Attractive playgrounds: Some factors affecting user interest and visiting patterns

Play equipment develops children's interest in specific playgrounds, but other factors are more important in determining how much children actually visit playgroundsThe purpose of this study by Jansson was to examine children's use of and preferences for playgrounds in order to identify the qualities that make them successful.

The researcher interviewed 86 school children between the ages of 6 and 11, surveyed preschool groups and children's parents, and conducted direct observations of 22 playgrounds in two small towns in southern Sweden to understand what playgrounds children visit and identify the qualities of these playgrounds. All of the playgrounds examined in this study were public and more traditional in nature, but were varied in terms of their size and design.

In analyzing the data, Jansson found that in each town there were playgrounds that children visited often and playgrounds that were of particular interest. Interestingly, the researcher found that the most visited playgrounds were different from the most interesting playgrounds. Jansson found that the most important characteristics of interesting playgrounds were particular play equipment, such as a special swing, and the fact that there was an element of renewal or change. With regard to the most visited playgrounds, however, Jansson found that the play equipment was not as important as the character and overall design of the playground (ensuring that there is variation, enclosures, and nature), the social dimension, the ability for children to influence the environment, and being close geographically to schools, housing, and nature.

This study provides valuable insight into the qualities that make playgrounds interesting and frequently used. This study highlights the value of place-specific playground approaches. As the author notes, “If children can access play areas where they can find their own places, the play equipment is of comparatively little importance and there is less need for detailed design work or functional analysis for places to become valuable for play. It might not even be necessary to provide designated playgrounds at all. However, considering children’s lack of mobility, play equipment can show that the place is intended for children and give them access to it in the first place.”