Jungle Gym Or Brain Gym? - child development and physical activity

Parks & Recreation, June, 2000 by Teresa B. Hendy

The means used to get off of the play structure often are more fun than those taken to get on it. Kids of all ages love the sensation of moving freely through space as they slide down a slide or pole. Manufacturers of playground equipment are offering a tremendous variety of sliding opportunities to satisfy the thrill-seeking child. But, all of this fun is also beneficial, as sliding devices are great sources of movement that provide developmental growth as well as pure enjoyment.

Slides, like access devices and climbers, should be developmentally appropriate for the age group using the equipment. Children naturally seek out height; however, long, high spiral slides should not be used on a play structure for very young children because a toddler may not have developed enough strength and balance in his or her torso to remain erect while sliding. They may, in fact, tumble head over heels down the bedway. Again, consider the developmental abilities of the age of the intended user. A double-wide or a two-bedway slide is less challenging because it enables a caregiver to slide down beside a child that may need a little extra help or encouragement. Safety considerations, such as access/ egress traffic patterns--especially for very young children or children with mobility impairments--are vital, yet often overlooked by equipment manufacturers, purchasers, and designers alike.

Developing Strength (Physical and Mental)

Upper body strength building equipment, such as horizontal ladders, ring treks, and track rides are often the subject of debate--particularly in regard to whether or not they are appropriate to be used in a preschool environment. This type of apparatus builds muscle groups that are not often exercised during daily activities. A strong back and torso are important to keep the spine straight and to provide the proper support for the vertebrae. Upper body equipment also helps to develop spatial awareness, midline laterality, and eye-hand coordination. Good upper body strength and eye-hand coordination are vitally important to the child's overall physical and mental development, and fear of injury should not inhibit playground owners from installing this type of equipment. Instead, consider the age group using the devices, the height of the device, its location within the play structure, and what type of surfacing material is under the device. Through careful attention to how and where these devices are located and by maintaining the surfacing beneath them, the major sources of injury associated with this equipment use can be substantially decreased or eliminated.

Children can be introduced to upper body development at an early age without putting them at risk of injury. By placing a turning bar 30-36 inches from the surfacing material, a two-year-old can grab the bar and lift his or her feet off of the ground with minimal risk. Once they learn how it feels to support their weight with their hands, they will quickly progress to swinging their feet. Two trapeze rings located at about the same height with a very short amount of chain enables young children to grasp the ring, swing, and spin freely, giving them a sense of control, while minimizing the risk of falling. There are levels of challenge associated with upper body devices and it is important to provide a good variety of this type of equipment. As the child learns to master the upper body devices that are scaled down to their size, they will be more prepared to tackle apparatus intended for the school-age child.