYJQDG8Xypby9meO2odrBCDxJLX-EM_IMpXiTnkRgAGLtizw-bJ1SjZ2APDdHYQmicjnnIAkumK9kJq-vW1WIuH9Fe8JHIf/s1600/highline+nyc+cas+holman+workyard+loose+parts+playground1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijU08epfcJNum58SGqo7Jbq23J2jk0v-xmyeD2Sc6Mso78FrYJQDG8Xypby9meO2odrBCDxJLX-EM_IMpXiTnkRgAGLtizw-bJ1SjZ2APDdHYQmicjnnIAkumK9kJq-vW1WIuH9Fe8JHIf/s320/highline+nyc+cas+holman+workyard+loose+parts+playground1.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsiZZvk8qbIaKdK5ri5fQ7wp-H2ZueegXTdrWVLambeRBAYGQCqFwbHAdtL9zcVv8tn5yD2CWNbST_zTmmWkPjBKyRj7kWK3muixXtYE710408_91dV_XP2V4ZZJ5bUUGe1juVUWsvoer/s1600/highline+nyc+cas+holman+workyard+loose+parts+playground3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsiZZvk8qbIaKdK5ri5fQ7wp-H2ZueegXTdrWVLambeRBAYGQCqFwbHAdtL9zcVv8tn5yD2CWNbST_zTmmWkPjBKyRj7kWK3muixXtYE710408_91dV_XP2V4ZZJ5bUUGe1juVUWsvoer/s320/highline+nyc+cas+holman+workyard+loose+parts+playground3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3>
MORE NATURAL WOOD PIECES AND FORMS</h3>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdD1TKB0YwcXAvVZCdId0D5w1iI1vIH4m-WIyIw6bqPqvHTb4taQC9slGue-RINN1ML-3fULMa7B9aVOiCixFsJJfoecXGO4o4G8sjBf5OcC_KF7Be105dxZrNyb76ULb12jsH7taz17Kl/s1600/AuburnNaturePlayground1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdD1TKB0YwcXAvVZCdId0D5w1iI1vIH4m-WIyIw6bqPqvHTb4taQC9slGue-RINN1ML-3fULMa7B9aVOiCixFsJJfoecXGO4o4G8sjBf5OcC_KF7Be105dxZrNyb76ULb12jsH7taz17Kl/s320/AuburnNaturePlayground1.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Auburn University Nature Play Area</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEngWI6Oa0nIt9IN8whJq_Q6VVEkBTN9llGOx6T1wUG_YPPWHt_3hN7_wRQxK5FM3QuUtiKlSWPVpL9WVlw9Uj3AgCaTQF2E76ADN_3FFvuISYNJZRh949-uOyUG3UGMSpByXp7ICaWxKh/s1600/ModHomeEcTreeFortSticks+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEngWI6Oa0nIt9IN8whJq_Q6VVEkBTN9llGOx6T1wUG_YPPWHt_3hN7_wRQxK5FM3QuUtiKlSWPVpL9WVlw9Uj3AgCaTQF2E76ADN_3FFvuISYNJZRh949-uOyUG3UGMSpByXp7ICaWxKh/s320/ModHomeEcTreeFortSticks+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from http://www.modhomeec.com</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_2ZJ9Y7APgM2GHzkxc23M8MNpWEsnMFuf-HvtzoYdUZAXgWsTyxN7sRUpmbGGSekZNjsCBNwYwRM4l4stj_pGwNvRd7YL8ZPIojkZ9-SBAsTvwxC_ZazCaVaRsrs7rzUOu6IJ-lL2CuW/s1600/DBGC+4+s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_2ZJ9Y7APgM2GHzkxc23M8MNpWEsnMFuf-HvtzoYdUZAXgWsTyxN7sRUpmbGGSekZNjsCBNwYwRM4l4stj_pGwNvRd7YL8ZPIojkZ9-SBAsTvwxC_ZazCaVaRsrs7rzUOu6IJ-lL2CuW/s320/DBGC+4+s.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building frames and loose stick building </td></tr>
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Happy Holidays and Happy Building!<br />
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<br />landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-54969643127345486972012-12-13T22:30:00.000-08:002012-12-13T22:30:03.012-08:00Music in the PlayscapeThere are many options out there for music in outdoor play spaces. From large drums to chimes and many percussion instruments. These early encounters with sounds and music can instill a love of music and get kids over the fear of not being able to 'play' the instrument well. Below are a few ideas to remember when installing music pieces and a few of my favorite instruments.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQTVrzlin-NqEJGinRK6abWjgo_zGxWS3eM43ZrVY8Ohm-S-ZftuoX8l739k2fNV1KsGEABE9UI8e673UisIfTLNsE2ar9oCBuU5KcN2Oh8FZIFbEJK4Quq992Nyr3I40USQYGDBZmloj/s1600/IMG_5981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQTVrzlin-NqEJGinRK6abWjgo_zGxWS3eM43ZrVY8Ohm-S-ZftuoX8l739k2fNV1KsGEABE9UI8e673UisIfTLNsE2ar9oCBuU5KcN2Oh8FZIFbEJK4Quq992Nyr3I40USQYGDBZmloj/s320/IMG_5981.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3>
WHEN INSTALLING MUSICAL PLAY CONSIDER...</h3>
