Comments on: Zoos and the play agenda http://www.johnreganassociates.com/zoos-and-the-play-agenda John Regan Associates: funding for zoos, botanic gardens, aquariums and nature sites Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:55:34 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 By: johnregan http://www.johnreganassociates.com/zoos-and-the-play-agenda#comment-53 johnregan Thu, 13 Dec 2007 18:05:59 +0000 http://whatcouldzoosbe.wordpress.com/2007/12/02/zoos-and-the-play-agenda/#comment-53 Hi Matt, I am not sure you are entirely fair to all zoos across the world. Many do exactly what you say: theme play facilities to specific exhibits or taxonomic groups. But, of course, you are right, our zoos could always be more imaginative as to the realisation of the very idea of play. I guess I always look for interests external to the zoo and aquarium community, and the extra resources they bring with them, to see zoo sites as a (or possibly even the) logical opportunity to promote innovative concepts of play. And I am not sure that just old fashioned facilities that really just use up children's excess energy (tho' that is important too) are exciting enough And for that matter, play isn't just for children. I am 51 and still 'play' Best, John Hi Matt, I am not sure you are entirely fair to all zoos across the world. Many do exactly what you say: theme play facilities to specific exhibits or taxonomic groups.

But, of course, you are right, our zoos could always be more imaginative as to the realisation of the very idea of play.

I guess I always look for interests external to the zoo and aquarium community, and the extra resources they bring with them, to see zoo sites as a (or possibly even the) logical opportunity to promote innovative concepts of play.

And I am not sure that just old fashioned facilities that really just use up children’s excess energy (tho’ that is important too) are exciting enough

And for that matter, play isn’t just for children.

I am 51 and still ‘play’

Best, John

]]> By: Matt Schamberger http://www.johnreganassociates.com/zoos-and-the-play-agenda#comment-52 Matt Schamberger Fri, 30 Nov 2007 18:26:08 +0000 http://whatcouldzoosbe.wordpress.com/2007/12/02/zoos-and-the-play-agenda/#comment-52 Why are the play areas always located in just one spot? Zoos should place the monkey bars by a monkey exhibit, stick the climbing wall by the ibex, jam the slide in next to the otter pen, and for heaven's sake place the water feature by an aquatic animal for once. Why are the play areas always located in just one spot? Zoos should place the monkey bars by a monkey exhibit, stick the climbing wall by the ibex, jam the slide in next to the otter pen, and for heaven’s sake place the water feature by an aquatic animal for once.

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