leikkipaikkoina

Leikkipaikkoina is the plural essive form of leikkipaikka in Finnish, meaning “as playgrounds” or “in the capacity of playgrounds.” The essive case expresses a temporary or functional state, so leikkipaikkoina is used to describe spaces that are designated for children’s play. In planning and public administration, the term signals the intended use of various sites as playgrounds, even if they are parts of larger areas such as parks, courtyards, or schoolyards.

Uses and contexts often include residential neighborhoods, public parks, school environments, and mixed-use developments. Leikkipaikat may be formal playgrounds with installed equipment or informal play areas that accommodate spontaneous activity. Planning discussions typically address safety, accessibility, and inclusivity, aiming for features such as age-appropriate equipment, barrier-free access, and safe surface materials. Regular maintenance and adherence to safety standards are key considerations in keeping spaces usable as playgrounds.

Relation to related terms: leikkipuisto is the common noun for a playground itself, while leikkipaikkoina emphasizes the designation of multiple sites or contexts as playgrounds. The phrase frequently appears in municipal planning documents, zoning briefs, and development plans to describe intended use and design goals for outdoor spaces.

See also: leikkipuisto, pihasuunnittelu, kaupunginpuistot.