Comments for PlayGroundology

Comment on UK’s National Trust an International Treasure for Kids by Nigel Boldero

Nigel Boldero — Sat, 18 May 2013 13:36:10 +0000

Reblogged this on Old School Garden.

Comment on The Playgroundologist Is In by see-saw — DeepFUN

see-saw — DeepFUN — Thu, 02 May 2013 11:34:49 +0000

[...] live the see-saw,” writes our favorite Playgroundologist, “respect their right to rise, fall and rise [...]

Comment on Teetering on the Brink of Extinction? by xelaboy

xelaboy — Thu, 02 May 2013 09:06:31 +0000

Nigel, thx for teeter-tottering this along…. Cheers

Comment on Teetering on the Brink of Extinction? by Nigel Boldero

Nigel Boldero — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:58:20 +0000

Reblogged this on Old School Garden.

Comment on Working Off Second Breakfast with a Bit of Play Hobbit Style by xelaboy

xelaboy — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:47:16 +0000

Right, thx RD – where were these when we were young. The rocketship was good fun in Toronto. Cheers, Alex

Comment on Working Off Second Breakfast with a Bit of Play Hobbit Style by herodunlop

herodunlop — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:42:47 +0000

Alex

Pretty good this one

Comment on PlayGroundology’s Roots by xelaboy

xelaboy — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 07:35:29 +0000

Hi Amy, there are quite a few nice playgrounds in Sorel. It doesn’t matter the time of year we always get out to a few few when we visit. Keep up the good work on your blog. Cheers, Alex

Comment on The Unbearable Lightness of Swinging by xelaboy

xelaboy — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 07:29:50 +0000

Hi Rita, it was a fun one to write (well they all are actually). I think we all love a good swing – calming and exhilarating all at the same time.

Comment on The Unbearable Lightness of Swinging by xelaboy

xelaboy — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 07:28:15 +0000

Hi Terri, glad you enjoyed it. Nothing like a good swing – doesn’t matter if you’re 6 or 60. Cheers

Comment on The Unbearable Lightness of Swinging by terri

terri — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:49:31 +0000

Alex
I really enjoyed reading this. sure to get to a playground soon. Terri

Comment on The Unbearable Lightness of Swinging by Rita Watts

Rita Watts — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:50:57 +0000

Love this post, Alex! We have written about the Red Swing Project in The Play & Playground Encyclopedia!

Comment on PlayGroundology’s Roots by amykelly03

amykelly03 — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:57:09 +0000

Wow. Those are such pretty playgrounds. I feel like I never see those cool rope climbing walls anymore!

Comment on PlayGroundology’s Roots by xelaboy

xelaboy — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 17:54:16 +0000

Hi Nigel, thanks for the tips on those sites and photos. I’ll be sure and check out your work. I always enjoy connecting with people who help make play for children possible. Just 3 celsius here now in Canada’s Far East with wind whipping up from Halifax Harbour. The skies are blue and birds are returning to nest. I can almost taste spring. Cheers

Comment on PlayGroundology’s Roots by Nigel Boldero

Nigel Boldero — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 17:41:27 +0000

Hi Alex- feel free to use the garlanded child pic as I got this from a Facebook share. The other one is from ‘outdoor nation’ – see themk on facebook, as i think the site might interest you- you’ll need to check copyright on that one. Have you taken a look at my own play area designs?;)

Comment on PlayGroundology’s Roots by xelaboy

xelaboy — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 17:38:19 +0000

Nigel – thanks for the reblog. Love that photo of the 3 kids looking out of the hollowed trunk of tree and the other one with the necklace of grass. Are they yours? Would I be able to use them on my PlayGroundology FB Page and credit you? Cheers, Alex

Comment on PlayGroundology’s Roots by Nigel Boldero

Nigel Boldero — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 17:35:22 +0000

Hi- enjoyed your post. The snow is just about leaving us here in Norfolk, UK, spring is in the air (if a little late). I’ve featured some of the play landscape designs/projects I’ve completed in the UK on my blog ‘Old School Garden’- you might be interested to take a look (see page on play landscapes and search this term for examples)- http://www.audaxdesign.co.uk

Comment on PlayGroundology’s Roots by Nigel Boldero

Nigel Boldero — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 17:31:29 +0000

Reblogged this on Old School Garden.

