It’s the end of a decade – and as we move into the 2020s, communities around the world are starting to realize they don’t have to just survive, they can thrive. At InspiredPlay, we believe that play spaces are at the centre of this new wave of innovation.
Why?
Not only do playgrounds draw people outside to connect with their natural environment and each other, they also provide a space for children and adults alike to experience the physical, emotional and social benefits of play.
Let’s take a look at some important trends going into 2020 that we believe have the potential to shape the future of playgrounds over the next decade.
The Inclusive Playground
Inclusivity is by no means a new trend but playground and play equipment designers continue to find inspiration in discovering new ways to make play safe, accessible and inclusive for people of all ages and abilities. The idea is to make sure everyone feels welcome to stay and play – not only because it’s easy to move around but also because there’s a wide range of play experiences on offer.
The Destination Playground
This playground trend is one of the biggest. Providing a draw for both locals and tourists alike, local governments are being motivated to create larger spaces with more attractions and standout features – think taller towers, bigger slides and unique, locally-inspired themes.
The Community Playground
Research and experience shows that the more involved a community is in the design and development of a play space in their local area, the higher the use. Increased collaboration between councils, developers, landscape architects and residents is resulting in innovative, user-centric playground designs which meet the diverse needs of communities.
The Tech Playground
While technology is frequently blamed for living more sedentary lifestyles (and ultimately, resulting in health issues), the integration of technology into playgrounds is increasingly being used to engage children in active play. Smart phone-based game apps are turning playgrounds into landscapes of imagination, creating whole new worlds for children to explore. This one could even be the key to drawing older children and teenagers to parks and playgrounds too.
The Eco Playground
Play spaces and green spaces often go hand in hand, but as the world looks toward a cleaner, greener environment for the next generation, there are even higher expectations regarding green spaces in urban planning and design. This flows quite naturally over into playground design, making nature-based play and equipment made from sustainably sourced or even recycled materials a bigger trend than ever.
Feeling inspired? If you would like to bring one of these innovative play spaces to your community, don’t hesitate to get in touch.