Tips for consulting Before designing or upgrading any place space, it is a good idea to collect information from the local community about the patterns of use of existing places, as well as specific needs and interests. It is preferable to use open questions such as: How do you or your family use the park at present? What kinds of activities would you and your family enjoy? Are there any particular themes that you think would suit the character of the park? Do you or your family members have any particular access requirements that would affect the design? Questionnaires are useful when seeking feedback on a concept plan. In addition, people can be asked if they would like to receive more information about a project or be invited to a public meeting. When running a public session to include people with a disability, material needs to be both visual and audible, and an Auslan (Australian sign language) interpreter may be required for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. In addition, it is a good idea to leave plenty of time for proceedings, to cater for people with complex communication needs. Management of play spaces After a play space is constructed, it needs to be marketed, monitored and maintained to ensure it continues to meet the needs of users. It is also a good idea to put aside a budget for minor improvements. Monitoring Maintaining open dialogue with key stakeholders and play space users is important after any play space is completed. Monitoring a play space involves observing how the space is used, and talking to users about what they like and don’t like. This can help identify any items that may need to be modified, or the kinds of activities that are missing and could be added in the future.
Design Issues and Solutions Play behaviour and play spaces: effective design for maximum participation The most effective play spaces are those which engage and stimulate children, and that they can access and move through. Play spaces that provide settings for children (regardless of their age or ability) to play in different ways each time they visit, are extremely valuable. Such spaces may be small and simple or large and complex. For example, planting, sand, rocks, logs and other terrain are endlessly adaptable for many activities. As mentioned earlier, play takes many forms. It is important for planners and providers to recognise that physical activity on play equipment is only one of many ways that children like to use their environment. This is particularly important for encouraging participation by all children. While some children may not be able to swing from monkey bars, they will be able to be included in imaginative play, role play or creative play. Children use typical items or areas within play spaces for different purposes. An understanding of how play spaces are used helps planners and providers to address the difficulties some children face when trying to participate fully in play. The following discussion is based around five key themes listed below: Mastering particular skills or challenges. Enjoying particular types of physical activity and movement. Experiencing the sensory qualities of the outdoors. Using the environment as a prop for play. Engaging in social play as an end in itself. Each of these themes offers certain challenges for planners and providers in terms of maximising potential play value and learning, increasing participation by children of all ages and abilities, and minimising the risk of injury.