DESIGN MATTERS

We found that innovative playgrounds attracted 2.5 times more users, generated almost 3 times as much moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and had 31% more users per square foot than traditional playgrounds.1

The innovative playgrounds were almost twice as large as the traditional playgrounds, and nearly half were in destination locations (i.e. places that attracted tourists). After controlling for size, population density, neighborhood poverty, and destination location, innovative playgrounds still attracted 43% more visitors and had 43% more MVPA than traditional playgrounds.

This was particularly striking for playgrounds in high-poverty neighborhoods. For every 1% increase in poverty level, there were 5% fewer visitors and 4% less MVPA. This usage gap was also noted in The National Study of Neighborhood Parks. The primary reason for lower use in high poverty neighborhoods is due to safety concerns.3

However, innovative playgrounds reduced that gap in use by 60% for the number of users and 70% for MVPA. As many high-poverty areas have increased health disparities, from diabetes to hypertension to obesity, it is crucial that they have high quality, well designed and maintained public playgrounds.

Children do not get to choose where they grow up. Everyone deserves access to a great place to play, and a healthy, active childhood.

1 Playground Design and Physical Activity, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2022.

3 The First National Study of Neighborhood Parks: Implications for Physical Activity, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2016