TORONTO, May 12 /CNW/ - Children at the YMCA High Park Child Care Centre will be introduced to their new natural playground today, inspiring them to explore their world in a different way. The playground lets kids connect with their environment by providing a safe play space that uses natural elements such as mature trees, fallen logs, flowers, hills, valleys and boulders.
The YMCA has opened seven natural playgrounds across the GTA in the past year and plans to open more in 2009. Unlike traditional play structures, natural playgrounds encourage children to explore nature and use their imagination, whether it is by watching insects build homes or planting and nurturing a living creature.
"Natural playgrounds fit perfectly with the YMCA's Playing to Learn curriculum because they allow us to give children the opportunity to learn through creative, interactive, sensory play," said Jillian Sewell, YMCA Child Care Development Manager. "As a charity there is also a financial benefit since these play spaces are cost-effective and have long-term sustainability."
The cost of building a natural playground is comparable to that of a traditional play structure; however the maintenance fees are significantly lower. A natural playground's lifespan can last up to 30 years while traditional equipment must be replaced approximately every five years.
"My child is fascinated by the natural playground at the YMCA because it's always changing and evolving," said parent Elaine Belore. "Gabriel comes home and tells me all about what new bugs he discovered that day."
Since not everyone has easy access to fields and forests, particularly in the city, natural playgrounds use elements such as tree stumps for seating, vertical logs for forts, and slides embedded in hills which lowers the rate of playground injuries. The use of indigenous plants and local materials in the creation of the play space also lowers its carbon footprint.
Natural playgrounds promote social inclusivity by offering accessibility to people of all abilities, fitness levels, intelligence, creativity, cultures, and genders.
"Traditional playgrounds have one focus while natural playgrounds promote open-ended play and support the full development of the child," said Adam Bienenstock, Founder and Principal Designer, Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds - the organization that created the playground. "Not only is nature a fun place to play, it is proven time and time again that children who interact with nature have enhanced mental capacities, better motor control, larger imaginations and greater creativity."
About the YMCA of Greater Toronto
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a dynamic charity connecting with more than 400,000 people at 235 locations across the GTA to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities. For 155 years, the YMCA has been promoting positive values that build spirit, mind and body. Mirroring the regions diversity, the YMCA welcomes everyone regardless of their background, experiences, or circumstances. Through the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, we strive to ensure no one is turned away because of an inability to pay. The YMCA, in partnership with more than 250 organizations and over 3,500 volunteers, offers a variety of programs responding to the needs of the community, including employment, education and newcomer programs, youth outreach, health, fitness and recreation, youth in need of housing, international programs, child care, and camps. www.ymcagta.org
About Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds
Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds are built by Gardens for Living Inc., a full service design and build playground company. The playgrounds create opportunities for all our children to play and learn. They engage the child in full by using natural features and elements such as rolling green landscapes, mature trees, slides embedded in hills, amphitheatres, garden beds, fallen logs, tree stumps for seating and tables, vertical logs for forts, musical instruments, art walls and other components for a wide range of open-ended play options for children. Current clients include the YMCA, Jasper National Park, Toronto Community Housing Corporation with upcoming projects in Canada, USA and the UK. www.naturalplaygrounds.ca
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For further information: Stephanie Hurley/Celecia Partap, YMCA of Greater Toronto, (416) 413-1020 ext. 2339/(647) 588-6800, Stephanie.hurley@ymcagta.org/Celecia.partap@ymcagta.org; Bruce Sudds, Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds, (416) 931-3643, bruce@naturalplaygrounds.ca
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