I am really enjoying this thread. I’m so glad to hear such universal support for nature-based playgrounds as an alternative (or addition) to traditional playgrounds.
Your observation, Trace One, about not only the necessity for connecting children and families with nature, but doing so as a part of children’s daily lives is the mission statement of the non-profit I work for- Nature Explore, a collaborative project of Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Education Research Foundation.
Our focus is on nature-based outdoor classrooms. While we do work with libraries, children’s museums, parks and domestic violence shelters, the majority of our work is in schools (especially early education programs). This is where those daily connections are made. These spaces allow children to explore the wonders of nature using open-ended natural materials over manufactured plastic products. And they inspire educators as they support these child-driven authentic connections with the natural world. My work as a designer is to develop these spaces using my expertise as a landscape architect in a addition to my knowledge of child development- an important key to creating quality spaces for children.
If you would like to learn more about outdoor classrooms, our website is:
http://www.natureexplore.org
An excellent example of a nature-based outdoor classroom is at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City, NE:
http://www.arbordayfarm.org/classroomtour.cfm
