Creating Calm on the Playground: An Interview with Derek Walz

Have you ever felt upset or overwhelmed during recess and needed a quiet place to calm down? That is where the Calming Cove comes in. A Calming Cove is a safe, peaceful space on the playground where students can take a short break, calm their bodies and minds, and then return to playing when they are ready.

The Calming Cove concept was developed by Derek Walz, who worked with Scherrer Cares to bring it to life. Scherrer Cares is a non-profit organization that helps build kindness in communities. They helped fund and build the Calming Coves at both PLE and Horizon playgrounds. Derek also used money from a previous service project to add calming tools and materials to each cove.

We interviewed Derek Walz to learn more about why the Calming Coves were created and how they help students have a safer, happier recess.

What inspired the idea to build a Calming Cove at PLE and Horizon?

Some students feel angry or upset during recess. The Calming Cove was created to provide them with a safe place to go, calm their bodies and minds, and then return to play when they are ready.

How did you decide what to include in the Calming Cove?

The items in the Calming Cove had to be durable enough to withstand various weather conditions. The toys were carefully selected to help students calm down while remaining safe for outdoor use in rain, snow, and wind.

What goals did you have when creating this space for students? 

One goal was to create a space accessible to everyone, not just certain students. Derek Walz shared, “I like to include people, and overall I like to look at it and be proud,” which shows that the Calming Cove was made with everyone in mind.

How do you expect the Calming Cove to help students during recess? 

The Calming Cove is meant to be a place where students can take a short break, calm down, and then return to recess feeling ready to have fun again.

Who can use the Calming Cove, and when can they go there? 

All students may use the Calming Cove whenever they need a break during recess. It is only available at recess, so students are always supervised.

Do you have plans to add more features or expand the idea in the future?

Right now, there are no plans to make changes. However, staff will check the space periodically, and if items are missing or needs arise, new items may be added.  

We’re so grateful to Derek for bringing this wonderful space to our playground. He welcomes your ideas and questions, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with him!