Jansson, Märit
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Conference paper2008
Playground management from a users' perspective : prerequisites for public participation
Jansson, Märit
Abstract
The provision and management of public outdoor playgrounds is often the subject of criticism. Part of the problem is that playgrounds are commonly managed without much communication with users. To adapt playground provision to actual needs, managers must find new ways of working. This study explored potential opportunities for dialogue and public participation in playground management. The aims were to identify 1) possible advantages of involving the public in playground management and 2) managers’ attitudes and experiences regarding public participation or other ways of adapting to user needs. Case studies of playground use were carried out in two Swedish communities, looking at use and attitudes among children aged 6-11 (through interviews) and parents of preschool children and preschool staff (through questionnaires). To obtain the opinions of playground managers, telephone interviews about their work were conducted with employees in 23 Swedish municipal authorities, while more in-depth case studies of two municipal authorities included interviews with managers on different levels. The study revealed local patterns of playground attendance and differences in preference between different user groups, and managers must take such information into account. Children’s place-specific knowledge is valuable, but sometimes restricted by low levels of independence. Among the managers interviewed, there was some interest in adapting to user needs in various ways, but public participation is still rare. Those who had involved users in the management process reported very positive experiences. There is a need for more public participation in developing children’s environments, so that it is not restricted to some local initiatives
Published in
Title: ECLAS Alnarp 2008 New Landscapes - New lives
Publisher: Faculty of Landscape Planning, Horticulture and Agricultural Sciences
Conference
ECLAS: New Challenges in Landscape Planning, Design and Management
SLU Authors
UKÄ Subject classification
Landscape Architecture
Publication identifier
- ISBN: 978-91-86197-23-0
Permanent link to this page (URI)
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/26435