The Outdoor Collaborative made their way back out to Bernheim’s Playcosystem to help us dream up great ideas for a tree house that will eventually appear in zone 2 of Playcosystem. These children already have hours of experience in the play area so it’s time to put them to work on designs for the next phases of Playcosystem. Even before they came out they have been thinking up what a tree house should be. This drawing was presented to us when they arrived. You’ll see there is a pully and bucket system for getting things up and into the tree house. And the round door is certainly a nice touch. As is the tire swing.
Here’s a list of the ideas they came up with during their design exercise:
- cave
- tire swing
- zip line (this seems to be very popular)
- rope bridge
- sand pit around the base of the trees
- platform with a balcony for doing art and egg drop experiments
- spiral steps
- two competing rock climbing platforms with a bell at the top so you can race
- book nook with hammocks and pods
- loose parts play area with clay, sticks, twine – for designing more play areas
- tools – hammers, saws, etc
- hanging swing
- giant chair
- pully systems
- living roof with veggie garden, flowers, herbs
- potions shop with vials, mortice, and stuff for potions
- water – plumbing
- bird nest that swivels
- bird blind with bird feeders
- target practice area with pinecones and suction cup darts
- lights that turn on when kids peddle a bike
- games – tic tac toe, hop scotch
- outdoor stage
- whittling area
- wench to lift wheelchairs
- model making shop
The Children at Play Network believes that children have a right to be involved in the design of play spaces. We are thankful for their adventurous spirit and bold design ideas. Here’s to the future our children can envision!
Here are more photos from their design excursion:
