[Jeffrey Lindstrom]

Wow! Great to hear all of the positive input and different perspectives. Its so refreshing to see so many people who are aware of the importance of establishing this meaningful connection between children, adults, and the natural world. 

There are indeed a variety of different ways to approach this issue, but as Landscape Architects I feel like it is one we are suited to address better than almost any other profession. We are constantly facilitating that crucial relationship between people and the land, and what better place to start than early childhood!

I too wish to see the days where children freely roam the uninhabited nooks of nature and are able to run free. Unfortunately, those experiences are honestly not available for most children these days. Many of these wild spaces that had such a profound impact on our lives have been developed, protected, or marked as private property. We need to be aware that many people who are parents now were, in fact, children who did not get to experience a nature-rich childhood, so when we stress the importance of getting children outside, they do not even know where to begin, or what to do. But exploring solutions to these challenges is one of the most exciting parts of the profession.

[Jeffrey Lindstrom]

Couldn’t agree more!

[Jeffrey Lindstrom]

Wow! Bye is one of those designers that I really wish people knew more about. And so appropriate for this conversation as well. Talk about a guy who really understands the value of wild and natural spaces. I always loved how his goal was to make a space seem as if it wasn’t designed at all and views the L.A.’s role as more of a behind the scenes facilitator between nature and people.

Going off of that idea, that is more of what I was talking about when I mentioned spaces that are designed. Perhaps I should have used the term “over-designed”. Central Park and Prospect Park are perfect examples of what we need more of – natural spaces that just seem like they belong. 

So I guess this conversation shifted a little bit from what I originally intended. I was initially thinking more about alternatives to traditional playgrounds that we see in schools, child care facilities, and parks which is why I referred to those projects. I think that intentional programming can be of great value when we think about the cognitive development of children and “whole-child development” in these spaces, especially as we present the argument that the outdoors are the best classrooms, and at the very least, an extension of the classroom.

I agree 100% with you, there is no place as rich as wild space and I wish we could just let children go. I too grew up exploring everything myself… outside all the time for every minute my parents would allow. I was usually up in a tree, down in a creek, or riding my bike everywhere I could. While I absolutely love my job and what I do, it would be great if we didn’t have to exist and these conversations didn’t have to happen – if every child still had that natural desire to just explore. Unfortunately, there is a huge disconnect now and Landscape Architects seems to be the most suited to take on the challenge to reestablish that relationship

This conversation reminds me of a quote I heard a while back:

“Every kid starts out as a natural-born scientist, and then we beat it out of them. A few trickle through the system with their wonder and enthusiasm for science intact.” —Carl Sagan

Actual scientists? Maybe not. But I do think that we stop encouraging them to explore, wonder, and connect to nature…

[Jeffrey Lindstrom]

Thanks for the response!

I totally agree with you on the idea that no designed space can really substitute for a truly natural space, and the best places to connect children may not be programmed for activity at all. However, one of the things that we are starting to see is that many of our young parents (my generation) who were themselves disconnected from nature are now raising children. I do believe that the 80’s were when this disconnection from nature started to happen, and many, not all, children started to gravitate towards the outlets and away from outside.

That being said, we are finding it more of a challenge to get young families outside together and really exploring the natural world. How are parents supposed to understand the importance of letting their children explore outside if they themselves never recognized the value of a connection to nature? More importantly, how can we communicate the importance of taking care of our earth and environment if our children have no connection to it, resulting in total apathy. Unfortunately, it seems that when we tell these parents to take their kids outside, they really don’t know where to begin.

Therefore, I think we are seeing a new demand for “transition spaces”. Those that give parents and children an opportunity to slowly immerse themselves in environments that encourage a connection to more natural settings and materials without throwing them out into the woods in a space that is totally unfamiliar and, frankly, uncomfortable. Maybe a contained natural setting that gives parents the piece of mind to let their children explore freely. At the same time finding a way to incorporate a sense of wonder that captivates children by exposing them to the magic of nature – the colors and scents of plants in bloom, caterpillars turning into butterflies, the variety of microorganisms in the soil, etc. After all, weren’t these the life-changing experiences that brought so many of us to this profession of being stewards of the land? 

So as designers, how do we create these spaces? I am a big advocate for utilizing natural materials as “loose parts”, a plethora of plant material, open green space, and some unkept areas that aren’t maintained and allowed to be wild. Do children need manufactured play equipment to play, or has that just become a standard that we accepted a long time ago? After all, most equipment tells children where to jump, where to swing, where to climb. How stimulating can these spaces really be? Not to dog on MPE, because I do think there are some great companies who are building some great things and putting a great deal of credible research behind their products, but I do not think equipment can give our children all they need in an effective play environment

Phew, lots of bases to cover and topics that could be elaborated upon much further, but I think that gives the gist of what I am trying to say. To answer your question, some of the projects that come to mind that I am particularly keen of are:

Memphis Botanical Garden: http://www.memphisbotanicgarden.com/mybigbackyard

Hidden Hollow @ Heritage Museum & Garden: http://heritagemuseumsandgardens.org/hidden-hollow-2/

Tree Adventure @ Arbor Day Farm: http://www.arbordayfarm.org/index.cfm

Check them out and let me know what you think!

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