PAVING THE WAY, SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH PLAY
20 May 2015
A new and innovative playground design from Proludic on the recycling theme aims to raise awareness of our environmental responsibilities by engaging children in play.
Sustainability underpins decisions made within all local Shires and Councils and is a fundamental component of planning for future generations. What better way to raise awareness of our environmental responsibilities than by children engaging in play which is focused on the theme of recycling?
Proludic has designed and installed an innovative RECYCLING themed playground. The key messages that are communicated in the playground design are the reduction of waste, the measured use of finite resources and the protection of natural resources. Recycling involves using waste products to create either new primary materials or new products, and reinserting them into the cycle of life.
The RECYCLING themed playground area recreates a number of the steps found in the recycling process, allowing children and adults to learn whilst playing. There are different zones designed to be used by different age groups. Some areas are designed for energetic, moving play, and some areas are designed for quiet and sensory play. The playground also includes inclusive playground equipment so that ALL children can enjoy playing together.
Recycling themed logos have been incorporated into the rubber surfacing design of the playground to reinforce the recycling theme, and signs have been provided to explain the recycling process.
Features of the Recycling Playground include:
- Recycling bins: In the area for younger children there are two multi-play units representing 3 different kinds of recycling bins. The colours of the playground Recycling Bins represent the colours of real recycling bins used in the local area – blue for paper, yellow for plastic and green for glass. These multi-play units provide fun opportunities for climbing, balancing, sliding and gathering together. In the same area there are a number of Springers representing products that can be recycled: a battery, an apple, a bottle and a can.
- Recycling Truck: Lots of children can play together on the Recycling Truck that collects the waste products and transports them to the recycling plant. The Recycling Truck features numerous educational play panels linked to the recycling theme. The ramped access to the heart of the truck is suitable for users with mobility issues, including those in wheelchairs.
- Recycling Plant: A 6-metre high tower featuring a 3-metre high tube slide and challenging climbing activities represents the playground Recycling Plant. The Recycling Truck transports materials to The Recycling Plant where waste products are transformed into either new materials or new products. The Recycling Plant is a feature of the playground and can be seen from afar, helping to create a sense of excitement as children approach the playground.
Sustainable development is an important part of Proludic’s strategy. The company has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by obtaining international certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, AFAQ 2600 and recently PEFC certification. Our new Recycling themed playground takes our commitment to sustainability to a whole new level!
For more information about our Recycling themed play equipment, or assistance with your unique playground project please contact Proludic at info@proludic.com.au or 02 9485 8700.