Developing an integrated approach to the evaluation of outdoor play settings : rethinking the position of play value

Parker, R; Al-Maiyah, SAM

Abstract

This paper reports on the development of an evaluation tool supporting the review and
development of play parks. The Play Park Evaluation Tool (PPET) considers key areas
contributing to the accessibility and usability of play parks including non-play aspects such as
surface finish and seating alongside installed play equipment. The paper describes PPET’s
creation, the revision process undertaken, and its subsequent use across three stages of a play
park’s development.
Key to achieving facilities with high play value, the evaluation of play types offered is
integrated within the tool. This appraisal is supported by the creation of an infographic
illustrating this data and providing a method by which data can be presented in an accessible
form. This visual representation contributing to the decision-making process undertaken by
those responsible for the provision of play parks.

Citation

Parker, R., & Al-Maiyah, S. (2022). Developing an integrated approach to the evaluation of outdoor play settings : rethinking the position of play value. Children's Geographies, 20(1), 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1080/14733285.2021.1912294

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 28, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Apr 10, 2021
• Publication Date: Jan 2, 2022
• Deposit Date: Apr 15, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: May 6, 2021
• Journal: Children’s Geographies
• Print ISSN: 1473-3285
• Electronic ISSN: 1473-3277
• Publisher: Routledge
• Volume: 20
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 1-23
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14733285.2021.1912294
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/14733285.2021.1912294
• Related Public URLs: http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/cchg20/current