The Role of Green Playground on Social Interactions of Children (Case Study: Pasdaran Park in Bandar Anzali)

Abstract

Playground is effective on behavior of children; however, the severity of this effect and its variety in different playgrounds is still unclear. Identifying the playing area, reviewing local observations, evaluating interactions and their extent, and analyzing the level of communication between children can lead to correct ranking of playgrounds. Features of playground and the created space along with vegetation and plants are effective factors in attracting children and encouraging them to increase interactions. Various features of playground can determine the extent to which a child participates in social interactions. These features, along with other environmental factors, allow the development of social behaviors for children. Therefore, playgrounds must have potential facilities and capabilities for influencing children to provide high quality. This study will analyze the Pasdaran Park playground using quantitative method and distributing questionnaires. Field study is required to obtain the results. To this end, a questionnaire containing 18 questions was developed using parameters and factors previously defined and scored on a 5-point Likert scale. Fifty park visitors were questioned. According to the results, the most important factors, which can increase satisfaction and meet visitor needs include providing new access routes and improving the existing ones, increasing children interactions in green spaces, using vegetation in the environment, improving the environment according to the needs of users. The results of this study can be used as guideline for designing and developing this space and similar spaces.

Children's playgrounds for urban sustainability: (in)accessibility, (un)attractiveness and social (in)equity in Iași and Bacău municipalities (Romania)

“…Vegetation is essential in attracting children to playgrounds (Safari and Khaftani, 2022). Only a reduced share of the children's playgrounds in Bacău and Iași have ensured a reasonable surface of green spaces.…”