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http://www.twincities.com/education/ci_25868220/mahtomedi-schools-new-playg rou nd-no-plastic-allowed# <br />and music. So having a natural playground, they finally have some choices about what they're going to <br />do," Brandt said. "Your traditional playground has equipment and that's what they play on. Period. The <br />natural playground has structures, like a big climbing area in the middle, and areas where they can do free <br />play. They'll have logs to do whatever, just to use their imagination." <br />Sharon Hanifl-Lee, whose family foundation contributed $50,000 to the playground project, said the idea <br />fits nicely with the foundation's mission statement and was something the family was very interested in. <br />On a personal level, Hanifl-Lee said she has fond memories of playing as a kid -- even the slivers and <br />broken bones. They were important risks that had an impact on her development and her confidence as <br />an adult, she said. <br />"You know, when we were young, we would roll down hills and pick up sticks and just run around. It was <br />nice to have that," she said. "When kids don't have that feeling, they have increased anxiety and obesity <br />and they don't do as well on tests.... Plus, when they play outdoors, they learn to love the outdoors." <br />The play area is envisioned as more than just a recess opportunity. Over time, and as nature allows, the <br />space will be used for outdoor learning. There are plans to connect the space to the adjoining wooded <br />area by trails; to plant gardens that will attract migrating birds and butterflies; and to plant a variety of <br />indigenous trees. <br />"There have been some studies done -- and I can't quote them with the source -- that show people that <br />get out in nature, that get their feet on the ground, that are able to be in a treed, natural setting have lower <br />blood pressure, their tension is reduced, there is calm, they have peace," Brandt said. "So if you think <br />about a school with 600 students (like Wildwood), if we could do that for our students, using the space <br />we've got, wouldn't that be a great thing?" <br />Elizabeth Mohr can be reached at 651-228-5162. Follow her at twitter.com/LizMohr. <br />Page 2 of 2 Jun 04, 2014 02:10:39PM MDT <br />