Poster #62 - A Study of 5 – 13 Year Olds Use of Playground Equipment and Their Perspectives on Design

• In Event: Poster Session 09

Abstract

This case study is informed by observations and group interviews of 21 children aged 5-13 using fixed playground equipment at an after-school program over the course of 2 weeks. The time of the playground use was scheduled by the staff at the program, but children were free to play how they wanted and with whom. Behaviour mapping supported by video recording was used to record the data.
Research on the use of outdoor playgrounds has found that playground design has an effect on children’s play behaviours. Studies have shown that children engage in more active play when there is fixed equipment (Adams et al., 2018; Farley et al., 2008; Stanton-Chapman et al., 2018), and more equipment facilitates more active play (Cohen, 2020; Nielsen et al., 2010). The current study adds to this research by providing a detailed look at the duration of play on specific play equipment as well as the use patterns of the playground.
The play of the children in this study was robust. Younger children (aged 5-6) demonstrated more movement in the space, and more play episodes than the older children (aged 9-10) who played for longer times in less spaces. All movements observed between play equipment were Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA). Findings were that when children played with more children, they played for longer periods of time. The pieces of play equipment that attracted children to play socially were a large rope climbing structure, a high capacity swing, and a high capacity spinning structure. It is notable that the items express the diversity of what is available on the playground (climbing, swinging, and spinning), which resonates with the body of research that supports the need for variety in play on a playground.
The children’s perspectives showed that the playground was a place that the children enjoyed spending time. The youngest children (aged 5-6) were very enthusiastic about playing outdoors. The older children (both in the 11-13 age range and the 9-10 age range) spoke more about the details of the playground, and were keen to offer their insights on what they liked and what they would like to see more of on a playground. Favourite pieces of equipment were the high capacity spinner, the basket swing and the rope climbing structure. This supports the observations with regard to structures that were used often when the children were observed.
This study deepens our understanding of how children in these age groups use playground equipment. This research helps playground planners and designers to select equipment based on children’s use of the equipment. The findings also contribute to a baseline related to children’s behaviours on outdoor playground equipment.

Author

• Suzanne Quinn, KOMPAN Play Institute
  Presenting Author