GSRP preschoolers playing on the Natural Playground at Oakland Family Services’ Walled Lake Children’s Learning Center

WHAT IS A NATURAL PLAYGROUND?

If you've ever climbed trees, made forts, climbed rocks, made mud pies, dammed up water, dug in sand, jumped in leaves, or had fun outside in other, similar ways, you've experienced natural play.

All 6,000 children interviewed by Natural Playgrounds want these very same, natural play opportunities. Offer them a choice, and every time they'll choose Natural Playgrounds over equipment playgrounds.

These outdoor classrooms are made with learning and play elements manufactured of wood and other materials sourced from the US.

HOW DO CHILDREN BENEFIT FROM A NATURAL PLAYGROUND?

Natural play contributes to the overall physical, cognitive, and emotional development of children. It helps them score higher on tests for concentration and self-discipline, experience more diverse play, exhibit less aggressive behavior, strive toward advanced motor fitness, and become healthier. See the research here.

natural playgrounds are accessible and inclusive

Natural play settings are more accessible and welcoming to children of all abilities and backgrounds. Natural equipment doesn't discriminate because they are open to personal interpretation, and children can explore them in their unique creative ways. Plastic/artificial playgrounds are more structured and not as inclusive and accessible for children unless specifically designed as such. (Source: Park N Play Design)

ACCESS TO NATURE IS ESSENTIAL TO HUMAN HEALTH

Research reports that children with ADHD have fewer symptoms after outdoor activities in natural environments. College students do better on cognitive tests when their dorm windows view natural settings. Elderly adults tend to live longer if their homes are near a park or other green space, regardless of their social or economic status. Residents of public housing complexes report better family interactions when they live near trees. (Source: Natural Playgrounds)

NATURAL ELEMENTS LIMIT THE SPREAD OF GERMS

Wooden play and learning elements may be much safer for children than the traditional plastic and metal equipment found on most playgrounds. 

“When pathogens, such as COVID-19, land on most hard surfaces [such as steel and plastic playground equipment], they can live for up to four to five days." says Bill Keevil, professor of environmental healthcare at the University of Southampton.

But that's not the case with wood! Studies show that cellulose in wood absorbs pathogens but will not release them. So, Natural Playgrounds may help prevent the spread of pathogens such as COVID-19. (Source: Natural Playgrounds)

OAKLAND FAMILY SERVICES’ CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTERS (CLC) IN PONTIAC AND WALLED LAKE OFFER A DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE CURRICULUM THAT FOCUSES ON EACH CHILD’S NATURAL CURIOSITY.

Learn more about our Children’s Learning Centers and enroll your child in preschool.