Wilderness play : A study of a playground : The dissertation is presented for part of the requirements of the Lincoln College Diploma in Park and Recreation Administration

Abstract

The dissertation is a study of play in the Khandallah Reserve. Originally the idea was to study the children's use of the play equipment. However, play covers the whole environment and people of all ages play in some respect. While children's play is the emphasis of the study, for the park caters for their needs more than any other age group, adults are also considered.

An important question to be asked is: who and in what way do people deviate from the play facilities provided? How many people, of what age, make their own tracks in the Bush, break vegetation and play in the stream? How many of these "wilderness activities' are destructive?

The study resulted from working at the Khandallah Swimming Pool and observing the use of the park.

First a background into the main theories of play and types of playground will be discussed. Next an introduction to the Khandallah Reserve and the definition of Wilderness play will be given. While the survey has many limitations the conclusions will be compared against other playground studies. Photographs and maps are included.

It is hoped that conclusions, and the study itself will be of help in designing and administrating recreation activities and playgrounds in naturally forested areas.