Abstract

In previous playground planning models, standards, customs and different ideas about needs have commonly had great influence, while actual users have had little. As public play provision is changing and new approaches are developed, it is necessary to evaluate how well existing standard-influenced provision suits the needs and preferences of users. A comparative case study was carried out in two Swedish towns with different site-specific characteristics as regards the surrounding landscape and social connections. The empirical data obtained were used to (i) identify factors affecting playground use for different user groups, (ii) compare the two local contexts and (iii) evaluate how well existing standard-influenced playground provision matches needs and preferences. Users were studied through interviews with school children, questionnaire surveys of preschools and parents, interviews with park workers and GIS mapping of children's homes, while play provision was evaluated through observations of playgrounds and private gardens with play equipment. Differences were found between user groups, as children look for activities and variation, parents for practical and social functions and preschool groups for activities for many children. Between users in the two towns, the social function and the importance of playgrounds appeared to depend on the context, in terms of site-specific physical and social conditions. The differences appeared to affect use and should be given greater consideration in playground planning and management. Adherence to planning standards has resulted in the construction of many playgrounds, but more variation between units and particular qualities are important in attracting users. (C) 2009 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Children; Planning standards; Urban landscape management

Published in

Urban Forestry and Urban Greening
2010, Volume: 9, number: 1, pages: 33-42
Publisher: ELSEVIER GMBH, URBAN & FISCHER VERLAG

SLU Authors

• Jansson, Märit

  • Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Persson, Bengt

  • Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG11 Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
SDG4 Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all


UKÄ Subject classification

Landscape Architecture


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2009.10.003

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/60004