Partners through Playgrounds

Building a Play Community

Abstract

Play is an integral part of young children’s physical and cognitive development. Outdoor play has been shown to have numerous physical and mental benefits for children. The Partners through Playgrounds program was a collaborative effort among university, Head Start, and community members to transform a traditional playground into a natural playscape. This program demonstrates the ability of a community to transform a playground on limited funding. Donations, volunteerism, and a strong community presence were major components in the renovation. The purpose of this report is to illustrate strategies and community efforts to improve young children’s outdoor environments.