Author: A.Gortan, Citizen Journalist

It wasn’t long ago when a ‘natural playground’ was in fact the only playground. Modest additions such as a tire swing or sandbox, were enough to occupy children for hours with their imagination leading the way.

Over the years, however, nature has taken back seat to large, colourful, man-made structures that dominate landscapes of local parks and schools.

As safety standards and insurance requirements become increasingly stringent, many schools have lost their older playground equipment and are struggling to find suitable replacements.

According to School District 63, the province pays for playground equipment when constructing a new school, but does not extend that same funding to existing schools. Ultimately leaving the responsibility to individual schools to purchase their own equipment primarily through fundraising  – which is no easy task when one piece of equipment can cost 50,000.

So when considering ways to expand the play area at Prospect Lake Elementary, teachers and parents decided to use what nature had already provided. With sun drenched fields, an enchanted  forest and even a fish bearing stream; nature’s classroom was waiting to be discovered.

Staff chose to embark on a path that would allow students to become more connected to their environment through ‘hands on’ learning. “We believe this will allow students to become more engaged and self directed in their learning and will better prepare them for the future.” says Principal Mark Guiguet. “We hope they will develop a deeper understanding of the natural environment in which they live, thus allowing them to make more informed decisions in their adult lives.”

Their grounds plan has four phases, beginning with eight raised veggie beds, one for each class, with associated composting and working areas. The surrounding fence and garden shed were built with help from students and their families. Even the faux stained glass window at the top of the shed, was crafted by the Kindergarteners.

The second phase will include a natural playground using items like driftwood and rocks. Phase three will include sitting areas with benches, enhanced by indigenous trees and shrubs where students can work. The final phase will include a trail leading through the forest, where teachers can convene classes alongside a fish bearing stream.

The estimated cost is 40,000, less than one large play structure. The greater benefits, however, may be found in the well being of children. “Research shows that naturalized playgrounds provide more variety of play opportunities, supporting social interaction and physical development.” says Lindsay Coulter of the David Suzuki Foundation. “They also meet a child’s individual needs according to developmental stages, learning styles, personality types, friendship patterns, and culture.”

This type of ‘back to basics’ playgrounds is becoming increasingly popular, especially in urban areas where schools are looking for ways to de-stress their students and reconnect them with nature.

Ontario based Bienenstock Playgrounds, has designed over 150 natural playgrounds since 2008. CEO Adam Bienenstock believes that “eco-friendly natural playgrounds are the most important and intelligent choice you could make”, citing healthy benefits in areas such as physical development and community engagement.

Bienenstock’s sentiments are echoed by a University of Tennessee study that found natural playscapes are more beneficial than traditional playgrounds. Dr. Dawn Coe, an assistant professor with UT’s Department of Kinesiology, studied the students’ behavior on both traditional and natural playgrounds, discovering quite a contrast.

Dr. Coe says natural settings encourages more use of imagination, like “watering the flowers, pretending like they were animals running through the trees, so they seemed to be engaged in more active imaginative play.” She also mentions that natural playgrounds can be used by more children at once, therefore increasing physical activity and lowering costs.

Award-winning Canadian scientist, Dr. David Suzuki agrees. “Natural playgrounds should be the standard for all our playgrounds. They truly connect children with nature through play and are a sort of classroom for the next generation of environmental stewards.”

So as Prospect Lake Elementary continues to develop their own style of outdoor learning, they just might be sowing the seeds for other schools in the process.

Individuals or organizations interested in donating to Prospect Lake Elementary can contact Principal Mark Guiguet at 250-727-3314 or [email protected]

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