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Playground Design: Contribution to Duration of Stay and Implications for Physical Activity

Author

Listed:
  • Deborah A. Cohen

    (Kaiser Permanente Southern California Research and Evaluation, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA)

  • Meghan Talarowski

    (Studio Ludo, Philadelphia, PA 19143, USA)

  • Bing Han

    (Kaiser Permanente Southern California Research and Evaluation, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA)

  • Stephanie Williamson

    (Research Programming Group, Information Services, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA 90407, USA)

  • Emily Galfond

    (Studio Ludo, Philadelphia, PA 19143, USA)

  • Deborah R. Young

    (Kaiser Permanente Southern California Research and Evaluation, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA)

  • Sarah Eng

    (Kaiser Permanente Southern California Research and Evaluation, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA)

  • Thomas L. McKenzie

    (School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
    Emeritus.)

Abstract

Background: The study goal was to identify playground features associated with visitor length of stay and physical activity. Methods: We observed playground visitors over 4 days during summer 2021 in 60 playgrounds in 10 US cities, selected based on design, population density, and poverty levels. We observed 4278 visitors and documented their length of stay. We observed an additional 3713 visitors for 8 min, recording their playground location, activity level, and use of electronic media. Results: People stayed an average of 32 min (range 5 min–4 h). Stay time varied by group size, with larger groups staying longer. The presence of restrooms increased the likelihood of staying longer by 48%. Playground size, mature trees, swings, climbers, and spinners were associated with longer stays. When a teen was a part of the group observed, the group was 64% less likely to stay longer. The use of electronic media was associated with lower amounts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity compared to non-media users. Conclusions: To increase population-level physical activity and time spent outdoors, playground features associated with a longer stay should be considered when renovating or building new playgrounds.

Suggested Citation

  • Deborah A. Cohen & Meghan Talarowski & Bing Han & Stephanie Williamson & Emily Galfond & Deborah R. Young & Sarah Eng & Thomas L. McKenzie, 2023. "Playground Design: Contribution to Duration of Stay and Implications for Physical Activity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-11, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:5:p:4661-:d:1089150
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anna Bergenheim & Gunnar Ahlborg & Susanne Bernhardsson, 2021. "Nature-Based Rehabilitation for Patients with Long-Standing Stress-Related Mental Disorders: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis of Patients’ Experiences," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-14, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jhu-Ting Yang & Ching-I Chen & Meng-Cong Zheng, 2023. "Elevating Children’s Play Experience: A Design Intervention to Enhance Children’s Social Interaction in Park Playgrounds," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-18, April.
    2. Pai Tang & Helen Woolley, 2023. "Optimizing Urban Children’s Outdoor Play Spaces: Affordances, Supervision, and Design Dynamics," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-12, October.
    3. Muhammad Yazid & Dessy Adriani & Riswani & Dini Damayanthy, 2024. "Farm Household Vulnerability Due to Land and Forest Fire in Peatland Areas in South Sumatra," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-17, May.

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