From Slides to Sensors: How Technology is Changing the Playground
Author: Austin Stanfel
Few childhood spaces have transformed as rapidly as the playground. Once defined by metal slides, wooden seesaws, and sandbox castles, the modern playground now buzzes with light, sound, and data-driven interactivity. As communities invest in technology-integrated play spaces, the playground has
Playful Learning: Integrating SEL Into Every Recess
Author: Austin Stanfel
Social and emotional learning (SEL) thrives most when children have the freedom to explore, imagine, and connect and recess offers the perfect natural setting. For decades, this daily break from the classroom has been viewed primarily as a physical outlet. Today, educators
Building Inclusive Playgrounds That Go Beyond Accessibility
Author: Austin Stanfel
Building inclusive playgrounds that go beyond accessibility means designing spaces where every child, and every family member, truly belongs. These intentional spaces do more than meet standards for physical access; they nurture social inclusion, engagement, and a community-wide sense of welcome for
How Shade, Cooling, and Water Play Are Becoming Essentials
Author: Austin Stanfel
Shade, cooling elements, and water play are no longer just nice-to-have features in playgrounds and public recreational spaces – they are rapidly becoming essential components in modern, climate-conscious design. Rising global temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and increasing awareness of children’s health and
TikTok Playgrounds: How Social Media Trends Are Changing the Way Children Play
Author: Austin Stanfel
Social media has entered every facet of modern life, shaping culture, communication, and even the way children experience play. TikTok, with its fast-paced videos and viral trends, is now influencing playground environments in unexpected ways. These “TikTok playgrounds” reflect a growing trend
Innovative Climbing Structures for Playgrounds
Author: Austin Stanfel
Playgrounds have long been central to childhood play, providing spaces where children can explore, challenge themselves, and develop vital developmental skills. Among all types of playground equipment, climbing structures stand out as both timeless and constantly evolving. From traditional jungle gyms to