Who will be using the playground? The number, ages, and any special needs of the children need to be identified in order to plan the number of play areas and types of equipment.

Boundless™ playgrounds are designed to support the way children develop skills. This is age-related but can vary by child, so new terms have been established. The ALPHA area is typically labeled for ages 2 – 5. Most often children will be seen playing individually or next to one another without much interaction. This area should support two behaviors: repetitive (looping) activity for the development of physical skills; and gathering (branching out) practices for developing intellectual concepts by collecting, comparing, sorting and testing. The BETA area activities are often incorporated into the two more traditional areas or labeled for ages 2 – 12. Having a separate area is ideal if space and budget permit.  Children will generally be seen playing next to one another without much interaction or beginning to play in pairs. This area should support two behaviors: gathering (branching out) practices for developing intellectual concepts by collecting, comparing, sorting and testing; and planning activity for the development of games, rules and decision-making. The GAMMA area is typically labeled for ages 5 – 12. The children may be playing in pairs, threesomes or groups. This area should support two behaviors: planning activity for the development of games, rules and decision-making; and gathering together to allow for social interaction.

For additional information, see the Fun for All Tour and Sections 1 and 2 of the Get Ready Guide.