CURRENT PROJECTS

Why playgrounds?

Playgrounds are not only an integral part of childhood, they are also the training grounds for children to learn critical negotiation skills and achieve the peaceful resolution of differences, encouraging them to grow into the peacemakers of tomorrow.

Play time at the park is good for kids, experts agree, as it helps battle the rising childhood obesity rate, contributes to mental wellness and offers beneficial social interaction for children living in urban areas that lack safe outdoor places to play.

(Please see the enclosed document on the importance of play and its effects on children)

MEDICAL EXPERTS:

Play and its effect on the body

Unstructured play in parks is crucial to wiping out childhood obesity, experts say. According to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a collaboration between the American Heart Association and the Bill Clinton Foundation, nearly one-third of all children today are considered overweight, leading to a plethora of other physical ailments, including Type 2 diabetes. Coupled with the fact that some 92 percent of U.S. schools have eliminated physical education all together, and another one-third provide no recess at all during the school day, the need for unstructured play in a safe space intensifies.

Play and its effect on the mind

Not only is play good for the growing body, but it’s also good for the developing mind. A healthy brain is promoted by unstructured play, according to a recent report published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Play allows children social interaction and creativity through exploration. Children who participate in unstructured play also display higher levels of confidence, develop stronger decision-making skills and are less prone to childhood depression, the report says.

"An experimental study found that fourth graders were more on-task, less fidgety and less disruptive in the classroom on days when they had recess, with hyperactive children among those who benefited most,” Olga Jarrett, a child development specialist at Georgia State University told peacefulplaygrounds.com. “Breaks are helpful, both for classroom management and discipline."

Play and its effect on urban children

Playgrounds are especially essential to kids living in large urban areas that are often void of safe outdoor areas. A report published by The Nature Conservancy last year said that the average child only spent an average of 30 minutes playing outdoors in an unstructured setting. That’s why Donald and Lisa Pliner are determined to raise the consciousness of playtime through the development of their new park.