Playground for Children: A Design Model of Playground for Children’s Physical Activties in Ngemplak Simongan Kampong

Abstract

Children need public space, especially playing space as a means of physical activity, developing themselves, forming friendships and getting to know their surroundings. However, the density of urban settlements made it difficult to provide such space so that children use spaces like road bodies and sidewalks. Ngemplak Simongan Kampong is one of the locations for the development of Child-Friendly Thematic Kampong, which are part of the Great Gate program by the Semarang City Government. It is necessary to examine the condition of existing playing space in the kampong and to look for the most suitable playground model for the needs of children’s physical activities. This study aims to determine the model of playground needed by the children of Ngemplak Simongan Kampong to fulfill their physical activities. Quantitative methods are used to identify and map the characteristics of users, activities, selection of alternative locations for children's playground sites, and to create the most suitable model for children's playground. The results showed that Child Friendly Thematic Playground (RT 05 / RW 01) were used more by children aged 6-14 years to play soccer, so the model need to add goals, nets, lighting, and shade trees for comfort. Whereas the playground in RT 03 / RW 01 is used more by children aged 0-5 years to run around and play sand so it is necessary to add sandbox and tunnels.