Children are integral to the urban environment, yet we have shrunk the places where they can play, grow and thrive. Creating natural environments where children are free to imagine and play without instruction and structure is critical to our future.
A prevalent theme of late has been the alarming rise of obesity and poor health among our children, particularly those in urban environments. This article describes the urgent need to create natural and wild environments for children to help them grow and thrive in the city.
The lack of free time, natural spaces and non-supervised play for children in most urban environments creates children who do not develop their creativity and are not as healthy.
Developing gardens and open spaces in the city for children that allow for imaginative play and freedom is a way to help children expand their mind and improve their bodies.
As we continue to experience increased childhood health problems, as well as see families leave the city, planners and urban designers need to address these problems and improve the urban environment. Wild gardens and wild spaces may be an important part of the solution.
Thanks to Mindy Craig
FULL STORY: A stimulating tool to help children grow
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Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
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