runnPlaying outside is one of the most natural experiences for children of all ages. What more can be gained and enjoyed than climbing a fallen tree, creeping among bamboo canes, exploring in hidden corners.

There’s lots to take into account when designing for a play space where all children can feel safe yet free.

Children can have fun and learn at the same time which is fundamentally behind the meaning of play. In an adult world we us words like research and experimenting. It describes a process of finding out, feeling we can try and fail or succeed, of being on our own or with friends and peers.

In designing play spaces lots of natural materials and features will encourage and give space for fun and finding out. Small hills to climb, willow arbors to creep in, paths to explore, places to hide and of course space to run and burn up that amazing amount of energy that children have.

slideAlongside that, all children like to have swings, slides, climbing frames, ropes, sandpits and all the traditional play area equipment. The ground surface needs to be safe and where there are high climbing points they will need extra depth to the rubber surface.

But the focus for the play area is best spent on design and integration of a wide range of natural spaces and features linked in with colourful equipment.

All play areas should have regard to children with special needs and this is easily part of the design based on a natural approach. It is built in from the start, not as an added extra.

Parents and carers are important too! Seating and space for pushchairs and large amount of things that all families need can be part of the design. If the parents can relax and feel their children are safe and having a good time the play area will be better used.

At SmithMartin Partnership LLP we have created designs for play areas. We are part of Learning Through Landscapes and SkillsActive which are both part of the agenda for developing play.