Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child be safe?
At play:groundNYC, we take the difference between risks (a tall ladder, that a child may decide to climb or not) and hazards (a rotten piece of wood on the ladder, which may collapse) very seriously. A hazard is something in the way that a child may not see; a risk is something for a child to decide about, using independent assessment and judgement. We do our best to remove all hazards from The Yard, while supporting young people who may want to take emotional, physical, and social risks.
We believe that risk-taking, when supported by trained playworkers, can contribute to the healthy development of a child, by helping them strengthen their abilities (i.e. finding their balance), develop coping mechanisms (i.e. a deep breath during a rush of adrenaline), become more comfortable playing and being active outside (i.e. learning that getting wet is okay), forming new friendships (i.e. by asking another child to help maneuver a big piece of lumber), avoiding “dare-devil” behavior (which tends to appear out of boredom or too many restrictions), fostering creativity (i.e. building and painting a fort), and many more.
Why can’t I go inside?
Parents and caregivers stay outside of The Yard so that the children and young people inside can play in a self-directed way. Choice and independent decision-making are at the core of the playwork philosophy—whether a child chooses to sit in one place and quietly observe, or to practice their climbing abilities to the top of a fort is up to them. Often, this type of self-direction is difficult to achieve with parents and caregivers present. By its very nature, the caregiving relationship is one of deep involvement. The Yard is a place where independence can be experimented with safely.
If there is a special need, we will make exceptions and allow a parent or caregiver to join their child inside The Yard. Please speak with the staff at the front desk about any special needs.
Many parents and caregivers come to The Yard so that they can read, have conversations, daydream, or nap while their children play independently. When parents and children reunite, there is often a magical retelling of their children’s experiences. Children are free to come and go, and decide for themselves when they’ve had enough. You can sit back, relax, and let them play!
What if I need to come get them?
Our staff can help find your child if you need to get them. Just ask at our front desk!
Who are the Playworkers?
Our playworkers are trained in the professional approach called “playwork” by Program Director and Head Playworker, Yoni Kallai. Playworkers do not guide children’s behavior but do sometimes suggest options or help interpret social cues. Rules and restrictions are minimal. The children’s social and physical risk-taking is monitored, but accepted. Playworkers also take on a role of companion; they may accept children’s challenges to a stick fight, provide assistance in building projects, listen to stories and have their fingernails painted. Playwork is a reflective and non-judgmental approach, with significant time also spent in observation and site maintenance.
Why is there so much junk here?
Junk is not precious, which allows for experimentation. play:groundNYC is also a climate-forward organization that removes on average 12,000 lbs of materials from the waste stream each year. Most of these materials are building materials removed from construction or demolition sites. Children and young people can use their imaginations to recreate these neutral materials, building anything that comes to mind. As is commonly noted, a child can do more with a toy’s cardboard box than with the toy itself.
In the words of one of our recent participants, “Trash was once something, and I’ll make it into something else!”
Is this part of Governors Island?
play:groundNYC was invited by The Trust for Governors Island in 2016 to open The Yard. We currently lease our space from TGI.
My kid is having so much fun. How can I do this more often?
Come to The Yard! Sign up for camp!
Bring more adventure play into your household. Here are some tips:
Start small, start now, keep going
Don’t make rules, change the situation
Young people are smart, full human beings
Go SLOW… and also run, jump and be ALIVE
Make time for play
Follow their lead (set a certain amount of time in advance that you can sustain)
Is it actually so dangerous or bad to …? Trust that they don’t want to hurt themselves or others (at least when not distressed)
Look
Listen
Learn
Get dirty, messy and silly
Have questions or need more support? Reach out to us! Email: adventure@play-ground.nyc