Topic(s):
Playgrounds, 2025 Conference Theme: Build Together, Play Together

Description:
Nature play and nature playgrounds continue to be a trend in community park design. This trend is supported by convincing evidence that both play and nature are important for health and well-being. Our current study examines the use of a newly designed nature park and playground from the perspective of the users — adults and especially children. Ninety-eight adults and 52 children were interviewed during seven days at the playground. With the interview, we investigated the satisfaction of the children who use the playground, the favorite play activities of the children, the perspectives of the parents on the playground features, the contribution to well-being and community, the average time spent and the frequency of visits to the playground. We found that both the nature and the play must be accessible to all abilities and ages for the most benefits. A well-designed nature playground has a variety of opportunities for children and adults to be adventurous and active with wide open spaces and thrilling play equipment. For ideal engagement, the play should have opportunities for collecting natural, found objects and for loose parts play. The people interviewed affirmed the positive mental health benefits and the sense of community that is supported by the nature playground.

Speaker(s):
Suzanne Quinn