Nature Playscapes
Risky Play
& Loose Parts!
Hi – I’m Rusty and I’m glad you are here!
I am excited to help you with your dreams of outdoor play adventures for your children!
I am a natural playspace designer who has traveled the world for over 30 years designing beautiful outdoor play environments and speaking about the benefits of saying “yes” to play.
I love helping folks like you create playscapes that celebrate the wonder of nature and support children’s right to play!
here’s how rusty can help you
“It was an absolute pleasure working with Rusty!”
“Rusty is an incredible mentor that shares his expertise with great love, passion, and gratitude. He so clearly cares about children and those that work with them.”
“Rusty is a never ending source of innovation, creativity, inspiration and fun to the core!”
Rusty Designs
Check out some of Rusty’s MASTER PLAN projects!
Rusty
Keynotes
Rusty Keynotes conferences around the world!
FREE Rusty Resources!
rusty’s Furniture collection
Check out Rusty’s outdoor play and learning furniture line by Kaplan
rusty’s projects
Check out some of Rusty’s past projects
rusty’s store
Check out Rusty’s selection of nature play products, books and clothing!
rusty’s books
Check out Rusty’s books on Natural Playscapes and Risky Play
Beauty of Play
Where did you play as a child? In nature? In vacant lots? On the street? In your backyard? Were you a free range kid? All children deserve great places to play. Let’s create them for today’s children!
Nature play
Living willow huts, hills, sand and water play, trees, gardens, paths, herbs, butterflies, hidey nooks and more — all with a variety of sounds, smells, textures and tastes.
Adventure play
Rough and tumble landscapes that support open-ended, child-directed free play with loose materials and endless possibilities for children to create their own play, get messy, and take risks!
risky Play
Risk-taking is essential for the healthy development of children’s minds, bodies and spirits — it’s how they learn and grow! It’s important for adults to take deep breaths and create opportunities for risky play.
Tour a rusty playscape
Spend a few minutes in this park-like preschool playscape designed by Rusty and community-built with Rusty’s guidance. A sweet space!