Exploring factors that impact playground design decisions and the effect on children’s physical activity and health: a qualitative case study of stakeholder experiences in Rugby, UK

The design and structure of public playgrounds can influence opportunities for children to be physically active. Playground design can impact children’s movement. Decisions regarding playground design are made by playground design stakeholders, a population that is rarely examined in research. Seven design professionals involved in the creation of a large playground in Rugby, UK, were interviewed to understand this gap. Findings showed six key factors (playground owner, personal experiences, user demographics, risk/safety, finance and aesthetics) that impact playground design. Children’s physical activity was not a contributing factor, and therefore, improvements could be made by considering previous research and user preferences.