- How tall are the kids? Make sure the piece is not above their comfortable playing level, or offer a stool or seat.<br />
- How many kids may want to play at once? There are some great large pieces, but it many be a good idea to add a few more instruments if you have more kids. Most kids like to specifically hear the noises they are creating and have trouble picking them out of a cacophony of many kids playing.<br />
- Do they need sticks or mallets to play? If they do, spend the money to get tough ones, lots of them and attach them well.<br />
- How does the instrument sound? While an old trash can lid will be fun to bang and make loud noises there is also a place for instruments that make very beautiful sounds. I find children play these much more often and won't tire of them in the long run.<br />
- Consider water from above and below. I live in Oregon! We always consider water. :) But if a puddle develops in front of the piece it is much less playable. Nicer instruments may want to consider a roof structure for long term protection.<br />
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<h3>
A FEW EXAMPLES</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfruYL5PCv7rx9OuCfizXQshPXFB2y_CxAXQsnYgAtzHIrFmrmZAIXMkp7FHV-Alsek1ae7bV_YeTKMeFaettMrOcO6JbKp4wRRV6Q9OVwitGtAOdqRI3IP-7e9hcJS0arND7lTokzxPJ/s1600/mt+hood+community+college+ecc2+ok+to+use.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfruYL5PCv7rx9OuCfizXQshPXFB2y_CxAXQsnYgAtzHIrFmrmZAIXMkp7FHV-Alsek1ae7bV_YeTKMeFaettMrOcO6JbKp4wRRV6Q9OVwitGtAOdqRI3IP-7e9hcJS0arND7lTokzxPJ/s320/mt+hood+community+college+ecc2+ok+to+use.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Marimba at mount hood Community College Early Childhood Center</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBcyTFIBsEbCWOp3bSri_MIIIBLTlvOGmVWdyXNGHLDLPqNFU2sqP9ecV1xe3QZIkRfPTA-ycF59Dj9bImA9akwEapwnfwyw2C3clwHhgZ_wtYSgPJasXqD_ubTRVrhn8ai7NqI0ggAXL/s1600/Tongue+Drum+Steel3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBcyTFIBsEbCWOp3bSri_MIIIBLTlvOGmVWdyXNGHLDLPqNFU2sqP9ecV1xe3QZIkRfPTA-ycF59Dj9bImA9akwEapwnfwyw2C3clwHhgZ_wtYSgPJasXqD_ubTRVrhn8ai7NqI0ggAXL/s1600/Tongue+Drum+Steel3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-left;">Natural Playground Company has a number of nice musical pieces. I love how the Tongue Drum sounds and looks. </span><a href="http://www.naturalplaygrounds.com/npc_cart/index.php?productID=705" style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-left;">http://www.naturalplaygrounds.com</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMIrLECEOj685K3ALXKQiwW5mxQ8h2t4wnaJfFZO8ewD4m5RWthJKY0onshPgE1i6ZpFGs3kCaAyPgz1oSQQAMUJU_nvKLmMyOtUj1dOt8ydcJrnMKckSeeoR-AtIAnZMjscfVw6IbiUk/s1600/chrwrench.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMIrLECEOj685K3ALXKQiwW5mxQ8h2t4wnaJfFZO8ewD4m5RWthJKY0onshPgE1i6ZpFGs3kCaAyPgz1oSQQAMUJU_nvKLmMyOtUj1dOt8ydcJrnMKckSeeoR-AtIAnZMjscfVw6IbiUk/s400/chrwrench.JPEG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Check out this whimsical and beautiful sounding wrenchophone. You can virtually play the wrenchophone <a href="http://www.tidewater.net/~xylojim/playwrench.html" target="_blank">here!</a> </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMtLZxz86qMQjJ7ehTTmlPY5cOHFI1Y4RLu76cB9hMwY2cHe758TUuYIqKzOyJTPdOKPVvtWvtZe6b2RyKO4zISOzsqKQsZ6qzsN-oY9eJUSMcc8PF2hVKv2lmj_Q51R2jea5N2ky0hmC/s1600/sea_turtle__stained.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMtLZxz86qMQjJ7ehTTmlPY5cOHFI1Y4RLu76cB9hMwY2cHe758TUuYIqKzOyJTPdOKPVvtWvtZe6b2RyKO4zISOzsqKQsZ6qzsN-oY9eJUSMcc8PF2hVKv2lmj_Q51R2jea5N2ky0hmC/s320/sea_turtle__stained.