Playgrounds

A playground is an outdoor area designed for children's play, typically located in parks, school grounds, or residential complexes. It features equipment such as swings, slides, climbing structures, seesaws, and open spaces for running and imaginative activities. The materials used include wood, metal, and plastic, often with sand or rubberized surfaces. Playgrounds provide opportunities to develop physical abilities, coordination, balance, social skills, problem solving, and creativity within a supervised setting.

The playground movement emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as cities sought safer spaces for children away from streets. Since then, playgrounds have evolved into a range of forms: neighborhood parks with public facilities, schoolyards integrated into education, and specialized sites such as adventure playgrounds that emphasize loose parts, natural features, and unstructured play. Modern playgrounds increasingly focus on accessibility and inclusivity, offering ground-level play, tactile and auditory elements, and adaptable equipment.

Design and safety emphasize standards, maintenance, and supervision. Many countries publish safety guidelines and oversee inspections to reduce hazards; examples include standards such as ASTM F1487 in the United States and EN 1176/1177 in Europe. Surfacing, equipment spacing, and fall protection are key considerations. In addition to safety, maintenance, weather protection, and routine repairs are essential. Inclusive design and community involvement help ensure that playgrounds serve children of diverse abilities and backgrounds.