The playground located at Franklin Heights housing
projects at 317D January St. Murfreesboro, TN. The playground
is designed for appromixately ages 2yrs old to 8yrs old. I recently
conducted an inspection on September 24, 2004.
The inspection consisted of finding the strengths,
weaknesses, hazards, and goals for improvements at Franklin
Heights playground.
The strenghts at Franklin Heights playground are
that the playground is very large. The large size of the
playground allows the children plenty of space to play
without running in to each other. The size also,
allows for you to set up centers outside. Another strength
is that the entire playground is covered in at least 4" of mulch
which often prevents and secures alot of accidents. The
playground has a large tree in the middle which provides
alot of shade especially on hot days. The tree can also be used
in several different outdoor lessons and songs. Although, the
strengths are limited they are all very strong strengths that help
us provide a safe and fun learning environment.
The weaknesses at the Franklin Heights playground are
that the locks on the gates are broken which does not provide
a secure environment. The playground equipment is not age
appropiate for the ages they designed the playground for. Another
weakness is that the school shares the playground with the
neighborhood children. Often, the neighborhood children leave
trash, broken items, and do not take care of the equipment.
Although, the weaknesses at Franklin Heights playground are
are strong they are weaknesses that can be improved.
The hazards at Franklin Heights playground are the broken
pieces of glass. A teacher or assistant can inspect the playground
before the children go outside.
Goals for improving the safety and the environment of
Franklin Heights playground are having the locks on the gates
fixed. Possibly, providing a section of the playground for school
use only which would not allow the neighborhood children to
play. Also, removing any equipment that is not age appropriate
and replace the equipment that will provide safe fun for all ages
that the playground is designed for. The playground could also
get more equipment that will help and encourage their fine and
gross motor skills. That way the playground is not only a place
to play, but a place to learn.
Some ideas and suggestions for outdoor play are getting
a plastic storage container and fill with sand these way it can be
transported outside. You could also fill the container with water
and water toys to create an outside water table. Items that you
can find at the dollar store are bubbles which could be used
as a science outdoor lesson. Sidewalk chalk could be used
to have the children praticing writing, ABC's, and math!
Another idea is purchasing planters that the children can plant
things and watch them grow. Make sure the planters are light
enough to be transported indoors and outdoors. Paint can also
be used outdoors. You can get a large sheet of paper, spread it
out a hard surface, then allow the children to use their hands and
feet to paint. This can also teach them the different ways to paint.
Towels or surface mats can be used to set up centers on the
playground on pretty days. Clay is also another item that can
be used for outdoor play. You could have the children try to
mold some of the outdoor objects they see. A cardboard stage
could be used for outdoor dramatic play. You can allow the
children to perform puppet shows outdoors. Alot of items right
in your classroom can be used for fun and safe learning
environments outdoors.
The Franklin Heights playground has some postives and
negatives. Overall, the playground meets not only the legal
requirements, but the children's needs. Franklin Heights
playground provides a safe, healthy, and fun learning
environment.
