COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 173

October 24, 2003

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Jo Lynne DeMary Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	New Playground Manual, From Playgrounds to Play/Learning Environments

The Department of Education has published a new manual titled From Playgrounds to Play/Learning Environments. A team led by the Department of Education that included representatives of teaching and practicing landscape architects, playground design and safety specialists, elementary school principals, and specialists in the physical development of children helped to produce this manual. The team spent a year identifying the features that make a play area interesting to children, enable them to develop their motor skills, and permit them to learn while having fun.

This manual is designed to assist schools in developing or renovating play areas and contains many innovative ideas and suggestions. It also includes information to help school administrators procure new equipment and ensure that it meets design guidelines for safety.

We are sending you three copies of the manual. This manual is for your information and use if you deem appropriate. It represents suggested approaches for playgrounds and is not regulatory or mandatory. We suggest that a copy be sent to your playground coordinator and the divisions maintenance supervisor for their information. We are also mailing a copy to every elementary school principal. If you need further information or have any questions about the manual or playground design and safety, please call Vijay Ramnarain at (804) 225-2035. Thank you.

JLD:aam