Playground planning and management: An evaluation of standard-influenced provision through user needs

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.