Morgan King Playground Evaluation Assignment Aspect of Activity-Friendly Playground Name and Location of Playground Evaluated: 1.

Does the playground have signs? Any way to tell what they call the area? Detailed Description of Answer and Proof Orchard View Elementary 2770 Leffingwell Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 The playground has a rule poster on it as well as the courtyard but that is it. The courtyard has a poster that says the rules: be quiet, walk, etc. The rule poster overall has general behavior rules for the area. I would make it better by making signs for every single zone. Also, I would make a name for it other than just the playground. Children will behave better if they understand the rules and expectations. The playground has zones, but none are labeled. There are two baseball fields across from each other in the center of the playground area. Behind it, there are two soccer fields next to each other. Aside from those is a huge open field on a hill. Next to that is a play area with a slide, monkey bars, swings, etc. Next to that is an Octoball structure. There is a nature trail in the woods on the left side of the school. Between the actual school buildings is a courtyard filled with a few big trees, benches and fences that seclude it off to the noisy areas. Each area has enough clear space between it to show it is separate from one another. To make it better I would label these zones.

2. Does the playground have zones designated for certain activities? Are the zones clearly marked?

3. Does the playground have adequate equipment? What equipment does it have?

It has an Octoball structure, which consists wooden blocks in an octagon. The actual

play equipment has a blue slide, monkey bars, circle bars, climbing bars, swings, etc.

4. Is the equipment in good/safe operating condition? How so?

The equipment is newer and safe. The colors are bright and different shades of blue. There isnt rust on the equipment. However, the chains connecting the swings are starting to rust from the cold weather. The swings are stable with bars cemented into the ground. The playground is in a safe area. Metal fences surround the playground all around except for the length next to the houses. Behind the soccer field is a neighborhood that could allow anyone to enter, which is unsafe. At the school, they have recess aids that monitor the play. To improve this aspect of the playground, I would put up a fence next to the houses. No there is not a learning area, only a quiet low intensity area. Many times the nature trail is utilized as a learning area. They could put a learning area next to the courtyard in a confined area. In it, they could put outdoor desks/benches in a semi circle that encourages instructions and learning. At this area, you could provide different activities each week. For example, a musical area one week and an art project the next. There is courtyard designated as a low intensity area. It is restricted to quiet discussion and walking. It is located in between the school walls. It has benches everywhere and tall trees. Also, it has clear boundaries and is shaped in a square.

5. Is the playground located in a safe place? Are there things around the playground that might be unsafe?

6. Is there a Learning area?

7. Is there a low-intensity zone/area? If so, where is it located? If not, where might you put one?

8. Is there a walking/jogging trail? If not, could you create one in this location? If so, what is its location? Can this trail be seen by staff members who are there to supervise?

Yes, there is walking trail through the woods. In the middle of the trail is a gazebo looking structure with benches. It is next to the school on the left. Supervisors can see inside it when its winter and the trees are full. In the fall and spring, supervisors cant see in due to the trees and luscious plants. To improve this, I would cut down some of the trees or constantly have aid walking in the trail to supervise.

9. Is there an area for Organized Group Activities? If so, where is it and how Yes, there is a field for organized group good of a location is it? If not, where area. It is an open field next to the baseball could you put one? fields, basketball fields and soccer fields. It is not a very good location because the boundaries arent clear and there are numerous activities around it that could distract the children. I would move this area to a semi-secluded area that still allows for safe play. 10. Are there spots for both recreation and competition? Are they separate from each other? Yes, there is room for both. They are separated. The area for recreation is in a field near the organized group area. There is plenty of free space to room and explore. The competitive area tends to be on the fields designated for sports.

Throughout my evaluation of Orchard View Elementary, I realized some wonderful elements about it that promote play, as well as aspects of it that hinder play, interaction and learning. Overall, I think this school playground has good potential for being a successful area that promotes physical activity. Certain parts of impede it from being a great playground. For example, the zones arent clearly

labeled and it doesn't have an overall name. Also, it needs a learning zone outside and the trail needs to have a proper way to be supervised. It has several areas for students to participate in high activity and low activity games. The arrangement and structure is open for the most part, which allows for proper supervision. Overall, the playground needs work but it still permits students to engage in physical activity.