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tongue Drum Sea Turtle from http://www.soundplay.com/drums.html</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9biiuAj0G8vQ8OjfswPiOQvOpasvZybEDUi_YNCyRavKAuGld0TjpDLwZcfbBJ6HM3HaPHp0GAzpmpr6pz49KK4rFvQs1hvGuooGx17Dma83uwJfMniDoeHaB1E4L4DnKItxpjsnsP_s/s1600/Palm_Drum_with_music_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9biiuAj0G8vQ8OjfswPiOQvOpasvZybEDUi_YNCyRavKAuGld0TjpDLwZcfbBJ6HM3HaPHp0GAzpmpr6pz49KK4rFvQs1hvGuooGx17Dma83uwJfMniDoeHaB1E4L4DnKItxpjsnsP_s/s320/Palm_Drum_with_music_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Palm Pipe Drum http://www.soundplay.com/drums.html</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiBQ8Fl_Qx2F-pmvQxFbuyOEuGkZnCpLHI5qnpqad2KZB2ETl7yeeFuOhMDTntBBXS8_0Mu51zIM_wKPuB-NRYAgR8AuWj5VcIMA9e-l2hbhrowyY7uUwAqVot8kQGMg43GDb6G0zGj1x/s1600/chimasauryelllores_tidewater.net.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiBQ8Fl_Qx2F-pmvQxFbuyOEuGkZnCpLHI5qnpqad2KZB2ETl7yeeFuOhMDTntBBXS8_0Mu51zIM_wKPuB-NRYAgR8AuWj5VcIMA9e-l2hbhrowyY7uUwAqVot8kQGMg43GDb6G0zGj1x/s400/chimasauryelllores_tidewater.net.JPG" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love this <a href="http://www.blogger.com/by%20http://www.tidewater.net/~xylojim/childrensmuseum.html" target="_blank">CHIMASAUR!</a> Colorful and fun. I would definitely run over and try this one out if I saw it.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2X3tFRCehmfXuNIkHltcmPVceVobO00o968H8TvgpY0wBPYOWsai2Z8oqkQUfmOB4ZOFJbwjLS7RYAUDx5XcoeqtQwB9_pUvhh7c3yB-pDA8t9L7FEgRa5nf3fq0kJt3h14r9i9rqtwcc/s1600/DPtalktubes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2X3tFRCehmfXuNIkHltcmPVceVobO00o968H8TvgpY0wBPYOWsai2Z8oqkQUfmOB4ZOFJbwjLS7RYAUDx5XcoeqtQwB9_pUvhh7c3yB-pDA8t9L7FEgRa5nf3fq0kJt3h14r9i9rqtwcc/s1600/DPtalktubes.jpg" /></a></div>
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Talk tubes, like these are the <a href="http://kingcountyparks.wordpress.com/2010/06/25/discovery-playground-at-auburns-les-gove-park/" target="_blank">Auburn Discovery Playground</a>, provide a chance to play with sounds without having to have an instrument. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJjkv3UuqRMiyY-I7ELX1o-ARsBAtswfX6KtQt4M6iBRGIgQEiwttIOUyFWzO8fLZDBDqKIgOa3ZaWE778XODelHgmdtfjdEWMVYjEqKszyuxUMLnA8EVLO2yWjULjMfkX22OfkbJZEyB/s1600/IMG_6255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJjkv3UuqRMiyY-I7ELX1o-ARsBAtswfX6KtQt4M6iBRGIgQEiwttIOUyFWzO8fLZDBDqKIgOa3ZaWE778XODelHgmdtfjdEWMVYjEqKszyuxUMLnA8EVLO2yWjULjMfkX22OfkbJZEyB/s320/IMG_6255.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Marimba at <a href="http://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id/149" target="_blank">Blue Lake Park</a> offers a beautiful tone and features a rain shelter to protect it long term.</div>
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Have fun creating and playing your instruments!</div>
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landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-73659064102873394122012-11-14T14:20:00.001-08:002012-12-12T10:23:03.509-08:00Nature Play At HomeI share a lot of ideas and projects on the blog that are related to public projects and sites that are open for all types of users. In no way was this meant to say that nature play needs to be done on a large scale. Quite on the contrary, many parts of nature play have to do with materials, textures and small details.<br />
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<h3>
<b>There are some really easy places to start offering nature connection at home</b></h3>
<h4>
<b>Offer Natural Materials</b>: </h4>
