Planning, building and making new spaces is super fun and a great way to engage people. After the build is over, then what? Reasons to activate a space:
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keep it looking good
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let folks know it is there
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let folks know WHAT is in the space
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why is the space unique to that property
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use the space to teach a curriculum
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what cool things can folks learn from the space
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how can the space be used
At nature+play designs, we are just as excited to help you learn how to use the outdoor spaces to promote play, learning and well-being, as we are in helping get the features in the ground. Learn about the different ways we can support you and your team.
RESOURCES
Washington State
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Washington's Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction - Washington Sustainable Schools Protocol (WSSP) (2018)
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Washington Green Schools - School Grounds & Gardens certification
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Association of Washington School Principal's Learning Centers
National / International Resources
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Children & Nature Network - Schoolyard Hub - resources about the benefits of Greening of Schoolyard projects, research data/articles, ideas about teaching and connect to the outdoors
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International Green Schoolyards Alliance - volunteer network of professionals enriching children's learning and play
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Green Schoolyards America - research, policies and information on green schoolyards
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Neurolandscape - Review current research on the benefits and reasons we need to connect kids to nature to support their development and overall health
Other resources
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With People in Mind - Design and Management of Everyday Nature - this book changed my whole career focus over 20 years ago. With Rachel Kaplan as a professor with whom I could bounce ideas around about school grounds, it became clear that there was a gap in knowledge for landscape architects. School grounds are vital resources not only for play, but so much more! Thanks Rachel!!
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American Horticultural Therapy Association - Only in the past few years, have I learned about this fascinating field. I was so excited to learn about it, I went back to college to earn my certificate in Horticultural Therapy. I had the privilege from learning from the best, Mrs. Teresia Hazen, at the Portland-Vancouver area Legacy Health System's therapy gardens. Thank you, Teresia!