Nature Based Play Evaluation

Abstract

This project was completed as part of a year-long partnership between the City of Rosemount and the University of Minnesota’s Resilient Communities Project (http://www.rcp.umn.edu). In recent years, research has grown on how nature-based play improves children’s (and adults’) health, development, and relationships with the natural world. The goal of this project was to assess opportunities for nature-based recreation and play in the City of Rosemount, and recommend improvements to park and recreation systems to provide more nature-based opportunities for children. In collaboration with city project lead Tom Schuster, Parks Supervisor for the City of Rosemount, two teams of students in REC 3281: Research and Evaluation in Recreation, Park, and Leisure Studies evaluated City parks based on nature-based play ideals and provided recommendations for how specific parks could include more nature-based design elements. Students also produced a 10-minute video explaining the idea of nature-based play and highlighting examples from neighboring communities, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Minnetonka, and Eagan. A final report and presentation from the project are available.