ABSTRACT
This chapter examines outdoor play environments and some of the historical and cultural forces which have shaped how environments look today. The focus of this chapter is framed on the concept of the playground as a force for democratic ideals. Play environments are situated in a larger social context which includes the historical park and playground movements that have emphasized the importance of play and recreation for creating opportunities for everyone to develop better understanding of each other. This chapter also examines the current landscape for play which is currently being moved away from out democratic ideals by forces such as adult fear, an emphasis on safety and increased emphasis on academic outcomes. The standardization of the outdoor play experience has resulted in environments which are sterile and uninteresting for children. Finally the chapter identifies movements which currently are resisting these forces in order to allow for children to continue to play like they have in the past.
