Customer Reviews

American Playgrounds: Revitalizing Community Space

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Susan Solomon's approach to the recent history of American Playgrounds is insightful, well-researched and very well-written. Although academic, the book is neither esoteric nor patronizing. The illustrations are excellent. As a designer, I found her discussion of safe play spaces very illuminating. I would recommend this book to practitioners, historians, and students. It's not just a history of play, but a history of American thought. Great book!

I really enjoyed and found this book quite useful in research I have been undertaking. Covers the history of american playgrounds, outlines some of the more interesting projects that often move away from the standard 'post and platform' playgrounds that dominate the market.
Great for anyone who is planning a playground or community space.
Well written, well researched and well documented references, great for practising professionals or students alike.

I am currently using this book as a text for a 1-credit class called "The Playground Project" and it is such a wonderful compliment. I feel as if I am really gaining a lot of information from it, and it's a quick and fun read.

I am a father that spends a lot of time at playgrounds. I bought this book because I am on a committee to for a local park re-design and wanted answers to help us build a better playground. This book gave a good history of their development and ultimate denigration into dull, oversafe structures suitable only for toddlers. At the end there is inspiration which is practical enough to help us with our neighborhood plans. Exactly what I needed.