Summary of Article's First 150 Words

Total word count: 2688

Each year we get requests from center directors asking for ideas on how to "soften" their playgrounds with more natural play elements.

It's safe to say that most of the 330,000 licensed child care centers and family child care homes in the United States (2004 statistics from the National Child Care Information Center) use plastic and metal equipment on their playgrounds. The ground beneath this equipment is usually covered with woodchips to prevent injury from possible falls, a concrete pad or path may provide connecting links and a place for children to play with wheeled toys, and typically there is not enough shade. This all adds up to a pretty harsh outdoor play environment which does, indeed, need "softening."

Directors are rightfully concerned and wonder whether anything can be done to address the problem. Though our company's designs are equipment-free, we have also found ways of incorporating more natural play experiences in manufactured ...