Playscape or Playground?

What’s the Difference?

A playscape is more than a playground. Here we’ll talk a little about what the differences are and why we believe you’ll want to build a natural playscape at your site. We like to say that a playscape is “of” a place whereas a playground is “on” a place. Playscapes take into account the natural contours of a space and use the land as playable infrastructure. Playscapes are hand made on site. They are built from locally sourced materials and incorporate landscaping as play elements.

Playgrounds are installed on top of a space. Like modern roads,   they require an area to be flattened and subdued. Then an industrial product, usually made from non-renewable resources, is hauled onto the site and installed. Playgrounds are constructed from a selection of prescriptive parts. There is a “right” and a “wrong” way to play on a playground (Ask any adult watching how children use a slide).

Playscapes, being sculpted from natural materials, create a variety of play options inherent in their form. They are meant to be discovered and explored. Natural elements are not prescriptive. A tree stump is not “intended” for one purpose. Each person can determine if it is a seat, a landing pad, a podium or a stage.

Physical

Increases physical movement, balance, safe risk-taking, and coordination.

Social

Builds positive relationships, self-regulation, and sense of belonging.

Cognitive

Connects knowledge of the world to: language, numbers, problem solving, spatial relationships, and critical thinking.

What do you mean “natural”?

Natural materials are ecological, economical and ergonomic.

We use materials like cedar, locust, stone, and clay. Because our materials are sourced locally, they require less non-renewable resources to produce and transport. Using local materials means that we can pass the savings on to our customers. Organic and uneven shapes are a perfect match for bodies and senses. Play in the natural world requires a more full range of motion and ability, using stabilizer muscles and physical intuition not required on “traditional” playgrounds. Lastly, our natural materials age beautifully. Weathered wood and smooth stone create an aesthetic that can not be manufactured. 

 When we say natural, we also mean “native”. Native landscaping is part of the fun. There are a few reasons why we choose to incorporate native landscaping into our designs and installations. First, it makes good economic sense. Native landscaping is a smart investment because native plants require less maintenance over time. Native plants have spent millennia adapting themselves specifically for our region. They, literally, are made for this place. So, native plants will establish faster and require little to no pampering. They will thrive where they’re placed. 

Native plants build habitat too. Over the last century or so, as we have built our civilization around us, we have selected landscape elements that suit our preferred maintenance tools and schedules. We have removed native grasses and grasslands and replaced them with sterile lawns. We have chosen trees and shrubs for their ornamental value or availability in commercial markets. There is no malice in these choices but they have had some unintended and unfortunate consequences. Our homes, parks and schools are now distinctly separate from the “nature” that our bodies and spirit so desperately crave. The absence of native plants creates an absence of native food and shelter for our animals. This means no butterflies, birds or bunnies where we grow and play. Our natural playscapes create habitat for our native flora and fauna, while teaching our children through play about the world they inhabit. 

What does it cost?

We can create a micro-play element, or Path Playscape, for under $1,000. If you want to play around with the idea of natural playscapes by addding something small to your garden, trail or community corner then Path Play is right for you.

Adventure Playscape costs are on par with “traditional” playground installations. They age more beautifully and set your site apart from the competition. When you add native landscaping, which we always encourage, they create habitat and increase opportunities for learning.

Play Houses and Wow Play are designed and built to fulfill your natural play dreams. Our team is small and our network is large. No matter the scale, we are able to work with your budget and ambition.

Putting more natural playscapes into the world is always a success for us. We are willing to work alongside your team to reduce your costs, if you need.