This workshop is a full day made up of two sessions. In the morning session we will discuss natural outdoor playspace design and development. Looking at case studies from participants, we will talk about the design process applying a natural and loose parts lens to a playspace example. Participants will then go outside to explore the surroundings for play opportunities for a future playspace based on criteria that was reviewed earlier in the session. In the afternoon participants will immerse themselves in Loose Parts play. Following a brief introduction on the background of the principles and movement, participants will be able to let their hair down and have some outdoor fun and creating a loose parts play zone.
- Loose Parts are repurposed and recycled everyday objects gathered for kids so they can create their own temporary play spaces and adventures
- Cardboard boxes, car and bike tires, ropes and nets, milk crates, cable spools, lumber, buckets, tarps and tree cookies are common examples of loose parts
- Loose parts encourage wonder and discovery, creativity and cooperative play, physicalactivity, problem solving and of course barrels of fun with liberal dashes of joy.
Facilitator Biographies:
Garnet McLaughlin
Garnet has been working in the field of recreation planning and development since 1999. Over the years Cobequid Consulting has evolved to meet the needs of communities and ECE Centres who require quality outdoor recreation spaces and experiences. Starting with a solid background in trails and expanding into play spaces both natural and traditional has been a natural progression for the company. Over the years, Garnet’s approach has been refined to include the principles of sustainability, quality workmanship, and engaging the community. After nearly two decades, it is truly the community growth, the social impacts of these recreational spaces that keep Garnet showing up with enthusiasm for every project he is involved in.
Alex Smith
Alex is an independent writer/researcher and founder/editor of the award-winning blog, PlayGroundology. Over the past 10 years, Alex has become an ardent play advocate producing original content and curating material for international audiences in over 150 countries on a variety of social media platforms. Alex programs public play events, presents at conferences and participates in panel discussions. The family backyard, aka the PlayLAB, in Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia is a magnet for neighbourhood kids looking for some loose parts adventure. Over the last several years he has appeared in a variety of media venues – CTV, HuffPost, Global TV, CBC Radio and TV, The Globe and Mail, Canadian Press, Today’s Parent, News 95.7, The Chronicle Herald and The Signal –to share stories about the transformative power of play. Alex is a father of five and a grandfather of two. Alex is Vice President of the Canadian branch of the International Play Association (IPA)
November 13, 2020
9:00 AM
St, Joachim's Church Hall --5364 Georgetown Rd Route 3, Vernon Bridge, PE C0A 2E0