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Children’s Usage of Inclusive Playgrounds: A Naturalistic Observation Study of Play

Author

Listed:
  • Maeghan E. James

    (Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A4, Canada)

  • Emma Jianopoulos

    (Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A4, Canada)

  • Timothy Ross

    (Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON M4G 1R8, Canada
    Department of Geography and Planning, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A4, Canada
    Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A4, Canada)

  • Ron Buliung

    (Department of Geography, Geomatics and Environment, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada)

  • Kelly P. Arbour-Nicitopoulos

    (Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A4, Canada)

Abstract

Inclusive playgrounds that are designed to be physically accessible and welcoming to children with disabilities may provide equal and equitable access to play for all children. Using a naturalistic observational design, this study examines children’s use of a playground designed to be accessible and inclusive for all ages and abilities. A modified version of the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities was used to collect child data on observed gender, age, play behaviour types, social interactions, and activity levels. A relatively equal number of female (52%) and male (48%) observations was made, and the majority (96%) of children observed appeared to be under 12 years of age. Most children (71%) were observed to be engaging in active play. Functional play (e.g., climbing, swinging, running) was the predominant play behaviour observed on the playground (88%), and the majority of social interactions were with peers (48%) or an adult (26%). These findings provide information on how children use a playground designed to be inclusive for children of all ages and abilities. This information can be used to help inform the design of inclusive play spaces as well as types of programming that may occur within such settings.

Suggested Citation

  • Maeghan E. James & Emma Jianopoulos & Timothy Ross & Ron Buliung & Kelly P. Arbour-Nicitopoulos, 2022. "Children’s Usage of Inclusive Playgrounds: A Naturalistic Observation Study of Play," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-16, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:20:p:13648-:d:949057
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mariana Brussoni & Rebecca Gibbons & Casey Gray & Takuro Ishikawa & Ellen Beate Hansen Sandseter & Adam Bienenstock & Guylaine Chabot & Pamela Fuselli & Susan Herrington & Ian Janssen & William Picket, 2015. "What is the Relationship between Risky Outdoor Play and Health in Children? A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-32, June.
    2. Eryn Pleson & Laura M. Nieuwendyk & Karen K. Lee & Anuradha Chaddah & Candace I. J. Nykiforuk & Donald Schopflocher, 2014. "Understanding Older Adults’ Usage of Community Green Spaces in Taipei, Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-21, January.
    3. Regina Lai Tong Lee & Shelly Lane & Graeme Brown & Cynthia Leung & Stephen Wai Hang Kwok & Sally Wai Chi Chan, 2020. "Systematic review of the impact of unstructured play interventions to improve young children's physical, social, and emotional wellbeing," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 22(2), pages 184-196, June.
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    1. Thomas Morgenthaler & Christina Schulze & Duncan Pentland & Helen Lynch, 2023. "Environmental Qualities That Enhance Outdoor Play in Community Playgrounds from the Perspective of Children with and without Disabilities: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-30, January.

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