Why Do We Need Adventure Playgrounds in Rural Areas? The Revitalization Project of Ishikawa, Fukushima, Japan

Abstract

This project attempted to understand the current situation of children's play in depopulating rural areas of Japan and improve the situation through a participatory adventure playground planning project. Questionnaires revealed the children's lack of friends to play with and reduction in nature play experience. The authors—a team from the Spatial Planning Laboratory, Chiba University, Japan—suggest that an adventure playground can contribute to resolving these problems. For that, a series of workshops was organized, triggering discussion of the need for nature experiences and risky play as well as responsibilities in case of injury. As a result, a plan for the adventure playground was agreed upon despite the fear of injuries and the original unwillingness of town officers to take responsibility for children's risky play.