HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.c. Nature Based and Nature Themed PlayE X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y
City Council Work Session Meeting: March 9, 2016
AGENDA ITEM: Nature Themed and Nature Based Play AGENDA SECTION:
Discussion
PREPARED BY: Dan Schultz, Parks and Recreation
Director AGENDA NO. 2.c.
ATTACHMENTS: Photos of Nature Themed Play areas
and Nature Based Play areas APPROVED BY:
RECOMMENDED ACTION: None, discussion only.
ISSUE
One of the topics that was studied by University of Minnesota students during the Resilient Communities
Project was Nature Based and Nature Themed Play. Industry standards identify nature themed play as being
play equipment that is man made to look like items one might find in a natural setting. Amenities might
include logs, caves, stumps, forts, rocks and animals. Nature based play would be described as a play setting
that uses natural materials in a natural setting. Amenities might include logs, tree branches, sand, dirt piles,
rocks, and boulders. Staff will be showing a short video that was created by the students that identifies how
some metro parks systems have used nature in their playground designs. The Parks and Recreation
Commission has seen the video and is very interested in connecting nature and play within our park system.
Staff feels that the City will have several opportunities in the near future to try and include nature with play.
The addition of a new play area near the splash pad, the development of Bella Vista Park and the
replacement of the playground at Schwarz Pond Park are all sites where nature and play could be a good fit.
Staff is planning for the topic of nature and play to be discussed at an upcoming meeting of the Parks and
Recreation Commission.
This topic is being shared with the City Council to provide some clarity regarding the difference between
Nature Based Play and Nature Themed play. It is also being discussed so that the City Council is aware of
the upcoming opportunities we have to connect nature and play.
This item is on the agenda for discussion only and staff is not currently requesting any action from the City
Council.
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NATURE THEMED PLAY
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NATURE BASED PLAY
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