Attractive Playgrounds: Some Factors Affecting User Interest and Visiting Patterns

Public playgrounds are often criticised for not corresponding to children's needs for outdoor play areas. However, some playgrounds appear more visited and interesting to users than others. This study reviewed the literature on playground qualities and then explored some well-functioning practical examples in order to identify factors affecting playground attractiveness. Interviews and questionnaire surveys with users and observations of playgrounds in two towns in southern Sweden revealed that playground interest can be created by the presence of particular pieces of play equipment, but that the frequency of visits depends on more than equipment; on the context, placement and place-specific qualities.