Playground Guide - 2023 - 11

playing actively? To answer this question, we looked at
the average amount of time children played actively on
specific pieces of equipment and in specific areas of
the playground. Our study showed that children were
active 90 percent of the time they used the playground,
and that the high-capacity, stand-alone equipment that
is popular with the children also kept them active for
longer periods of time than equipment and spaces for
individual play.
Positive Social Play
During our observations, no conflicts arose regarding
the use of the playground equipment. Children played
in self-selected social groups of friends - on average,
in groups of three. The play was highly social and active.
They played games of chase using the climbing
structures as escape routes. They also played games
of challenge, such as testing how long each can stay
on specific pieces of moving equipment. Due to the
many choices of activities on the playground, the children
moved from place to place, which supports their
physical activity. Children retained their social groups
with the movement. Rarely did children play alone.
Building an Understanding of Playground
Use and Design With Research
The findings from the KOMPAN study show agreement
with prior research that has found that children play actively
when there is fixed playground equipment (tinyurl.
com/2cpmmat3;
tinyurl.com/bd5s895s;
tinyurl.com/
yc7ndhbv), and that a variety of equipment supports
more active play (tinyurl.com/2cc5dd7u; tinyurl.com/
y5jdnkja). Playground research supports the position that
well-designed playground spaces support activity, health
and social relationships.
To read more about this study and other research by the
KOMPAN Play Institute, visit tinyurl.com/3k42p845.
Suzanne Quinn, Ph.D., is Manager of KOMPAN Play Institute,
Americas (suzqui@kompan.com).
The study showed the high-capacity, stand-alone equipment that is popular
with the children kept the children active for longer periods of time than
equipment and spaces for individual play.
Due to the many choices of
activities on the playground,
the children moved from place
to place, which supports their
physical activity. Children
retained their social groups
with the movement. Rarely did
children play alone.
PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G | 2 0 2 3 PL A Y GROUND GUIDE | Parks & Recreation
11
PHOTO COURTESY OF KOMPAN, INC.

http://www.tinyurl.com/2cpmmat3 http://www.tinyurl.com/2cpmmat3 http://tinyurl.com/bd5s895s http://tinyurl.com/yc7ndhbv http://tinyurl.com/yc7ndhbv http://tinyurl.com/2cc5dd7u http://tinyurl.com/y5jdnkja http://tinyurl.com/y5jdnkja http://tinyurl.com/3k42p845

Playground Guide - 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Playground Guide - 2023