Over the past couple of weeks, Suzanna had often told people that we had a new book coming out and then looked over to me with a grin. That was because every time I thought about this work being public, out there and available, I would start to blush and panic. Writing a book was a terrifying, beautiful experience, especially one made even more special by Suzanna’s gorgeous photographs of play throughout.
The New Adventure Playground Movement: How Communities across the USA are Returning Risk and Freedom to Childhood captured the experiences and reflections from last winter’s tour, during which we went across the USA and back again. During that time, we travelled across the USA and back again, covering 11,000 miles. We made 16 stops and delivered 30 events—all in just two months and with one tiny yellow car. The tour was intensely, deliberately public but the reflections that followed felt personal and more vulnerable to share. However, it was essential that we did share those reflections and stories. That’s how this book came to be.
Introduction to our new book
In the book, we shared stories and interviews with leaders of the new American Adventure Playground movement. These were people we had trained and learned from, colleagues we were honoured to call friends. This included Erin Davis of Play Free Movie, Erin Marteal of the Hands on Nature Anarchy Zone and Jeremiah and Erica of Santa Clarita Valley Adventure Play, and many more!
These extraordinary individuals were building the movement from the ground up, using events and programming to support growth. They secured funding and volunteers, while forging both local and global connections. Additionally, they stay connected to evolving playwork practices to meet the changing needs of children and families. We were honoured to meet and work with them to support this process in person.
Their stories moved and inspired us and provided clear examples of how fellow play advocates were making children’s right to play a reality every single day.
The journey across America
The New Adventure Playground Movement is available for purchase now on Amazon, with independent retailers to follow. We were thrilled to have brought this book to you and hoped you enjoyed being part of this adventure, too.
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By Morgan
