Playground design matters: Insights on quality, gender, and usage

Introduction and aim

Outdoor play is vital for children’s physical, social, and emotional development. Yet, opportunities for outdoor play are declining due to urbanization and digitalization.

Public playgrounds can help counter this trend, but their effectiveness may depend on their design.

This study aimed to investigate how specific playground features influence children’s usage, with attention to gender differences. Bliekendaal and colleagues (2025) assessed 38 neighborhood playgrounds in Almere in the Netherlands, using the Play Space Audit Tool (PSAT). They observed 426 children’s presence through systematic headcounts.

The researchers used GEE-regression models* to analyze the relationship between playground features and usage.

The findings are particularly relevant for urban designers, playground developers, and policy advisors seeking to create inclusive, engaging, and well-utilized play environments.

* Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) are a type of regression model used to analyze repeated or clustered data. They adjust for correlations within groups to ensure more accurate estimates.

1. Overall playground quality matters

A 1-point increase in the overall PSAT score was associated with an average 26% increase in playground usage.
Hence, higher-quality playgrounds consistently attracted more children.

2. Play structures are crucial

The quality and availability of play structures (e.g., swings, climbing frames, loose parts) had the strongest impact on use.
A 1-point increase in this score was linked to an average 30% increase in playground activity.

3. Gender differences

The study shows several associations between PSAT score and playground usage, but the relationships may be stronger for girls.
For example, a 1-point increase in the PSAT play structure score was associated with a 29% increase in use by boys and a 35% increase for girls.
For boys, general amenities such as benches and lights were negatively associated with playground usage, suggesting a preference for more open, active play spaces.

4. Play Space Audit Tool (PSAT)

The study supports the PSAT as a valid tool for assessing playground quality and predicting usage.

Key findings

Play Space Audit Tool (PSAT) = The PSAT is a simple checklist developed by Gustat and colleagues (2020) to evaluate playground quality.

It includes 48 questions covering key features such as general amenities (e.g., benches, restrooms, lights), surface types (e.g., condition, vegetation), paths (e.g., wide, smooth),and play structures (e.g., equipment, inclusivity, quality).

The tool helps researchers and planners assess how well playgrounds support children’s play and identify areas for improvement.

Recommendations

Playground design can significantly influence children’s usage, with play structures and thoughtful layout being the most impactful features, particularly for girls. Gender-specific preferences should be considered to ensure inclusive play opportunities.

Key considerations for planners and designers:

Invest in high-quality play structures and avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Prioritize diverse play elements to cater to both active and sedentary play styles.
Recognize that boys and girls may value different features. Include looped and smooth paths to support girls’ preferences for more static play.
Use tools like the PSAT to evaluate existing playgrounds. It provides a clear foundation for making informed decisions about improvements or planning new developments based on evidence-based criteria.

By aligning playground design with children’s preferences and behaviors, communities can foster healthier, more active lifestyles and support children’s right to play.

Sharing research

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On the website, you’ll find a compilation of briefs that offer a clear comprehension of research findings and their implications for future research and practical application.

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