Comment on As the Worm Turns by xelaboy

xelaboy — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:47:44 +0000

Bob, Thanks for your comments. I’m a glass half full guy. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how this rolls out. I know I’d like my kids to be able to give it a whirl. In fact, I’d like to give it a try too. Hope you’ll be back for more PlayGroundology. Cheers, Alex

Comment on As the Worm Turns by xelaboy

xelaboy — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:44:33 +0000

Bob, thanks for your comments. I’m a glass half full guy. We’ll just have to wait and see how it all rolls out. I know I’d like my kids to be able to give it a whirl. I’d like to give it a try myself. Cheers, hope you’ll be back for more PlayGroundology.

Comment on Playful Play Advocacy from Isle of Man by xelaboy

xelaboy — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 10:22:36 +0000

My sentiments exactly. What a campaign!

Comment on Playful Play Advocacy from Isle of Man by readingwithrhythm

readingwithrhythm — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 03:55:13 +0000

I love this guy!!

Comment on As the Worm Turns by Bob

Bob — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 04:25:04 +0000

For sure, I would love to see the Museums response to this structure a week or two after it has been installed, especially if they put it on a hard surface like the photo suggests. Here is what most probably will happen, no, for sure what will happen. First, they will find they have to provide several monitors at all times to control the flow of children inside the tubes for both direction volume and certain confrontations between children and even parents.. They will probably need to cut out a lot more holes in the tubes for both light, egress opportunities, especially when children get trapped or start to freakout and yell in panic, also for air movement and oven like temperatures inside when the weather gets really warm. Will need to provide a method to clean up after rain showers, children who get sick or have accidents, plus an unplaned for and expensive canopy to control the weather. As for the outside surface that kids will climb on, probably it’s best feature besides the esthetics, a good cleaner to take off the countless shoe marks and possible graffity both inside and out if not in a secure location. Then in a couple of years, if this piece is still in place and not roped off, the problem of the bright plastic colors fading. Truely, with some modifications and indoor placement this piece might have a chance , but out doors and not supervised at all times, not a chance in the world, in the USA anyway.

Comment on As the Worm Turns by xelaboy

xelaboy — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 08:41:34 +0000

Thanks for the reblog. If you go down to visit the installation, I would love to run a little video on my PlayGroundology FB Page. Keep me in mind. Cheers, Alex

Comment on As the Worm Turns by nades3

nades3 — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:57:46 +0000

Reblogged this on The Pittsburgh Mommy Blog and commented:
More information on the new play structure being installed outside of the Carnegie Museum of Art these days

Comment on Art as Play – The Indoors – Outdoors Playground by xelaboy

xelaboy — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 23:13:37 +0000

Thanks for the reblog Elizabeth. I like what you're featuring on your Mental Flowers blog. I love the balloons. Cheers, Alex

Comment on Art as Play – The Indoors – Outdoors Playground by scientiste

scientiste — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 20:37:14 +0000

Reblogged this on Mental Flowers and commented: This blog post is from two years ago but still relevant...

Comment on March2Work is a March4Play by xelaboy

xelaboy — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 16:16:57 +0000

Hi and thanks for your kind words. I just started looking through your site and this truly looks like an adventure with a cause. Wish you all well and will be following your progress. Nearly 40 years ago, I was part of a Canada World Youth exchange to Sénégal. It was the experience of a lifetime. In a couple of weeks I’m heading to Montreal and I’ll get to hang with one of my good buddies from that time, Moussa. He moved to Canada nearly 30 years ago and we were partnered during the exchange – friends for life. All the best to you.

Comment on March2Work is a March4Play by Heather Alicia

Heather Alicia — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 14:00:49 +0000

So excited to discover your website this morning! We are about to build our playground in the Project Somos Children’s Village here in Guatemala. We value play for the well-being and healing of kids and are thoughtfully thinking about all facets and details of the playground.

