Coventry University researcher shows how smarter play space design could help improve children’s health and wellbeing

Small changes to the design of play spaces could have a huge impact on children’s health and wellbeing, a Coventry University researcher has found.

Dr Amy Stringer has conducted a three-year study exploring the relationship between play space design and physical literacy - the degree to which we have a positive and meaningful relationship with movement and physical activity.

She found that there could be more opportunities for fundamental movement skills (FMS) to be developed by improving the landscaping and overall design of play areas.

These skills are proven to have a significant impact on a child in later life – it is believed a greater level of competency in FMS gained at an early age increases the likelihood of being physically more active in adulthood and can improve school performance and overall wellbeing.

The research was carried out by Dr Stringer while she was a PhD student with Coventry University’s Research Centre for Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise Sciences, alongside master developer Urban&Civic, landscape architect Bradley Murphy Design and play space designer Jupiter Play, and included interviews with play space designers, developers and parents, as well as on-site analysis of children’s behaviour at three playgrounds over 720 hours, using video analysis software.

Among the key points is current playground equipment often lacking opportunities for throwing, kicking and catching - activities which are crucial to developing FMS – which largely exists due to the risk of theft of loose balls and tethered balls posing health and safety concerns.

Play spaces designed with undulating surfaces and varied terrain, rather than flat, square areas, also encourage a wider range of movement, supporting the development of FMS like balance, jumping, climbing and coordination.

Dr Stringer also found that larger play structures, such as climbing frames, offer significant benefits as they are often multifunctional with various play values such as climbing, sliding, pulling and hanging. These elements encourage exploration, as well as accommodating a number of children at once, fostering greater social interaction and extended periods of play as research has shown that children tend to play longer on equipment when they are with their peers rather than alone or with an adult.

Find out more about the Research Centre for Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise Sciences.