Let kids collect these materials while on a hike then explore them more at home. Relate them to the seasons and seasonal patterns. There is so much to be learned from breaking open a fall nut or smelling a spring flower.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwZa4N9Op_eUFafC1ReGwMS9LZTPV7vbsjPzg05X9OW-Z9wVtPuof9hk7Xrgyqn8fArCT3q_FIO2YS8Wb6xoZ_bq2UvmTLmQFoTjSZWKadE6sgrRVA5Z3XCdmFsL170NoYgEJ_DsSGpBg/s1600/wood+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwZa4N9Op_eUFafC1ReGwMS9LZTPV7vbsjPzg05X9OW-Z9wVtPuof9hk7Xrgyqn8fArCT3q_FIO2YS8Wb6xoZ_bq2UvmTLmQFoTjSZWKadE6sgrRVA5Z3XCdmFsL170NoYgEJ_DsSGpBg/s320/wood+cookies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8XraRl-2tOXGtEKNwOGbcq81iQhOG2AZZa22jVjgPr3ZK7FSGCDdl7WlHsi3rjcZiLSAdbFdhXEf9MwNfIUgDDEnfXEHlIod9KxFkWoVIl2hrpQ3OJ7uXz4VEOOUqMFGpdXK4ggfL2O6/s1600/let+the+children+play1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8XraRl-2tOXGtEKNwOGbcq81iQhOG2AZZa22jVjgPr3ZK7FSGCDdl7WlHsi3rjcZiLSAdbFdhXEf9MwNfIUgDDEnfXEHlIod9KxFkWoVIl2hrpQ3OJ7uXz4VEOOUqMFGpdXK4ggfL2O6/s320/let+the+children+play1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from: http://progressiveearlychildhoodeducation.blogspot.com/</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFDgbVGHshhvcygW5yESR6apqRPE4xOxKRLIZwhQ6GC1tI4y6Mtsf3RoWuX91D5IXS3kIUuKU5YR8GD_D6rq2kxDBYnPC75bvbczBRuEIz4JObsYRMDrQBKFy-9gYM9uGqMU3nyutLV4Y/s1600/dt.common.streams.StreamServer+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFDgbVGHshhvcygW5yESR6apqRPE4xOxKRLIZwhQ6GC1tI4y6Mtsf3RoWuX91D5IXS3kIUuKU5YR8GD_D6rq2kxDBYnPC75bvbczBRuEIz4JObsYRMDrQBKFy-9gYM9uGqMU3nyutLV4Y/s320/dt.common.streams.StreamServer+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h4>
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<h4>
Offer Sand and Water Access:</h4>
<div>
Again it can be simple. Below is a fire pit turned into sand and water exploration. This works great because it comes with a mesh top covering to protect from animals and leaf litter.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcO7MgckT8mxWTbl0uX6MchcLJtcTQoumab35KJmRYfx1BeiZfcVlLSZIRYhGzFIcXRM6zfmgIhHwckEjBajWoRAiYNduN7AqRAGUFoAuNh80viQqAfiPvnB_j7Lbd7L19B_jQGbRCWRd/s1600/sand+and+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcO7MgckT8mxWTbl0uX6MchcLJtcTQoumab35KJmRYfx1BeiZfcVlLSZIRYhGzFIcXRM6zfmgIhHwckEjBajWoRAiYNduN7AqRAGUFoAuNh80viQqAfiPvnB_j7Lbd7L19B_jQGbRCWRd/s320/sand+and+water.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aTw0f0c2btXPH7Nfzs7hLXdM9nyr-VJ483wlc3B5JvbbBX3A8p5T9OUmpVIjhEMHJrF032ur7P52qR7VlvyrmGWFsaGNTVOzBlee1DPIoT5Hk9toCWfeQkxyWa-YawDUcQZlQ-XNYXji/s1600/Trough__Mud_Table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aTw0f0c2btXPH7Nfzs7hLXdM9nyr-VJ483wlc3B5JvbbBX3A8p5T9OUmpVIjhEMHJrF032ur7P52qR7VlvyrmGWFsaGNTVOzBlee1DPIoT5Hk9toCWfeQkxyWa-YawDUcQZlQ-XNYXji/s320/Trough__Mud_Table.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div>
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<h4>
Offer a Mud Kitchen or Potions Lab:</h4>
<div>
There is nothing better then a mud pie with fresh spices and flowers from the garden. Round up a few old kitchen containers and tools and identify a 'work counter'. Kitchen and potions labs help young children master the use of kitchen tools in a creative, no worries way. They are often not as much of a mess as you would expect. :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2j1JG3QV-UUooXJ_Ez3fpv6jynMomZt4vrXkZK_16W3ZQISCNNbEjMDncCvL7GVmx7Mhaz_6K9f3II6QPsg2jzah6QZA7Ki9Ilg9OHq0DB-CRK8QMUB0xCv5uz5QbM01mDgWvuBqplXP/s1600/mudpie10-600x398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2j1JG3QV-UUooXJ_Ez3fpv6jynMomZt4vrXkZK_16W3ZQISCNNbEjMDncCvL7GVmx7Mhaz_6K9f3II6QPsg2jzah6QZA7Ki9Ilg9OHq0DB-CRK8QMUB0xCv5uz5QbM01mDgWvuBqplXP/s320/mudpie10-600x398.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from: http://rhythmofthehome.com/2010/05/mud-pie-kitchen/</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaTK9oUoAWMKDdooFgamhRgvFyejvMtOUvsO3Y1hZUeEuZMx7fLGgw6riHSEhaPV6_0nqT_ugvvmchCaHRMVQk43NOdeVedSYJkeHv-jRHHu2Hmiz8TELm83fdQhG2b_zt7JzEoWW2j5B/s1600/MudPie12-600x398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaTK9oUoAWMKDdooFgamhRgvFyejvMtOUvsO3Y1hZUeEuZMx7fLGgw6riHSEhaPV6_0nqT_ugvvmchCaHRMVQk43NOdeVedSYJkeHv-jRHHu2Hmiz8TELm83fdQhG2b_zt7JzEoWW2j5B/s320/MudPie12-600x398.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h4>
