What does it take to create popular playgrounds?

Promoting physical activity among children is a key concern, and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends play as an effective means to achieve this goal. One way for children to reach the recommended level of physical activity, is to stay longer at the playground. So, how do we achieve that?

In this study, KOMPAN Play Institute examined the retention rate of Veteran's Park Playground in Philadelphia over a 7-day period. Following the refurbishment of the playground, park usage saw a remarkable 90% increase. Parents and children attributed this surge in park attendance to the array of sensory and thrilling play activities available, catering to a wide age range.

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Families Love Thrilling and Sensory Playgrounds

The cover of a book about playground equipment
5 design tips

5 community playground design tips

  1. Providing active and thrilling physical play activities (the feeling of speed, height, challenge and rough and tumble play)

  2. Provide play activities that engage the senses (touch, sight and sound)

  3. Make sure that activities are varied in their play functionality (gliding, climbing, spinning, swinging, rocking and sliding).

  4. Provide spaces for children and adults to socialise (high capacity play pieces with social points, as well as seating)

  5. Create a safe and inclusive environment for all ages and all abilities

The Research Around Play | Webinars & White Papers

Mastery through make-believe play

Play Value - The Influence of Playground Equipment

The risk-benefit equation of challenging playgrounds

Energy expenditure on a KOMPAN school age playground

Innovative products - The key to more play

The more thrilling playground

a children's play area with children playing on the playground.

A Design Checklist for Success with Inclusive Playgrounds

Nature play and natural playgrounds

truly inclusive section

Truly inclusive - the reward of thrill in universal play designs

Play value increases with sensory play

Unique Play Designs - Increase play duration

6 tips to dramatic play outdoors

A couple of girls climbing on KOMPAN play equipment.

Climbing activates tween girls - How to increase tween girls' physical activity

More play and no conflicts

Play for All - Universal Designs for Inclusive Playgrounds

Adventurous children climbing over natural playground structures

8 ways to encourage nature play in playgrounds

Sensory play: The why, how and what of sensory stimulating playgrounds

Physical Activity Among Preschool Children

Unleashing Creativity: Building Unique Playgrounds with KOMPAN Design Studio

Excited children playing on an inclusive playground

A Design Checklist for Success with Inclusive Playgrounds

Tweens love playgrounds

Intrigued children participating in sensory play on a playground

Sensory Play: Science behind child wellbeing in playgrounds

Tweens love playgrounds: 5 new science-based practice tips for school playground design

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