Introduction
This study compares traditional post-and-platform playgrounds with innovatively designed
playgrounds to assess the degree to which design influences use and physical activity.
Innovative playgrounds are defined as having (1) a variety of surface types; (2) naturalized and planted
areas designed for play; (3) open-ended structures that do not dictate play sequences;
(4) loose, movable equipment; and (5) not comprised solely of traditional post-and-platform
structures. This study also examines how neighborhood contextual factors contribute
to playground use and physical activity.
Methods
The authors selected 30 traditional and 30 innovative playgrounds in 10 U.S. cities
and used the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities to document the
number and characteristics of users during 19 hourly observations over 1 week at each
playground in the summer of 2021. Data were analyzed to identify the factors associated
with the number of users and the amount of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
within each playground.
Results
Innovative playgrounds attracted 2.5 times more users and generated almost 3 times
as much moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. After controlling for playground size,
population density, neighborhood poverty, and destination location, innovative playgrounds
still attracted 43% more visitors than traditional playgrounds. Whereas playgrounds
in high-poverty neighborhoods saw less overall use, innovatively designed playgrounds
mitigated the difference by 60% compared with traditional playgrounds.
Conclusions
Playground characteristics that attract more users and are associated with more moderate-to-vigorous
physical activity, such as design, size, and the number of unique features, should
be integrated into future playground designs and renovations, with innovative designs
prioritized for low-income neighborhoods.
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Publication history
Published online: December 14, 2022
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© 2022 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
