Kuusenkuiske Daycare in Kuhmo Launches Nature-Inspired Playground as Researchers Investigate Impact on Children’s Health

The Kuusenkuiske Daycare in Kuhmo has unveiled a new nature-friendly and activity-oriented playground featuring berry bushes and trees. Researchers are now investigating the impact of such transformed spaces on children’s well-being and immune health. The Natural Resources Institute Finland and the University of Tampere are collecting samples and mapping plant species on daycare grounds. Families are responding to surveys focused on children’s health, lifestyle, and outdoor activities. In some daycares, children’s samples are analyzed to determine the effects of nature exposure on body microbiota and immune defense, according to researcher Laura Kummola.

The research is groundbreaking as it examines the benefits of naturalized playgrounds designed by municipalities. It includes daycares with both modified and unmodified yards. The renovations have significantly increased children’s physical activity; they now ride bikes, swing, and climb on balance equipment. The daycare director, Hanna-Liisa Pikkarainen, highlights the creative play opportunities that abound in the new environment, enhancing both aesthetics and overall enjoyment.

The study aims to offer unique insights into how daily nature exposure influences the health and well-being of children who spend substantial time outdoors, often multiple times a day. Kummola emphasizes the extensive reach of the research, given the high enrollment rates in daycare across Finland.

Previous studies have shown that nature-centric daycares boost children’s physical activity, creative play, and immune stability. Unfortunately, many daycare yards currently remain stark, often covered in asphalt or gravel, with little or no vegetation. Kummola hopes this research will inform the design of future daycare playgrounds, a sentiment echoed by Pikkarainen, who emphasizes the importance of integrating nature into children’s daily experiences.