New York Playground Designed to Combat Nature-Deficit Disorder

Movement Map Account Sign In | Create Account

New York Playground Designed to Combat Nature-Deficit Disorder

Big Think – December 30, 2009
By Tobin Hack

Kudos to Matthew Urbanksi, the principle landscape architect (Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates) charged with mapping the natural layout of a new $3.8 million Manhattan playground. Urbanski thought to consult experts in cognitive development at North Carolina State University before deciding where to plant trees in the new state-of-the-art park situated in Union Square, home of New York’s most famous famers’ market. Those cognitive development experts told Urbanski that kids respond more creatively to natural environments than to the excessively groomed ones we usually see in parks and playgrounds. The architecture firm took their advice to heart. From a mini playground…

[>] Read the article.

ShareThis

Fair Use Notice
This site contains brief excerpts from copyrighted material. Click here for more information on C&NN's Fair Use Policy.

Nature Essential for the Brain, Scientists Report

For the first time in history, the majority of the world’s people live in cities.… [+]

[>] Read the article.

October 01, 2007

American Public Health Association features a front page article on the movement

The October Issue of The Nation’s Health, The official newspaper of the American Public Health… [+]

[>] The Nation's Health

June 15, 2007

How children lost the right to roam in four generations

Report warns that the mental health of 21st-century children is at risk because they are… [+]

[>] Read the article.

January 01, 2007

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says free and unstructured play is healthy and essential

This report offers guidelines on how pediatricians can advocate for children by helping families, school… [+] [PDF]

[>] AAP pressroom

June 28, 2007

Kids Picking TV Over Trees

The Nature Conservancy-funded study reveals more evidence of a growing trend; children spending more time… [+]

[>] Listen to the interview with Pergrams on Videophilia.org

Connect with us:

Become a fan

Read our blog

Join us on NING

We’re mapping the Children & Nature movement.

[+] Get on the map. Add your campaign, club, program, or event.

C&NN Synthesis of Research and Studies

[+] Introduction

[+] Research & Studies Vol. 1

[+] Research & Studies Vol. 2

[+] Research & Studies Vol. 3

[+] Research & Studies Vol. 4 NEW!

NEW - Nature Clubs for Families Tool Kit

Download the Tool Kit [>]
The Tool Kit includes a Quick Start Guide with simple instructions on how to start a local Nature Club for Families.

Newsletter Archive

JUNE 2010 – News and Updates

APR 2010 – Earth Week

MAR 2010 – Awareness Month 2010

FEB 2010 – Updates from Michigan

JAN 2010 – From the Grassroots

DEC 09 – Season's Greetings

NOV 09 – C&NN News & Updates

[+] view full archive

C&NN Publications

As part of our ongoing efforts to build the movement, the Children & Nature Network has published two new resources for leaders, organizers, and participants at the local, national, and international levels:
Children and Nature 2009: A Report on the Movement to Reconnect Children to the Natural World
[>] Download PDF [1.1MB]
C&NN Community Action Guide: Building the Children & Nature Movement from the Ground Up
[>] Download PDF [1.4MB]

[+] www.ChildrenNatureandYou.com

[+] The American Camp Association's children and nature resource for families.