Offer Real Tools to Interact with Outdoors:</h4>
<div>
Kids are naturally drawn to simple household tasks and tools. These small repetitive movements help with coordination as well as muscle memory and brain development.</div>
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A Great Resource for Further Exploration:</h3>
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The Natural Wildlife Federation has recently Publish this resource,<a href="http://online.nwf.org/site/PageNavigator/BeOutThere_Nature_Play_at_Home.html" target="_blank"> "Make your Backyard the Best Playground - Naturally!"</a> It is jam packed with ideas and resources.</div>
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<span style="color: #00533e;">Enjoy!</span></div>
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landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-12355058207411674082012-10-26T20:30:00.000-07:002012-12-12T10:22:39.509-08:00Play Set Into Nature: Engleman Park Wilsonville OR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few years ago this lot was covered in trees, with a lone picnic table. Neighbors were not clear if they were even allowed in. At the Engleman Park grand opening next week it will be clear that this is a community space for play and relaxation that is centered around nature. The park will provide a respite for one of the denser areas of the city. </div>
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The park features sit within a beautiful grove of trees. The previous owner of the property planted them all 50 years ago. While brand new, the features seem as through they fit with the site seamlessly.<br />
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There are plenty of opportunities for play in nature and with natural materials as well as nature themed play equipment. A main central features is a rocky swale that will catch stormwater as well as provide an exploration place for imaginative play.<br />
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Downed trees, boulders and stumps were salvaged from the site and nearby parks. This is a beautiful blend of equipment and rubber surfacing (shown below) while also accentuating the natural elements of the site; trees, boulders and water.<br />
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<br />landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569180316770630864.post-44338044048770835042012-10-23T20:00:00.000-07:002012-12-12T10:22:13.262-08:00Nature Play Inspiration : School Grounds and Wood<br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/40199341">Natural Playground Construction Timelapse</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/turtlerockpreschool">Turtle Rock Preschool</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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I find these photos very inspiring. Their use of wood and natural materials is beautiful and in nice proportions. The resulting spaces, most of which are in schools, would be inspiring and trans formative for young people. I have seen a few climbers similar to this, but this one is massive and has beautiful lines. All of these pieces were designed by <a href="http://www.gardendesignhereford.co.uk/collection/schools-and-play/" target="_blank">Copper Beach in the UK</a>. Their website has many more photos and information on their projects.<br />
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<br />landartistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08929522494927394304noreply@blogger.com0