SIK-Holz_Schulhof_2016_en

10
SIK-Holz® › Play and Movement Area
Sedentary lifestyles are the biggest problem of our health care
system. Obesity, motor weaknesses and an underdeveloped
sense of balance are the consequence, already in childhood.
A major requirement for the conversion or new design
of school yards must therefore be a high number of opportunities
for playing and movement. A schoolyard which offers
many possibilities for movement can contribute decisively to
the quality of the school. This requires an elaborate area layout,
which allows a large number of interactions. Movement
can be encouraged in a variety of ways. Small landscaping
measures and different types of surfaces can help developing
a range of play forms. But smooth, paved surfaces also have
their charm. They are suitable for ground and ball games
during the breaks as well as for skateboarding and streetball
in the afternoon. Slopes invite running up and down again.
Combining them with bridges, beams or ropes results in a
wide array of play paths. Stairs that lead to a higher or deeper
plateau are also a basic element of encouraging movement in a
schoolyard. For this purpose, the classical stair dimensions can
vary in height and width in order to increase attention.
The arrangement of play equipment must fit the overall
picture of the schoolyard. Interestingly designed climbing
structures, taking into account the age structure, can both
encourage movement as well as invite to relax on high-level
platforms. In any case, the equipment should be designed in a
way that allows access for as many children as possible.
Varying surface coverings make a schoolyard come
alive. The choice of cover must be in accordance with the
function of the surface. Grass, for example, is only suitable
on larger areas. Pavement is appropriate where a high user
frequency exists and gravel or wood chips are suitable as fall
protection material under play structures.