John—

Think of your playground map as your future best friend: reliable, smart, cares about your safety, something you can lean on and return to.

A well-designed playground map is about maximizing safety and fun.

When adults are on the same page and everyone knows where they can play and where to find equipment, kids can spend more time playing and get the most of out recess.

If you're not sure where to begin or just want to update your current playground map, watch our video for a helpful guide—and then read on for five steps to mapping your playground.

Follow these steps to map your playground or update your existing map:

Step 1: Find an aerial photo or print one from Google showing your playground from above.

Step 2: Mark any stairs and equipment storage areas.

Step 3: Map games to specific spaces. For example, independent activities, like hoola-hoop or jumping rope, should be out of the path of larger group games. Group games like kickball should be in larger areas with defined boundaries where it's safe to retrieve a ball. Designate a "Tag Zone," flexible play area, or an area for a "Game of the Week."

Step 4: Create real, flexible boundaries on the playground for each game area.

Step 5: Post your finalized map outside at kids' eye-level.

That's it! So easy yet so helpful.

Get started here and then download our playground mapping worksheet and best practices to begin mapping your playground or play space.

Good luck and have fun,

Your Recess Lab Team