Change refers both to access to a variety of environments, and to change over time. What does the playground environment look like as the seasons change? Are there plants that have unique characteristics at certain times of year? Are there elements in the play environment, such as sand, that children can manipulate themselves? Can the installation of play equipment be phased to ensure change over time?
Change involves a range of differently sized spaces designed in the play area and how the whole play space changes over time. The design team should ensure that a range of spaces accommodate different amounts of children and that the materials of the spaces actually change themselves overtime.
Spaces that allow children to be alone are particularly important because children are often grouped together and they need spaces to get away, to be on their own, or in pairs.