Over the years, we have had the privilege and joy of working with many municipalities, private institutions, and individuals on a variety of playscape projects. Each project has been unique, but certain themes in the design process have carried throughout. Designing for play requires a thoughtful design process which includes gathering feedback on desired play elements. Responding to the feedback received, the designer must balance the final design to be a playscape that appeals to a wide user group.
Types of Play Activities
In general, the playground industry focuses on seven major types of play activities. This provides a framework for gathering feedback from the community and stakeholders as well as guiding the design process. Understanding these categories ensures that the playscape caters to a diverse range of play preferences and developmental needs.
Parallel Play
Parallel play refers to play that happens alongside others rather than directly engaging with them. This is particularly common in younger children who prefer to observe and play independently within the same space. Elements like sand pits, water tables, and side-by-side swings encourage this type of play, allowing children to develop social comfort and awareness without requiring direct interaction.
Io LandArch designed a playground for the Anchored Roots Montessori School in Ogden, Utah. The design activates this compact space into a vibrant learning experience for children, including toddlers, to explore and discover their world.
Physical Play
Physical play involves activities that develop strength, coordination, and gross motor skills. This includes climbing structures, swinging, balancing elements, jumping platforms, and obstacle courses. These play components encourage movement and exercise, promoting healthy physical development and overall fitness.
Io LandArch worked closely with the City of South Salt Lake on the design and implementation of Central Park which converted an abandoned nine-acre school site into a community center, boxing gym, Head Start preschool and commercial kitchen, city park with basketball, pickleball, multi-use fields and a central event lawn. As seen here, the physical play elements are very popular!
Dynamic Play
Dynamic play incorporates elements that introduce a sense of controlled risk and skill-building. Examples include net climbing structures, parkour-inspired obstacles, and rope courses. These activities challenge children to push their limits while improving agility, coordination, and problem-solving skills. Safe risk-taking in play builds confidence and resilience.
Io LandArch worked with the Ogden Trails Network and trail design specialist, GRO Trails, to master plan and design the Trackline Bike Park which includes approximately 1.5 miles of intermediate dirt single-track trails, with several areas for optional advanced features. The park has become a beloved destination for play in Ogden!
Sensory Play
Sensory play engages a child’s senses through tactile, auditory, and visual stimulation. This includes musical play elements like chimes and drums, textured surfaces for tactile exploration, color-rich murals, and interactive water features. Sensory play is particularly beneficial for children with sensory processing needs and helps enhance cognitive development and creativity.
At The Corner Plaza in Ogden, the brightly colored sculpture by Hou de Sousa (The Range) encourages play and engages the senses (Image by IMAGEANDFILM).
Motion Play
Motion play incorporates movement-based equipment that provides thrilling experiences. This category includes spinners, merry-go-rounds, swings, zip lines, and teeter-totters. These play elements stimulate the vestibular system, which helps with balance and spatial awareness. Motion play is essential for developing coordination and a sense of body awareness.
Promise Park is a pocket park along the S-Line streetcar corridor and Parley’s Trail in South Salt Lake City. Its includes several recreational features, like this popular spinner, while optimizing its small space and limited budget.
Imaginative Play / Pretend Play
Imaginative play fosters creativity by allowing children to engage in role-playing and storytelling. Playhouses, themed structures (such as castles or pirate ships), and interactive panels provide opportunities for children to immerse themselves in fantasy worlds. This type of play supports language development, problem-solving, and social skills as children create and act out scenarios.
The Mangiapani Residence is a historic home in the Avenues district of Salt Lake City. Io LandArch formulated a design for the front yard to complement the strikingly detailed, historic craftsman-style home, complete with a children’s playhouse to mimic the Swiss craftsman style, encouraging imaginative play for its youngest residents!
Competitive Game Play
Competitive game play introduces structured or semi-structured activities where children engage in friendly competition. This includes sports areas, interactive gaming walls, and classic playground games like four-square and hopscotch. Competitive play helps children learn about teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship while also developing resilience and determination.
Sunnyvale Park is an important community asset in Millcreek City, serving as a home for many of the city’s after-school programs, and includes a regulation soccer field, fitness loop, expanded playground, and improved sports courts.
Conclusion
In general, the playground industry focuses on seven major types of play activities. This provides a framework for gathering feedback from the community and stakeholders as well as guiding the design process. Understanding these categories ensures that the playscape caters to a diverse range of play preferences and developmental needs.
By incorporating these diverse play types into a playscape design, designers can create inclusive and engaging environments that appeal to a broad audience, ensuring that every child can find an activity that resonates with their interests and abilities.
Learn more about our recreation projects here.
