The most exciting thing about the Hands on Nature Anarchy Zone at the Ithaca Children's Garden is how the play team talks about the playground as a space that is evolving. They are observing and responding to the kids and families of Ithaca, finding their footing with the practice of playwork, and experimenting with sustainable models for employing regular, well trained playwork staff.
Like Plas Madoc (home to The Land), Ithaca is a very playful community, and for that reason, the AZ is an exciting and inspiring model in the US. Peter Gray makes important points in this piece, essential critiques that the AZ would probably not deny. But as Suzanna Law aptly states, we can't go "from zero to chainsaw." And in the spirit of Bob Hughes, the defining quality of a good playspace should be CHANGE.
The Anarchy Zone is constantly changing. It is staffed and informed by Playwork. It is a baby, 2 years old, in the right place at the right time. Pay attention! It's the real deal.
New Deadline! Tuesday, September 30, 2014.
We've received dozens of photos from throughout Europe and want even more!
Any era, anywhere in the world. See below for details. x
Attention! The Land documentary seeks still photographs of adventure playgrounds from around the world, from any era, for possible inclusion in the upcoming film.
If you have pictures up your sleeve, please email up to 3 high resolution images of your favorite adventure play site to erin [at] playfreemovie [dot] com with the following information:
- The name of the playground (as it is known to the children).
- The city where it's located.
- The year the playground was established.
- To whom should we credit the photo.
Deadline: Friday September 19, 2014. But don't wait, send them today! Now extended!
Direct questions to erin [at] playfreemovie [dot] com. Play on!
(Adorable) evidence that play is an ancient behavior essential to the survival of the species, and getting girls. Featuring a cameo-of-sorts from George Clooney.
Why do we humans like to play so much? Play sports, play tag, play the stock market, play Duck Duck Goose? We love it all. And we're not the only ones. Dogs, cats, bears, even birds seem to like to play. What are we all doing? Is there a point to it all?
And thank you, of course to Katie Couric! It is such an honor to be on the show and share the story of The Land. Have a great week, all!
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Taking risks is essential if a child is going to learn about the true nature of life on earth. Risk, in play as in life, is not only unavoidable, it is everywhere.
Bob Hughes, Evolutionary Playwork.
We are officially one degree of separation from ELMO, wee!!
Watch this! Vibrant, funny, gnarly and real -- a delightful kindred spirit. Play on!
