The Developmental Benefits of PlayGrounds: A Research Case for Play

A rich outdoor play environment is loaded with developmental benefits that promote children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. This interactive workshop offers an enlightening look at the results of independent research, lead by Dr. Joe Frost, on the developmental benefits of playground activities like swinging, climbing, brachiating, and more. By understanding the multifaceted benefits, communities can better rally for meaningful playground planning, design, programming and maintenance.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the research based evidence of the developmental benefits of play and playgrounds

• Identify the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive benefits of playground activities such as swinging, climbing, and brachiating

• Define strategies for designing rich play environments that promote the development of skills and provide age-appropriate levels of challenge

• Describe model outdoor play environments that consider the overall environmental design, products, and loose parts that promote various types and forms of play and offer meaningful play experiences for all children

Over 99% of participants responded that new information, ideas, and techniques were shared during their outreach seminar.