THE LEAFLET

Everyone has childhood memories of playing on a playground, but what’s fascinating is how each generation remembers those playgrounds looking completely different. That’s because the history of playground design, though brief, has gone through several iterations.

Early playgrounds featured basic metal equipment with little green space. Adults today might remember the scorch of a metal slide on the back of their legs as they wiggled down the sticky, lava-hot surface. The mid-20th century saw “adventure playgrounds” and novelty designs, still with limited natural elements. Safety concerns in the 1980s-90s led to standardized equipment and the introduction of mulch as a softer and more natural ground choice. And now modern playgrounds increasingly incorporate natural materials, trees, and green spaces. This shift reflects a growing emphasis on creating inclusive, environmentally integrated play areas that blend equipment with nature, moving away from the equipment-focused designs of the past century.

As pointed out in our 2023 Tree Report Card, urban playgrounds are vital spaces for children’s development, but many lack a crucial element: nature. The integration of trees and green spaces in these areas is not just aesthetically pleasing; it’s essential for the health and well-being of our youngest citizens.

A recent Washington Post article focused on a national trend and movement to rid schoolyards of their concrete and replace them with vibrant, green play spaces. Schools across Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and New York have caught on to an issue already identified here in Washington, DC. In our 2023 Tree Report Card, we compiled canopy data from every DC school – public, charter, and private. We found that school tree canopy averages 13%, far below the overall DC average of 37%.

Many urban playgrounds resemble asphalt jungles, with little to no natural elements. This stark environment not only fails to inspire creativity but also poses health risks. Asphalt surfaces can reach dangerously high temperatures during summer months, making play areas unusable and potentially harmful.

Los Angeles is making big strides when it comes to increasing green spaces, something we’ve been pushing for in DC as well. The Los Angeles Unified School District now aims to convert at least 30 percent of every schoolyard to green space—a monumental project with a price tag of $3 billion. Right now, nearly 475 schools don’t meet that goal, with more than 200 elementary schools having less than 10 percent green space.

This summer, California’s governor and legislature took a huge step by agreeing to place a $10 billion school bond on the ballot for November. If passed, part of those funds could be used to plant trees and reduce pavement in public schoolyards. And LA isn’t waiting around—they’ve already committed $500 million to greening projects. The LA School district also approved its largest-ever facilities bond, totaling $9 billion, with $1.25 billion earmarked for tree planting, shade structures, and removing asphalt.

This echoes our 2023 Tree Report Card ask—more green spaces, more trees, and real action to make it happen. LA is leading the way with a commitment we hope to see replicated across other cities, including our own.

Benefits of Nature-Integrated Playgrounds

Cooler Temperatures: Trees provide natural shade, significantly reducing surface temperatures and creating comfortable play environments.

Enhanced Learning: Nature-based play areas stimulate cognitive development, encouraging exploration and imaginative play.

Improved Mental Health: Exposure to green spaces has been linked to reduced stress and improved mental well-being in children.

Environmental Education: Natural playgrounds offer opportunities for hands-on learning about ecosystems and biodiversity.

Engaging local communities in the greening of playgrounds can foster a sense of ownership and ensure long-term care for these spaces. Schools, parents, and local organizations can collaborate on planting initiatives and maintenance programs.

By prioritizing the integration of trees and nature in urban playground design, we invest in healthier, happier, and more environmentally conscious future generations. It’s time to transform our concrete playgrounds into vibrant, green oases that nurture both children and the environment.