1. Community Playgrounds
Second Grade
Art

2. Designing Playgrounds
A person who designs buildings and environments is called an architect.
Architects that specialize in designing spaces for the outdoors, such as parks
and gardens are called landscape architects.

3. Some landscape architects are experts at designing playgrounds
Some landscape architects are experts at designing playgrounds. Their job is to plan where the playground will be, what kind of equipment will be built, and how to make the area look pleasing and inviting.

4. Playground designers need to think about who will be using the area
Playground designers need to think about who will be using the area. Will the playground be for toddlers, older children, or both? What type of features should it have? A sandbox? Fountain? Benches for grown-ups? What safety features need to be considered?

5. This is the Stadium Place Playground in Baltimore City
This is the Stadium Place Playground in Baltimore City. The designers for this playground met with children and parents to discuss what they wanted to have included in their playground.
Can you find some clues in the playground that tell you this playground is in Baltimore, Maryland?

6. There’s even a Baltimore street in the playground!

7. What 3-dimensional geometric shapes do you see?
Can you find straight lines? Diagonal? Vertical? Curved?

8. Imagine that you are a playground designer
Imagine that you are a playground designer. What would you include in your playground? Who would use your playground? How would you make the playground look attractive? What special features will your design include?

9. You can make playground equipment and structures by folding, bending, curling and fringing paper.

10. Recycled materials such as boxes, paper towel tubes, and paper cups can be combined and painted to create more playground forms.

11. How will visitors to your playground use the sculpture?
Finally you can use Model Magic to create a special sculpture for your playground.
How will visitors to your playground use the sculpture?
Alexander Kinderkunst
Niki de Saint Phalles Playground
Tom Otterness
Click on the links above to see some special playground sculptures