By Karin Swenson

As some of you know, I’m a mom of a child with Autism. I’ve written before about the value of playgrounds in my son’s life. Now I want to tell you about the importance of sharing those playgrounds with all kinds of kids, mine included.

Playgrounds are the last great bastions of egalitarianism.  At least that’s what I’d like to think. My hope is that all parents realize that kids, of all abilities and disabilities, are at some point going to share the same playspace as their child, and because people are so vastly different, that we as adults need take the time to see the dynamic that is happening right in front of us. If you see a child who is struggling, don’t just walk away, give that child an emotional boost by saying, “You can do it.” Or better yet, tell your child to encourage the child with the disability. Children are greatly encouraged by peers.

Just last week my son was at a playground and using the equipment and he was struggling mightily to reach the top as the other boys were doing. He was loudly asked to step down by the boy’s parents who wanted their children to have unfettered access...

MONTCLAIR, NJ - On the Spinal Tap scale of 1 to 10, Alma Schneider’s commitment to get a special playground built is “11.”

Schneider is the founder of Parents Who Rock, a wide-ranging organization inspiring Montclair dads and moms to excavate their closeted electric guitars and shoebox-entombed microphones and again take the stage.

She’s leading many PWR members to participate in fundraising efforts to construct a universal playground in Edgemont Memorial Park that will enable children and adults who have physical limitations to have fun alongside non-disabled kids and grownups.

As envisioned, the playground will cost approximately $350,000, of which $200,000 in public funding is available. Parents Who Rock is in the forefront of a Montclair-and-beyond effort to raise $150,000 in donations to get the outdoor facility built.

TAKOMA, WA - Jennifer Flint-Nelson refused to let her dream of building a playground designed for her son and other children with special needs slip away.

A year ago, the Gig Harbor mother was one of 20 finalists in a national essay contest that would have given such a play area to her community. The competition started with almost 1,000 entries.

Flint-Nelson, 39, came close to winning the grand prize, placing in the top five. A girl from Claridge, Penn., ended up winning the playground for her school.

Parents who lack Flint-Nelson’s determination might have given up. Not her.

She wouldn’t quit as long as Ian – her 6-year-old son who has cerebral palsy and autism – didn’t have a play area that met his needs. He’s a kindergartner at Purdy Elementary.

“I couldn’t let it go,” she said. “I knew we had to make it happen.”

Every child deserves a safe and fun place to play, regardless of where they live or what their lives are like.  But for the 90 students with a variety of disabilities who attend Rock Creek School in Maryland, the playground is more of a disappointment than a delight.  Not only was the outside playspace built in the early 1970's (which means decades of rust and disrepair), but it was not designed with the abilities of all of its visitors in mind.  Parents are worried that more pressing maintenance issues in their district will delay much-needed improvements to the playground once again.  Click here to read more about this ongoing struggle for a developmentally-appropriate and stimulating play environment at Rock Creek.

AMHERSTBURG, ON -- The Rotary Inclusive Playground Project continues to move forward with construction tentatively scheduled to begin in Spring 2008. The Playground Committee continues to plan for fundraisers throughout the winter months. On November 30, 2007 we will be participating in the “PA Day Fun “at the Amherstburg Area. Children will be able to take part in public skating and other fun events with part of the proceeds to go to support the playground project.

On Dec. 1 and 2 Meadows by the Lake (9278 County Rd. #41) will be hosting a couple of fundraisers to support the project. On Saturday night December 1st “WhaddaKnight DJ” Reg Minor along with live entertainment will be featured and on December 2 from 4-8pm there will be an All-U-Can Eat Buffet, with part of the proceeds from both events to benefit the playground.

In the new year we will also be moving forward with a couple of additional fundraisers.

Sometimes children can act like perfect angels in public – and sometimes they need a little guidance.  But when the child in question isn’t yours, how far could you or should you go to take action against bad behavior?  Talking to the parents is usually a good first step, but other times it’s better to let the kids figure it out for themselves.  Click here for more advice on what to do when out-of-line bullies or even common childhood disagreements threaten your fun at the playground.

COSTA MESA, CA - The Costa Mesa City Council has approved the construction of the city’s first playground for the disabled. The $1.4-million project at TeWinkle Park will be funded through a grant from the state Parks and Recreation Department and private fundraising by the Angels Charity nonprofit.

Costa Mesa will also contribute approximately $200,000 to the project, said Doug Hansen, who founded Angels Charity with his wife, Jennifer, in 2003.

Over the years, many American schools have improved amenities for students with disabilities by creating more inclusive classrooms and playgrounds.  Now a California activist is fighting for an even more level playing field - literally.  Rick Spittler knows the benefits of outdoor recreation, and thinks new legislation could help students with disabilities more actively participate in group sports in a league of their own.  To read more about his efforts and hear from his supporters, click here.

