17 September2024 - PlayOn Founders

The importance of playground design in schools cannot be overstated. Once considered a simple space for recess, today’s playgrounds are evolving into dynamic environments that complement and enhance the learning experience. Modern playgrounds, like the schools they are a part of, aspire to foster creativity, collaboration, and diverse ways of learning. In South Africa, there’s a growing shift from the outdated jungle gym to innovative playground structures, exemplified by leading institutions like Redhill. These schools are reimagining the role of playgrounds in education, pushing the boundaries of design, and contributing to a global trend that is reshaping childhood play. 

For years, playgrounds in South African schools were built around a simple concept: a ramp, a slide, a couple of swings, and maybe a set of monkey bars. While these served their purpose, they lacked the ability to engage children beyond physical activity. Play was limited to repetition, with little room for creativity, problem-solving, or cognitive and social development. 

Today, however, we are moving away from these outdated designs towards playgrounds that are both visually stimulating and rich in play value. Modern playgrounds are not just spaces to burn off energy; they are opportunities for learning, growth, and inspiration. 

The New Playground Paradigm
Schools like Redhill are setting new standards in playground design in South Africa. Collaborating with architect Asher Markus (Hubo) and urban play designer Colin Levin (PlayOn), Redhill exemplifies how playgrounds can enhance the learning environment. Levin and Markus understand that learning extends beyond the classroom. That the environment itself has the potential to encourage creative thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving. And that playgrounds enable children to explore, experiment, and engage in play that mirrors the real-world, helping them develop skills that go far beyond physical fitness. 

Using innovative materials, modern designs, and thoughtful layouts, these spaces challenge children physically and mentally, marking a significant shift from the static, predictable jungle gyms of the past. 

Global Trends in Playground Design
Internationally, playgrounds are increasingly designed to support holistic development. Progressive education systems in countries like Finland and Denmark feature nature-inspired designs, loose parts play, and spaces that integrate learning with play. These playgrounds support physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth.  A key trend is the focus on ‘managed risk.’ While older playgrounds aimed to minimize risk, newer designs encourage children to assess their limits and develop problem-solving skills. Internationally, there is a strong emphasis on inclusivity, ensuring that playgrounds cater to children of all abilities, something South African schools are beginning to embrace as well. 

Changing the Landscape in South Africa
South Africa is gradually adopting these international trends, with schools like Redhill leading the charge. They recognize that modern playgrounds are essential for developing a broad range of skills and value creative, open-ended play that fosters exploration and diverse talents. South Africa’s educational landscape is beginning to understand that playgrounds offer opportunities to nurture intellectual curiosity, strategic thinking, teamwork, and emotional resilience. 

A Call to Action for Schools
The playground revolution is underway. It’s time for more schools in South Africa to rethink their approach to play spaces. By embracing innovative designs that challenge students both physically and mentally, schools can cultivate the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and problem-solvers. 

Join the movement to reimagine playgrounds. Let’s create spaces that inspire, engage, and enhance the learning experience for children across South Africa.