Shades and snails and bicycle trails...

Just like a home or building, a playground should have curb appeal. Not only is the playground one of the first parts of your center that prospective clients will see, it's also the place where your teachers and children will spend much of their time. Consider these elements of your outdoor play spaces:

• Fencing: is it secure? Sturdy? Attractive?
• Walkways and bike paths: are they wide enough for the traffic? Do they disrupt play or enhance it? Is the surfacing safe for new walkers, trike riders, and groups of children?
• Benches and picnic tables: Are there secure spots where children and teachers can sit to rest, observe, reflect, and engage in quiet play?
• Plants, shrubs, and trees: Are the natural elements of your playground in good health? Are they toxic?
• Children's Gardens: Do you have enough nature in your play area? Do children have places to dig, plant, and watch things grow?
• Drainage Issues: Are there times of the year when your playground is unusable due to mud or standing water?
• Lawns: Are your lawns attractive and vital? Are there bare patches around children's high-use short-cuts? Would your center benefit from artificial turf?
• Shade: Do you have trees or structures which provide shady escape from the hot sun?
• Storage: Do you have structures or nooks that protect play equipment from the elements or vandalism when not in use?
• Topography: is your playground entirely flat, or are there natural and/or man-made slopes to increase interest and encourage physical challenges?
• Supervision: Do any physical aspects of your playground make it difficult for teachers to observe all children at once?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, your program might benefit from a consultation with one of our experts.