KidSense Pilot Yard
Location: Pontchartrain and
Tchefuncte Schools

Date: July 10, 2008

Basic Parameters: site is 70x75 with curved bounding wall to the south.  Full enclosure on three sides.

Pontchartrain Playground Concepts

1) 5’- wide concrete pathway
When the sidewalk is poured, the joints should be spaced so that tile, flat river stones and other decorative elements can be embedded. While the surface will remain flat, the visual interest and patterns will add interest and even offer teaching moments…in questioning an animal track or a geometric design.

2) Exterior rooms for equipment pieces
Each piece of equipment should be placed in a “room” defined by plants that not only offer a sense of protection, but also soften the edges of the space and offer alternative place experiences

3) Seating under an arbour
This bench or porch swings commands a view of the whole playground but is also a sheltered place; in the child’s imagination it can become a playhouse or boat.

4) Rock Wall Tunnel
The rock wall tunnel is placed under the oak tree for shade. The surface will need protection from the sun. Children will find private quiet places under the oak tree and the rock wall tunnel. All surfaces that are not explicitly defined as fall zones should be grass.

5) Pathway Tunnel
The pathway tunnel is a series of metal arches, placed about 2’ apart that allow vines to grow creating a sense of a covered tunnel but allowing teachers to see the children at all times. Wheelchairs as well tricycles can ride through it.

6) The Overlook climbing structure (view rendering)
The Overlook climbing structure is the centrepiece of the playground.
The rubber tiles that provide a safe surface and wheelchair accessibility should be laid out so that there are defined entrances with plantings (a mix of flowers & grasses) to soften the edges. The raised planting beds offer wheelchair children a chance to dig  & plant flowers and vegetables.

7) Curved class-sized benches are perfect for outdoor instructional time. 
They also offer those who tire easily a comfortable seat away from the action, while still being in the midst of things…a sunny spot to recoup.

8) The Hill
Really a gentle knoll covered in grass that allows children to run up and roll down. On one side a shallow depression creates the illusion of a cave, but keeps the child in view of the teachers.

9) The Groves
A densely planted cluster of crape myrtles give children a space to design their own imaginary world.

10) The Multi-Sensory Wall
The existing wall offers a great opportunity to add some sensory delight to the playground expanding the mural to include 3 dimensional relief with the use of tiles, mirrors, castings and even manipulative such as wheels to turn, cranks, pulleys and levers that make the dock area in the mural come to life. Braille messages written in stones can be decoded with the help of a friend or the permanent Braille alphabet key.

 11) The Balance Beam
The placing of equipment should balance the sequence of activity, allowing children to transition from one activity to the next, from active to passive, from equipment to natural forms and spaces. From the balance beam, children can run around the trees or sit quietly in the shade.

12) The Jet Ski Rider
Just outside the door, the jet ski is surrounded with plants that mimic the edge of a lake… allowing the child’s imagination to create their own play experience.