B3-D Designing for Active Nature Play

We are seeing a trend toward nature-based play and play in nature in parks and outdoor spaces. In this session, we will review the current research on the benefits of nature and nature play for health and wellness and share ideas on designing a built environment that works with nature to support the benefits of active outdoor play. This session will include a review of research and case studies of successful designs for active play spaces that work with the natural environment and enhance nature play in destination playgrounds and smaller play spaces.

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will discuss trends in outdoor nature-based play and play in nature

  • Participants will be able to identify design features in outdoor play environments that support play in nature

  • Participants will learn how to critique playground design to make the most out of natural features while also being compliant with safety criteria

Formal presentation with prompts for dialogue and discussion.

Suzanne Flannery Quinn, PhD

Suzanne is the manager of KOMPAN Play Institute, Americas. Before joining KOMPAN, Suzanne was a Senior Lecturer at the University of Roehampton, London, where she was a research member of the Early Childhood Research Centre. Suzanne conducts international research on a range of issues related to young children, their families, and pedagogues who work with children and families. Suzanne has expertise in pedagogic principles, particularly those related to play, materials, activities, and environments. Suzanne is editor of the 2018 Routledge Handbook of International Perspectives on Early Childhood Education along with J. L. Roopnarine, J. E. Johnson, and M. Patte, and is the lead author on a diverse catalog of peer reviewed publications.

Blair Angell

Blair is a Certified Playground Safety Inspector and Playground Consultant with years of experience in the design of active playgrounds for families to enjoy. Blair has designed both destination playgrounds as well as smaller neighborhood playgrounds in North Carolina.