The school playgrounds of our parents and grandparents looked a lot different than modern plastic marvels – but although less fancy and new-fangled, they were probably used more often.  That’s because today’s schools have been limiting time spent outside at recess while increasing the rules and regulations that surround playtime activities.  Administrators have begun to recognize the need for equipment that is more age-appropriate, however, which can increase safety and fun for the children utilizing the playground.  For more information on the importance of developmentally-appropriate free play, especially during the school day, click here.

We all know that play is a great learning experience for children, but what about for those who build the playground?  Students in St. Cloud University’s "Community and Democratic Citizenship" class are learning something, too, as they work to design, construct, and maintain the Kaleidoscope accessible playground in Wilson Park.  Every semester a new group arrives, ready to learn about fundraising, marketing, and community relations.  Check out the University’s recent news article about the program by clicking here, and head over to KaBOOM! Accessibility to read the feature articles on Kaleidoscope and other universally accessible playspaces.

SPRINGVILLE, NY - In just one day, about 140 volunteers are building a unique playground for some very special children.

It's called the Enchanted Garden - and soon it will be filled with children who may have never played on a playground before.

Piece by piece and screw by screw, this group of volunteers is building a playground - literally from the ground up.

But it's not just any playground - it's specially designed for children with all types of developmental disabilities.

"We had an old, 20-year-old playground that was causing the kids to get slivers and we had bees' nests in it,"said Executive Director Chris Lewis.

Now the more than 100 children who attend the Preschool Learning Center in Springville will be able to play on this outdoor jungle gym, even if they're in a wheelchair.

A memorial playground in Missouri would’ve had a much harder time getting off the ground without the support of 20 local organizations who stepped in to volunteer their time, effort, and money.  The barrier-free playspace, dedicated to a local boy who passed away four years ago, is complete after much collaboration between Boone County Family Resources, the Jack Dylan memorial fund, and all of the community’s helpers, including one construction company who donated about $32,000 in services.  Read more about their hard work and success by clicking here.

What’s the best way to scare up funds for a playground?  Scarecrows, of course!  Students in one CA town are hoping that their entries in the annual Dell'Osso Family Farm scarecrow contest will net them thousands of dollars in prize money that can be used for playground equipment.  They’ve been without a place to play for a year, so cross your fingers, wish them luck, and vote for their creations if you can.  Also, click here to read about their impressive effort and see some of their creepy concoctions!

NEW ORLEANS - A new group, Kenner Community Dream Builders Inc., has been formed to secure financing and build a playground at Kenner City Park, specifically designed to meet the needs of children with physical or mental disabilities.

Dream Builders was the brain child of Kathy duTreil, who is in charge of grant research and administration for the City of Kenner. With the help of board members Kenner Recreation Director Ken Marroccoli, Kenner Assistant Director of Recreation George Bode and Kenner 5th District Councilman Kent Denapolis, duTreil incorporated the Dream Builders as a non-profit organization to seek money and then design and build the playground

"Each child deserves a chance to play in a safe environment," said duTreil. "There are no other playgrounds in the area that are designed to meet the requirements of special needs children."

The project is estimated to take two years to complete and cost $1.5 million. Money will be raised through grants, private foundations and other fund-raising activities. The money will be used not only for equipment but for surface preparation, a shelter, lighting, fencing, restrooms and a concession area.

You’ve heard of giving the clothes off your back, but how about giving the sneaks off your feet?  Recently two high schools near New Orleans took part in a unique fundraiser for local playgrounds by donating sneakers that can be recycled into surfacing.  What started as an intermural competition eventually landed both schools a reward, but they’re not forgetting what it was all for.  Click here to read more.

“It will be finished soon” – famous last words when planning a playground.  For Stefani Busansky, “soon” has been pushed back several times now, but she and her Freedom Playground supporters are nowhere close to giving up.  The five-year (so far) project is finally in the construction phases, and locals can’t wait for Tampa’s first universally accessible playground to open to the public.  Read more about the project by clicking here.

MENOMONIE, WI -- The Menomonie Community is coming together this week to build a playground the size of three houses put together. In the next four days that's what's happening at the River Heights Elementary School in Menomonie.

“I'm very excited about it and never thought Menomonie of all places would get something like this,” said Arla Falk a parent.

A huge playground is being built so children like Arla's seven year old daughter, Kathy, can experience some outdoor fun. Kathy has Rett Syndrome--a neurological disorder.

“There's no place I can take my kids to anymore. She's too big for the infant swings and she can't do the adult swing by herself,” she said.

Arala says the new playground will let Kathy feel more like a kid. She says Kathy can’t do anything by herself but she loves to play on the slide.

Kathy's future playground memories are financed by fundraisers like Bryan Beamer.

“It’s been built for the children of the community but also for children with disabilities and we're really proud of that and are excited to see kids play on it,” said Beamer.

SAN ANTONIO -- Sandra Torres sat on a bench and watched her son as he frolicked on a playground — but the day was special, not just a usual trip to the park.

Torres' 8-year-old son, Jesse, has cerebral palsy and uses crutches to walk.

He is unable to use most standard playground equipment, but Saturday he enjoyed an afternoon of fun with his younger sister on the adaptive playground at Leon Valley's Raymond Rimkus Park.

