Photo Credit: Courtesy of City of Safety Harbor
The trees that children used to climb freely in the woods a generation ago have since been replaced by manufactured playgrounds. With this limited interaction to pure nature, how does one convey the importance of environmental responsibility? How does one begin to show kids what a large impact a little recycling and environmental thinking can do? What’s the best way to convert such a complex issue to the level of a preschooler? The city of Safety Harbor in Florida and its recreation department have found one important way to make sustainable, healthy habits fun--an eco-friendly playground!
The city’s original recreation venue--the Rigsby Center--has had the same metal school-bus play structure with wood seats and ground-up tires for more than 15 years. It was time for a new playground. After a needs-assessment and an evaluation of other playgrounds throughout the city, it was determined the new playground would focus on preschool growth and development.
When Project Innovations proposed building a new age-appropriate playground with a lower environmental impact, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board could not resist. What better way to educate the citizens of tomorrow than through play?