Learn More About Children's Outdoor Play in the Okanagan

An upcoming conference in the Okanagan will focus on the importance of outdoor play spaces for children,

The one-day conference on March 6th at Okanagan College's Vernon campus will look at both the how and why of developing outdoor play spaces, as well the importance of outdoor play for children's development and the building of healthy, sustainable communities.

“Recent research is really reinforcing how important outdoor play is to children’s development, especially at a time when so much of their activity is focused around electronic devices and digital interaction,” says Dr. Beverlie Dietze, OC's Director of Learning and Teaching. “Having the chance to connect to nature is about a lot more than just the experience of the outdoors. It impacts a whole range of behaviour and early childhood development.”

The free conference will have experts and workshops, with two Nova Scotians presenting the story of Nova Scotia's Journey of Advancing Outdoor Play. An assistant professor at UBC, Dr. Mariana Brussoni, will look at the need for children to have play environments that allow them to take risks in outdoor play. Dr. Dietze will look at the importance of public policy and community development in outdoor play.

In addition, the principal in Outland Design Landscape Architecture Fiona Barton, will talk about creating nurturing outdoor spaces and how designs can incorporate natural materials.

Dr. Dietze and other researchers at Okanagan College recently received a large grant to research designs for outdoor playscapes and equipment as well as study the effects of such environments on child development.

For more information about conference speakers and registration, check out Okanagan College's website.

Dr. Beverlie Dietze. (Photo Credit: Okanagan College)