How to Grow a Playspace ─ Development and Design

How to Grow a Playspace takes you through a global perspective of the different stages of child development and the environments that engage children in play around the world. From the urbanity of Mumbai; to rainbow nets in Japan; nature play in Denmark; recycling waste in Peru; community building in Uganda; play streets in London and gardens of peace in Palestine, How to Grow A Playspace proves that no matter where play occurs, it is ubiquitous in its resourcefulness, imagination and effect.

Written by leading international academics, designers and playworkers in the field of play, How to Grow A Playspace discusses contemporary issues around children and play, from risky play to creativity and technology, to insights into children’s thinking, social inclusion and what makes a city child-friendly.

With its own ‘Potting Shed’, this text is also a practical guide to support playspace projects with advice on teams, budgets, community engagement, maintenance and standards. How to Grow A Playspace is a comprehensive ‘go-to’ guide for anyone interested or involved with children’s play and playspaces.

Katherine Masiulanis (AILA) is a Landscape Architect based in Melbourne, Australia. She has been working on the design of play environments since 1998 in various capacities, allowing her to complete many award winning designs. She has a particular interest in providing well balanced natural playspaces and the enrichment of play with sculptural and artistic elements. She has previously published The Milk of Female Kindness --- an Anthology of Honest Motherhood, under a pen name.

Elizabeth Cummins is a Landscape Architect based in Ballarat, Australia. A former early childhood teacher, she has worked in education and design for more than 20 years. Her practice Bricolage Design works across the disciplines of design and writing, with a focus on play environments for children. Work in the Arts and Museum Sector has also influenced her work and in 2013 she published in Landscape Architecture Australia on the public art project Everything But Walk. She has recently contributed to a publication for Play Australia on Risk Benefit Assessment for playspaces due to be published in July 2014.