ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how the landscape of the school playground supports the curriculum and creates better playgrounds that encourage play and social interaction. It deals with brief summaries of several school playgrounds in New Zealand and the factors that have influenced their development. The design and physical layout of school playgrounds can result in inclusion or exclusion making break-times either a positive or negative experience with far reaching effects on students’ lives. Landscaping for students of all ages may include provision for paddling, swinging, climbing, sliding, bouncing, rocking and ample space for running and chasing games. Despite research that suggests most school playgrounds are less dangerous than playing at home or in a community playground, safety in the school playground has become a controversial issue. School playgrounds that include moveable/recycled materials have increased imaginative, co-operative play and physical activity levels.
