A retrospective study of playscapes in the city

Abstract

Reduced involvement in active free play is a major factor underlying low physical activity levels among Canadian children. Adopting a retrospective approach, the purpose of this study was to examine places, memories, and experiences young adults associated with the 'playscapes' where as children they engaged in active free play. Participants were 13 young adults (4 male, 9 female; aged 18 – 21 yrs) who had resided in one large western Canadian city for 10 years or more. They took part in one semi-structured interview (SSI) and one walk-along interview (WAI). During the SSI they were asked about their memories and experiences of play and during the WAI they returned to their childhood play areas and while they walked through the playscapes they were further questioned about their memories of play. Data were transcribed verbatim and each individual's SSI and WAI were subjected to content analysis before establishing common themes across the participants. Results showed that while participants associated numerous social and developmental benefits with play, they also recalled several barriers and safety concerns. Perceived changes in play related to changes to play environments, parent/adult supervision, and accessibility. Hence, whereas some factors appeared to have changed, findings showed familiar contemporary issues (e.g., barriers, safety) also appeared to be concerns in the past. By using a retrospective approach this study helped reveal some factors that have changed and some factors that have remained the same in terms of play over the past decade.