Playgrounds

About this intervention

Playgrounds are designed spaces within the urban environment that offer opportunities for play, social interaction, and physical activity. As dedicated areas for recreation, they are primarily intended for children, though they can also include elements that engage individuals of all ages. Playgrounds encourage movement, creativity, and exploration by incorporating various play structures such as swings,…

Link with Health (how can it affect health?)

Evidence indicates that playground use provides health benefits; however, the success of interventions relies on the specific setting, health outcome, and components of the intervention. Playgrounds demonstrate predominantly positive effects on children’s physical activity and, therefore, an impact on preventing metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity, reducing cardiovascular risk and high blood pressure, and improving bone mineral density. As urban interventions, they not only provide recreational value but also promote well-being, social cohesion, and a stronger connection between individuals and their surroundings. However, there is limited evidence regarding mental and social health outcomes.

Evidence

The role of playgrounds in promoting children’s health – a scoping review

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Systematic review of the health benefits of physical activity and fitness in school-aged children and youth

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Physical activity and mental health in children and adolescents: An updated review of reviews and an analysis of causality

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Related health determinants

Related health outcomes

Other Interventions

  • Pavements

    Interventions on urban pavements are an essential urban intervention measure in the construction or transformation of urban spaces, as they are the game board on which the space is articulated. Pavements have different determining factors: permeability, colour, texture, shape, etc. These factors, applied in different ways, have different effects on public spaces, with the capacity to completely transform them. They are also a very useful type of intervention, as many major changes can be made with a minimum budget.

  • CCTV

    The installation of video surveillance systems in urban spaces is a good practice to ensure the security of these spaces. This deterrent to vandalism and crime in cities improves both the real and perceived security of urban spaces.

  • Open Gyms

    Open gyms are free-to-use fitness areas located in public spaces such as parks or community centers. They provide easy and inclusive access to exercise equipment, encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in physical activity without financial or membership barriers.

  • Benches

    The incorporation of benches and rest areas in public spaces is essential to ensure accessibility. It is necessary to ensure that urban space is provided with rest areas for those who may need them. Without rest areas, people such as pregnant women and the elderly for example would not be able to enjoy them.

  • Sport fields/ court

    Sports fields and courts are designated spaces for athletic and recreational activities, promoting physical activity, social interaction, and community engagement. They provide a venue for all ages to participate in sports casually or competitively. These venues are vital community assets, offering health benefits and serving as social hubs that connect residents and foster sense of community. They also stimulate economic growth, as sports events and local leagues attract spectators and support nearby businesses. Well-designed sports facilities enhance urban environments, revitalizing neighborhoods and improving the livability of cities. Incorporating sports fields and courts into urban development encourages healthier lifestyles, strengthens social connections, and transforms public spaces into vibrant, multi-functional areas for the community.