cjmpathfinder

If I want to comment on a blog/article in Play Today, why do I have to use a social media plug in? I don't use any of those options listed there and I rather just comment directly on the website, however, there's no way for me to do that as far as I can tell.

I recently came across a LinkedIn posting asking about the causes and solutions to vandalism in public parks. (You can check out the full thread.)

There were a number of interesting comments and suggestions, to which I added my own thoughts (see below). But I wanted to put this out to our Play Advocates because this is often a concern that I hear when working with communities to build new playspaces.

My thoughts from the posting:

"I agree with Snell that one of the principal causes of vandalism is the failure to involve and consider the interests of potential vandals. Likewise, I think the sonic screen is a symptomatic solution to a deeper set of challenges that deserve our acute attention.

As far as an alternative prevention tactic, I've worked on community-built playground projects where in addition to the playground we've added play enhancement projects that have reflected the local community. For example, at one project we painted a mural that honored the work of Cesar Chavez. The neighborhood was originally founded as a bedroom community for migrant farm workers and many of the residents are still first or second generation Latinos/Hispanics, in which there is a culture reverence for murals already in tradition. We involved volunteers and youth in the painting and displaying of this mural. Recently I returned to the neighborhood park, 3 years after the project, to find not a scratch or mark on the mural, despite graffiti having been an issue previously.

The same held true for another project in which we did murals, designed and painted by the children at a public charter. This was also in a predominantly Latino/Hispanic community. Unfortunately, we failed to engage a nearby middle school and less than a week after the build some of our other projects--benches, pergolas--had been severely damaged and broken from vandalism. The murals, however, went unscathed.

These experiences have proved to me that community projects and spaces need to be relevant to users in terms of age and activity, but also be culturally appropriate and cognizant of local conditions and traditions."

• 100 Academy of Excellence
• Greater Brunswick Charter School

Last Wednesday, May 4th, the 343 students at 100 Academy of Excellence in North Las Vegas were given a special end-of-school-year gift a few weeks early – a brand new playground built by 382 volunteers in just 6 hours!

There were several innovative and special side projects including ping pong table tops.

The ping pong table tops were specifically requested by the 6th – 8th grade middle schoolers who wanted some special elements just for them. They were thrilled to see their vision become reality!

The playground at Oakdale was completely redone April 11, 2011 by volunteers from the Oakdale Booster Club, Jefferson Parish, DIRECTV, and KaBOOM!. In addition, a number of new ammenities and landscaping were added throughout the park.