The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of how parents and children in China perceive natural playgrounds and to identify how these findings could be used to improve and/or develop playspaces for children. Traditional playground design is sometimes referred to as the “Kit, Fence, Carpet” approach, which uses a range of fixed play equipment (Kit), is surrounded by a Fence, and uses a rubber Carpet as ground cover. Natural playgrounds, in contrast, include elements such as landform, vegetation, natural materials (e.g. stone, water, sand, etc.) and loose parts (e.g., sticks, leaves, seeds, etc.).
This study was conducted in Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province in China. The number of children's playgrounds in Chengdu's urban parks increased from 5 to 25 since 2000. Approximately 75% of these playgrounds reflect the Kit, Fence, Carpet style while 25% reflect a more natural approach. A group of 246 children and a group of 236 parents participated in the study. The children, aged 4 to 6, were from nursery schools in two different core districts of Chengdu. All of the adult participants were parents of young children. The parents completed an online questionnaire asking them to indicate their preference for playground type (traditional or natural) and their preference for features they'd like to see in Chengdu urban parks in the future. The questionnaire also measured parents' awareness of the importance of nature for children's development and their perception about potential function, risk and aesthetic aspects regarding natural playgrounds. Children participated in one-on-one interviews during which they were asked about their preference for playground type (traditional or natural). Both children and parents indicated their preference of playground type by responding to photos of different playgrounds.
Both the children and the parents indicated a preference for the more natural playgrounds. Parents who liked the natural style playground preferred water and landform features. They also recognized the value of natural elements for promoting child development, especially in the areas of creativity and social interactions. Parents who preferred a higher degree of natural playground also recognized that such natural elements as the habitats of insects and animals could support the development of sensitivity and sympathy. Over 56% of the parents believed that the natural style playground was safer than traditional playgrounds; and over 90% found them aesthetically attractive.
These findings add support to the growing practice in China and elsewhere of providing natural outdoor playspaces for young children. Big gaps still exist, however, between needs and reality in natural playground planning and design. China's change from a one to two-child policy and the introduction of a natural education approach make this work of great significance for the children of China.
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