Image: 1 Caroline Bay
Playground design to meet every community’s thirst for fun and healthy adventure
Space to play, explore, interact and grow is a universal need, but there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all when it comes to playground design.
Every community is a vibrant melting pot of people with specific needs and interests to be considered in playground design. Whether this be in relation to specific ages and abilities through to key community challenges such as social cohesion, accessibility, and health and wellbeing.
The best playground design balances the needs of ‘play seekers’ and ‘play makers’ to create innovative, creative and adventurous play spaces which add intrinsic value well beyond fun to the lives of the communities which use them.
Indeed, the latest research reveals innovative playground design attracts more than twice the users and generates nearly three times the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity as traditional post-and-platform playgrounds[i].
Let’s explore the different types of playground design which often share key characteristics to maximise value for the community.
Image: 2 Carol Moore Park
Neighbourhood
As housing density increases and backyards continue to shrink, access to local or neighbourhood playgrounds are vital for children’s health. A recent university study found children with access to fixed play equipment, such as swings and slides, were much more likely to meet national physical activity guidelines.
The small but mighty Carol Moore Park demonstrates how a limited budget can be optimised to deliver loads of fun and challenges for different ages on a compact suburban site. Similarly, Selwyn Park, Kaipara, provides the best mix of physical challenges, upper body strength, balance, climbing and lots of fun with an off-the-shelf design, minimising costs including purchase, installation and maintenance
Image: 3 Centennial and Naish Parks
Multigenerational
With research showing children want to play with their parents and grandparents more often, and would overwhelmingly prefer to do so outside, the importance of multigenerational playgrounds is clear.
It’s a message being heard loud and clear by communities like Balclutha, New Zealand. Two giant climbing towers and an impressive bank of nine swings entice the young and young-at-heart to Centennial and Naish Parks’ vibrant play and exercise space.
Image: 4 Bathgate Park
Inclusive
A truly inclusive space considers more than just accessible and intergenerational play equipment. Interesting textures, visual cues, sounds, shapes and colours are a magnet for children and can be particularly important for those with sensory processing issues, along with passive areas for quiet play.
Safe, inclusive fun and fitness was the brief from Dunedin locals for the upgraded play space at Bathgate Park, which now includes multigenerational and wheelchair-accessible play equipment, musical instruments and plantings specifically chosen to add sensory and textural experiences. On a larger scale, colourful Secret Harbour features climbing structures, ropes, swings and pathways for children of various abilities, as well as calming, tactile retreats and information about sea creatures in braille.
Image: 5 Anderson Park Napier Playground
Destination
Often big in size, destination playgrounds are premium playground and recreation spaces offering a diverse range of experiences that encourage an active, engaged and connected community, while also serving as a major attraction for local residents, visitors and tourists alike.
Balancing natural play with adventure on a unique site, Anderson Park Napier Playground offers a range of experiences for a complete family day out – including one of New Zealand’s tallest playground towers, standing at 10m high with two tube slides. Wheelchair accessible play equipment, sensory equipment such as a large xylophone, musical bridge and drums, and artwork with messages in braille for the sight impaired are also key features.
Image: 6 Paddocks Reserve
Nature
Incorporating natural features and blending with the landscape enables children to discover the wonders of nature, as well as nurture their health and wellbeing through active play. Nestled amongst large shade trees, surrounded by grassed areas with wetlands nearby, the exciting new playground at Paddocks Reserve prioritises interactive nature play, featuring a splashtastic water play area and a variety of accessible play equipment. Similarly, the eco-friendly look and feel of the Queen’s Park Drive play space was designed to make the most of the gently sloping site and reflect the lush, natural setting.
Image: 7 Kulin All Ages Precinct
Fitness
Outdoor gyms play an important role in combatting today’s sedentary lifestyle and nurturing a more active, healthier community. Incorporating accessible workout equipment into public parks and schools not only builds healthier bodies and minds at every age and stage, but also fosters community connection.
Hutt Intermediate School took fitness to new heights for its population of 11-13 year old students, installing more than 265sqm of challenges, while the extensive obstacle course at Kulin All Ages Precinct in regional Western Australia encourages local families, visitors and tourists alike to get active and socialise.
Playground Centre’s proven 4-step design process puts people front and centre – from concept to completion, to deliver playground design that encourages communities to get outside, connect, nurture their health and have fun!
For supporting designing your next playground, contact the Playground Centre today.
[i] Playground Design and Physical Activity, Deborah A Cohen MD et al, American Journal of Preventative Medicine, March 2023.