Governing for Child-Friendliness? Perspectives on Children as Users Among Swedish and Danish Urban Open Space Managers

Elin Pritzel Sundevall,Alva Zalar,Thomas B. Randrup,Märit Jansson

doi:10.3389/frsc.2020.565418

Elin Pritzel Sundevall, Alva Zalar + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/frsc.2020.565418

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Abstract

Despite the acknowledged importance of outdoor environment quality in supporting children’s health and well-being, little is known about how contemporary urban open space management caters for children. In this study, Swedish (n = 54) and Danish (n = 25) local governments were surveyed regarding how they manage urban open space for children, e.g., through a child-centered perspective which might include children’s perspectives (participation and governance approaches). The results revealed organizational differences and more active consideration of children as urban open space users in Sweden than in Denmark. A general ambition to increase children’s participation was reported, but also associated challenges, including budget limitations and lack of knowledge among managers. More ambitious and child-centered urban open space management units work collaboratively and broadly, through governance processes. This includes going beyond conventional structures and perceptions of what are “places for children” and consider all levels of strategic management (policy, tactical, and operational) in developing child-friendly environments within urban open spaces. The large differences between various management units indicates the importance of individual employees’ knowledge and dedication, and the value of exchanging knowledge and experiences.

Highlights

BackgroundAccess by children to urban open spaces, especially the green, brings a large number of advantages, including better physical health and lower risk of e.g., overweight (Bell et al, 2008) and mental illness later in life (Engemann et al, 2019)
This study examined the perspectives of local government employees responsible for urban open space management in Swedish and Danish local governments and how they approach children as users, with the aim of improving understanding about the role of organizations and individuals in user-oriented and child-centered management work
The few individuals that work with tactical-level urban open space management in local governments in Sweden and Denmark appeared to be of major importance for the work of adapting governance approaches to users, in particular to children

Summary

Introduction

BackgroundAccess by children to urban open spaces, especially the green, brings a large number of advantages, including better physical health and lower risk of e.g., overweight (Bell et al, 2008) and mental illness later in life (Engemann et al, 2019). Children generally appreciate having access to well-kept places, perceived as cared for Perspectives on Children as Users and safe, and unmanaged places, with freedom in finding own uses (Elsley, 2004; Jansson et al, 2016). This shows the importance of providing variety in local urban open spaces for children’s uses and preferences

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