Comment on March2Work is a March4Play by xelaboy

xelaboy — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 08:46:31 +0000

Amy, thanks for your comment and for reading PlayGroundology. I hope the class project blog is a success. I’ll be dropping in to see what you’re writing about. March2Work is a great campaign that Chris has started on the Isle of Man. It’s imaginative, fun and has great objectives re raising awareness of the value of outdoor play and safe routes to playspaces and schools. Tell more people about March2Work and I hope you’ll be back to check more stories on the PlayGroundology blog. Check the Facebook Page by the same name too. Cheers, Alex

Comment on March2Work is a March4Play by amykelly03

amykelly03 — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 03:22:07 +0000

Even though I am blogging as a class project, I have found an interest in promoting healthy play for children. This campaign is great! Not only does it help children, but also adults! I truly believe we’ve all lost touch with play and having fun without gadgets and intricate toys is seemingly impossible. Even though this is in Europe, I feel like it relates to life here in the U.S. Hopefully one day children will learn and be re-introduced to the importance of play!

http://helpkidsplay.wordpress.com/

Amy

Comment on March2Work is a March4Play by xelaboy

xelaboy — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:55:04 +0000

The first video with the scooter was a nice piece – good tunes, good scenes. Cheers, Alex

Comment on March2Work is a March4Play by xelaboy

xelaboy — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:54:02 +0000

I’m about a 40 minute bus and ferry commute to work so I’d have to get up mighty early, well in advance of the crack of dawn, to support Chris’ excellent campaign. But I have been thinking of doing it for part of the trip. Funnily enough my transport of choice, if I get it together, will be a scooter which Chris rolled on for his inaugural day this year. Bravo Chris – great campaign!

Comment on March2Work is a March4Play by xelaboy

xelaboy — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:25:31 +0000

Thanks Cathy, always love to hear from you lot over at Play England. Even though there is that pond separating us, I feel like we are kindred spirits. The work that you’re doing through your organization and in partnership with others is really inspirational. Chris’ campaign is the best!!! Cheers, Alex

Comment on March2Work is a March4Play by Cath Prisk - Play England

Cath Prisk - Play England — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 20:08:47 +0000

Lovely blog, we love what Chris is doing! Great interview too. We’ve just posted at our Love Outdoor Play blog over at http://loveoutdoorplay.net/2013/03/04/how-could-you-march2work/.

Keep up the good work!

Comment on March2Work is a March4Play by How could you March2Work? | Love Outdoor Play

How could you March2Work? | Love Outdoor Play — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 20:03:08 +0000

[...] If you’d like to know more about Chris and hear a great interview with him by the lovely blogger Playgroundology then go over to http://playgroundology.wordpress.com/2013/02/28/march2work-is-a-march4play/ [...]

Comment on March2Work is a March4Play by janeplayengland

janeplayengland — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 20:14:17 +0000

Go Chris … I think we should all follow suit and March2play … and send Chris our viedo’s etc … Keep on the good work!

Comment on March2Work is a March4Play by readingwithrhythm

readingwithrhythm — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 16:15:24 +0000

I watched his videos last year. They were so much fun!! Can’t wait to watch again!

Comment on Are the Kids in Monterey, California Getting Railroaded? by xelaboy

xelaboy — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:24:56 +0000

Hi Mr. Trainman and thanks for your thoughts on this. I know there is a group of people in Monterey who really want to the train stay on site at Dennis the Menace Playground. It is one of the last remaining vestiges of awesomeness at this formerly incredible playground.

Comment on War or Peace by xelaboy

xelaboy — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:22:31 +0000

Hi Daniel, good to hear from you. I think this is one of those areas where there is no right or wrong. Certainly a child’s parents are big determinants in shaping perspectives around these issues.

How is everything with you? Cheers, Alex

Comment on War or Peace by Daniel Bigler

Daniel Bigler — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:25:13 +0000

Hey, awesome; I’ve totally been to that airplane playscape in Copenhagen! It was indeed really terrific — and just bombarded with children playing imaginatively when I was there. (Plus, as far as I recall, not a single young mass murderer-in-training in sight!)

