Friendly for Play?

Abstract

This case study describes a participatory research project that engaged young people (ages 11 to 13) in examining the play-friendliness of their local neighborhoods. Part of a larger study related to the city’s ‘Child and Youth Friendly Community Strategy,’ the project involved youth in creating and sharing knowledge about their neighborhood play environments. University researchers, a youth leadership group, city staff, and school personnel collaborated in designing and carrying out the project. Through regular in-school sessions over 3 months, 51 youth participants engaged in activities related to children’s rights, child-friendly cities, outdoor play, photography, and municipal decision making. They also went on a neighborhood walk and took photographs of places and things they perceived as ‘friendly’ and ‘not friendly’ for play. These photographs—and accompanying narratives—were displayed at City Hall and the School Board office. A number of youth participants also delivered presentations and recommendations to City Council and the Board of Education about making the city better for young people. This case study outlines the process of carrying out the research project and identifies impacts of such a project on youth participants, the city’s Child and Youth Friendly Community Strategy, and the local community.