Climbing trees, making forts, kids encouraged to play in the woods

A wooded area once off-limits has become a favourite play area for students at Charlottetown's Parkdale Elementary School. 

"They're smiling, they're laughing, they're running around, they're falling and they're getting back up," said parent Jack Wheeler. 

The area was turned into a natural playground for the students after Wheeler began enjoying the space with his son. 

The parent and Home and School representative thought more students would enjoy it as well, so Wheeler approached the school with the idea. 

A group of volunteers helped clear the space to make it a bit more kid-friendly. 

"We want to see kids playing more," said Wheeler. 

"This neighbourhood should be full of kids playing here, and riding bikes and walking through the trees and learning about nature."

Wheeler says research and studies on kids' activity show this type of unstructured play helps kids be creative, problem solve, and just relax and play.  

Wheeler's son Nathan is one of the students having fun playing in the area. 

"I like that you can just make up things to play, you can climb trees, make forts, all that stuff," said Nathan. 

Parkdale Elementary School's vice-principal Rebecca Rioux supervises the area and said she sees the benefits every day.

"The things I've seen them create and build in here, every day it's something new, it's fascinating it shifts and moves with their imaginations," said Rioux. 

"Now we've come to the realization that it's one of the best places they can play." 

Parents and the school want to get some funding help to expand the area by adding trails and more natural play structures.

Question of the day: Is encouraging school kids to play in the woods a good idea?