If I remember correctly it was also near a super-cool pirate ship-y sort of playscape, which was similarly well-used by children. This post does really make me ponder, though: why is it that as adults, we accept certain kinds of “violent” play without a second thought — for example, when kids play pirates, or cowboys and Indians, or even zombies — yet when kids play “war,” with pretend guns instead of more subtle forms of pretend weaponry and violence, we wig out? Is it the immediacy of the imagery? Is it simply not thinking through what these forms of play might actually represent for kids?

Boy, it feels like we really know how to adulterate play for kids….

Comment on Are the Kids in Monterey, California Getting Railroaded? by douglas e petersen

douglas e petersen — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 12:55:18 +0000

id like to see 1285 restored to operation and used for a run between santa cruz and felton california.im not against denace the menace park but fun shouldn,t be mean or malicious in intend i hope something can be worked out for the future of everyone and no one losessigned a railfan edwin

Comment on Paris Serves Up Les Halles Playground – Terrain d’aventures by xelaboy

xelaboy — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 17:00:08 +0000

Thanks Andy for dropping by. Some nice work you’re pointing to with that link. Cheers, Alex

Comment on Paris Serves Up Les Halles Playground – Terrain d’aventures by Andy

Andy — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 13:03:43 +0000

the roots spread outwards, but still grass is better than wetpour.

http://grassrootsplay.com/projects/playground_equipment for some nice examples of natural playgrounds with trees

Comment on Dennis is Dead, Long Live Dennis by xelaboy

xelaboy — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 00:17:14 +0000

Thanks so much Tina for sharing some of your memories of the helicopter of death. Not too many pieces of equipment like that in playgrounds these days. In North America, they’re probably extinct. Would you be kind enough to drop us another comment whe you get the new photos posted? Cheers, Alex

Comment on Just Play by xelaboy

xelaboy — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:53:59 +0000

Hi Jane, thx for dropping in. How about sending out a tweet on #lovinplay for Valentine’s Day? Cheers, Alex

Comment on Dennis is Dead, Long Live Dennis by Tina

Tina — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 07:07:00 +0000

I did get to play on that helicopter of death, as did my father. I really wish my child would have had the chance to do so too! I couldn’t agree more – all the litigation non-sense has had huge contributions to the obesity issue. For crying out loud, how else is a kid supposed to learn about physics!

I remember having to jump on that thing as the big kids were spinning it faster and faster. I remember missing more than once, and winding up in the sand below. You just got up, dusted yourself off, climbed back up the wall, and tried again! No wonder today’s kids are so dang whiny. Not only are they bored and sedentary, they are not being taught patience to “try, try again” because of not being allowed to play on challenging equipment. Sooo many lessons in that one play structure alone.

I’m going through a lot of my dad’s old photos now – I’m hoping to find more of the park pre-1988 to add to the fb page!

Comment on Just Play by janeplayengland

janeplayengland — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:18:50 +0000

Play Play .. and more play whooop whooop!

Comment on The Playground Paradise Principle – Malmö, Sweden by Where the Wild Things Grow » Rainbow slide in Sweden

Where the Wild Things Grow » Rainbow slide in Sweden — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 06:13:29 +0000

[...] here’s a link to Alex Smith’s post on Playgroundology about the other awesome playgrounds in Malmo. Actually just go read his post about all the themed [...]

Comment on Remembrance of Things Past – Playing in London by xelaboy

xelaboy — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 01:34:14 +0000

Thanks for the comment Dave. Variety is the spice of life – in playgrounds too I think.

Comment on Remembrance of Things Past – Playing in London by dave w

dave w — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 17:29:41 +0000

I do remember those rounded top bricks in a playground when i was a kid. They had a few enclosures like that and a X shape that was stepped. If i remember correctly it continued into a mini maze/course that you could walk on the top and have to step from wall to wall. All would be illegal and probably constitute child abuse now.