http://www.pdplay.com -- Nature is the perfect learning environment for children to play with and among elements such as sand, water, and living plants. These components encourage physical and imaginative play, but are often overlooked in traditional commercial playground building. Creating an environment for children to fully reap the benefits of outdoor play is crucial, especially in a time when unstructured play is being overshadowed by television, video games,and other electronic amusements. At PDPlay, we’ve found a way to incorporate natural elements into our play structures that still comply with commercial playground guidelines and safety laws–we call these integrated playgrounds Outdoor Learning Environments. Interested in how you can create a more natural playground? Here are 6 simple ways… More information: http://goo.gl/XHfnIm

1. 6 Simple Ways to
Incorporate Nature
Into Your
Playground
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2. Nature is the
perfect learning
environment for
children to play
with and among
elements such
as sand, water,
and living plants.
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3. These components encourage
physical and imaginative play, but
are often overlooked in traditional
commercial playground building.
At PDPlay, we’ve found a way to
incorporate these elements into our
playgrounds, teaching kids to
nurture nature.
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4. Interested in how
you can create a
more natural
playground? Here
are 6 simple ways…
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5. Sand
Sand is great for kids, especially within the 2-5 age set.
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6. Sand
 Its tactility gives children constant
feedback as they work with the material.
 It’s a natural impact-absorbing surfacing
and can be used throughout the
playground.
 Sandboxes or sand features are relatively
inexpensive elements to add.
 Sand’s sensory benefits help children
practice, develop, and enhance their fine
and gross motor skills.
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7. Water
Water features provide endless opportunities to learn.
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8. Water
 Can stand alone or work hand in hand with
a sand feature.
 Allows children the opportunity to
experience water in a variety of ways.
 Water features can be interactive, visually
stimulating, or both.
 The calming effect of running water can
create soothing sounds to combat the
chaos of the playground.
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9. Garden
Gardens offer a place for kids to see nature evolve.
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10. Garden
 Having a garden of interesting, hardy
plants and insects is a simple way to
incorporate nature into your playground.
 A garden can offer kids the responsibility
of maintaining the area by watering and
weeding it.
 If budgets permit, a root view grower can
be installed to show kids what happens
below the ground.
 Gardens provide the opportunity to
reconnect with the environment. www.pdplay.com

11. Trees
New and existing trees are perfect for the playground.
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12. Trees
 There are endless ways to incorporate
trees into the playground.
 Mature trees provide shade and give
children the opportunity to visually
experience the seasons.
 A tree surround can give kids a unique
place to sit and interact with this element.
 Adding trees will help combat the
greenhouse effect, clean the air, and
conserve energy throughout playground
and beyond. www.pdplay.com

13. Hillslides
A natural take on a classic playground component.
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14. Hillslides
 Can stand alone or be incorporated into a
new or existing playground.
 Can be built using natural grass or artificial
turf, depending on climate restrictions or
maintenance preferences.
 Hillslides are a sustainable, natural feature
that can withstand the elements (and kids)!
 They generally come in three sizes but can
be modified to fit any area, budget, or
design direction.
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15. Boulders
Boulders are perfect for climbers of all ages.
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16. Boulders
 Boulders offer a variety of challenges for
kids of multiple ages and contribute to the
authenticity of the natural environment.
 Custom climbing boulders offer all the
benefits of a natural boulder without sharp
edges or the difficulty of properly locating
an existing boulder.
 Boulders can stand alone or be
incorporated into a new or existing
playground.
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17. Still wondering how
you can create a
more natural
playground?
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18. Visit us online for
more information!
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