"For us, this is a blessing," Torres said of the new playground. "We can now go to a park like most other families and let our children enjoy the playground without worrying so much about what parts Jesse can or can't use."

School recess is an exhilarating time for most students – a few minutes of running, shouting, and free play in the middle of a structured day.  But the playground can also be stressful when disagreements arise amongst children who do not know how to handle the confrontation.  One Illinois school is empowering their students to resolve conflicts on their own by implementing the Peaceful Playgrounds Program, which provides students with various avenues to work out their differences.  Click here to read more about the new-and-improved recess at Whittier Elementary, and then check out the Peaceful Playgrounds Program website by clicking here.

When asked what the most nerve-racking part of building or remodeling a playground is, most people will probably yell “surfacing!”  With so many options to choose, varying costs to consider, and concerns about fall safety and accessibility, it can be tough to choose the “just right fit” for your playground.  Now an advocate for inclusive playspaces is pioneering a new material – recycled car tires chopped to bits and placed under vinyl matting.  The product is called SMARTE, and is creating fans at the few sites it has been placed.  Click here to read more about SMARTE, and then click here for facts on more traditional playground surfacing such as mulch, poured-in-place rubber, and even accessible turf.

With all of the structured activities today’s children take part in, a little unscripted fun can be exactly what they need to relax, create, and explore the world around them. Luckily for the children near Des Moines, Iowa, they are about to receive a new playground made of all-natural materials in which they are free to play in any way they wish. Shallow pools, waterfalls, fallen logs, and grassy hills replace traditional playground equipment, allowing kids to connect with nature while creating their own games and imaginary worlds. To read more about the Jester Park Natural Playscape, click here.

A national study of early childhood school success has recently been released, with input from parents and teachers of children under age 8. One of the major findings is that social skills are a better predictor of school success than academic skills, as social skills are necessary to attend to lessons as well as to interact with classmates. While teachers and parents agree on the importance of these skills, their opinions vary on the school readiness of today's children, with many parents rating their children as extrememly prepared for school. To read more about the survey results and to link to the report, click here.

For residents and visitors to Grant County, Indiana, work and play is about to get a little more inclusive. Friendship Corner, a playground designed for children of all abilities to enjoy, opened on July 2, and now officials are looking at other local facilities with a critical eye. Plans for widened sidewalks, a new accessible library, and other improvements are taking shape. Click here to read more about this increased accessibility and what positive changes can be expected.

Dear Playspace Planners,

Here at Center for Creative Play, we’re always on the lookout for innovation in the world of play.  What can make playspaces as fun, accessible, and creative as possible?  Recently, we traveled to Atlanta to see what play professionals were sharing at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo 2006. IAAPA is an amazing experience with over 5,000 exhibitors selling everything from insurance, to video games, to food products to roller coasters.  We attend IAPPA to keep up on the trends in play and entertainment.  It is clear that one of things that we will be seeing more and more of is waterparks—indoors, outdoors, everywhere.  The nice thing about this for playspace planners is that there are and will be more products available that can be used in a playground setting to bring water to children.  We expect we will also see prices go down on some of the most used products sometime in future.

We also go to IAPPA to see what new products have been developed that would help both indoor and outdoor playspaces.  This year we saw so many exciting new products there, here are just a few that we wanted to share highlights with you. 

A Pillow for the Playground
Kids of all ages love to bounce their bodies high into the air, but trampolines and ball pools are hard to keep safe and clean. If you are planning a destination playground then you might want to consider the new Jumping Pillow instead!  This simple, fun playground installation provides room for dozens of kids, little and big, to jump together.  The pillow is colorful inflated canvas, surrounded and sealed by a perimeter of sand. 

Pillows cost between $14,500 and $22,000, not including installation charges.  Read more about the Jumping Pillow.

eibe Comes to America
We’ve long admired European playground manufacturer eibe for their creative playspace designs.  eibe builds slides and climbing structures around fantasy themes, cultivating pretend play while providing ample opportunity for big muscle movement.  Children of all abilities are challenged by the varied heights and access points incorporated into eibe’s designs. 

Until recently, we could only admire eibe playgrounds from afar.  In Atlanta, however, we bumped into representatives from eibe who let us know they are soon expanding into the United States.  See pictures and read about eibe’s unique playspaces.

Is It Easier to Be Green?
Creative structures are important, but the foundation of a good playspace is safe, accessible surfacing.  At IAAPA, we were excited to learn about a new surface that meets all our criteria: safe, accessible, low-maintenance, and affordable.  Forever Lawn has launched “Playground Grass,” a grass-like surface made from soft polyethylene fibers.  Playground Grass is ASTM fall-rated to 12 feet, lasts for 8 years, and costs approximately $7-10 per square foot.  Current customers are excited not just by its look and feel, and safety and accessibility, but also the promise of less maintenance over time.

Read more about Playground Grass.

Read more about surfaces, pretend play, and the importance of bouncing around, go to www.kaboom.org/accessibility.