Sport and physical activity in the urban area – housing estate greens for three generations

Anna Ostrowska-Tryzno,Anna Pawlikowska-Piechotka,Hanna Nałęcz

doi:10.16926/sit.2020.03.16

Abstract

Research aim: Playgrounds were historically designed only for children, today we can observe new concept of recreation sites, aimed for all ages. Traditional playground was furniture with kids’ equipment, while universal playgrounds have also facilities for adults. These facilities enable families to play together. Research methods: Research project ds-300 AWF was a continuation of the ds-114 AWF – the MNiSW grant. Using the field survey with participant observations, structured and semi-structured interviews methods, factors determining the ‘inclusive urban playground’ for three generations were identified. Research results: To achieve the open access to the universally designed, inclusive playgrounds for all ages, basic components should be included: physical accessibility, age and developmental appropriateness, physical, social and sensory-stimulating components. Conclusions: Results show that exciting, engaging and challenging sport and recreation housing green areas are important to encourage physical activities for all age and enhance social, mental and physical skills of the three generations.

Highlights

The need to provide urban residents with an appropriate space conditions for active recreation, treated both as a daily need for physical effort, and a way to enjoy free time together with family and peers – has been known and repeatedly described in the literature of the subject [1], [2], [4], [14], [16], [17], [18], [19], [20], [21]
A growing body of research focuses on urbanization in the context of health documents a significant effect of the urban environment: toxins, pollutants, noise, crowding, chaos, housing on children and adolescents’ cognitive, physical and socio-emotional development and wellbeing. These studies prove that physical activity in properly prepared open areas is of great importance for the three generations: Sport and physical activity
Numerous changes in our style and pace of life are visible in the way of leisure and the selection of everyday forms of active recreation in the urban areas

Summary

Introduction

The need to provide urban residents with an appropriate space conditions for active recreation, treated both as a daily need for physical effort, and a way to enjoy free time together with family and peers – has been known and repeatedly described in the literature of the subject [1], [2], [4], [14], [16], [17], [18], [19], [20], [21]. A growing body of research focuses on urbanization in the context of health documents a significant effect of the urban environment: toxins, pollutants, noise, crowding, chaos, housing on children and adolescents’ cognitive, physical and socio-emotional development and wellbeing. These studies prove that physical activity in properly prepared open areas is of great importance for the three generations: Sport and physical activity. Recent studies show that currently only about 10% of children relax daily in the estate squares [1], [12]

Objectives

Findings

Conclusion