Outdoor play spaces are commonly associated with visual images of playgrounds. Structured and designed play spaces called playgrounds emerged in the early 19th century with the rise of industrialisation. It resulted from an increasing density of urban areas with limited green space, leading to growing concerns about the living conditions of urban children and their lack of recreational opportunities. The earlier conception of the playground focused on educating children on proper play where open spaces are set up with swings and play structures. These play spaces have developed over time, opening up endless possibilities for outdoor play spaces today.
Child’s “Play”
Outdoor children’s play spaces have gained evolving interest in urban environments. They are intended to support physical, social, and cognitive development through “play”, where learning by playing is fundamental for a child’s development. Although it is commonly assumed that play is a recreational activity, it is an approach to understanding and interacting with the world in a child’s world and forms a core learning component. As “play” develops, a child’s learning extends and expands. Solitary play is self-centric, fostering independence and concentration, while parallel play is about playing alongside other children and learning through observation and imitation. Associative play includes group play to build relationships and social skills without set goals, whilst cooperative play involves organised and structured play.
Whilst there are different theories on play, the act of “play” is generally categorised into structured and unstructured play. Structured play is intentional and purpose-designed through typical play equipment such as swings, slides, and climbing structures. There are strict or guided rules and boundaries for such play. Unstructured play is less formal, for example, in the open green spaces, sand pits, and natural environments. It typically involves greater risk due to reduced rules and regulations and strict supervision. It encourages spontaneity, curiosity, and imagination. Guided by the relationships between child development and the theories of play, from Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory to Nicholson’s Loose Parts Theory, let’s look at the essential role of outdoor play space in a child’s world.
In Malaysia, the types of outdoor children’s play spaces are growing to meet diverse needs. From open spaces to free play structures, theme parks, and sensory environments, these spaces encourage “play” amongst children as a way to understand the world.
Urban parks as a universe of play
Urban park is one form of outdoor play space in a child’s world. For example, the garden or the park is a free play space and at the same time, they comprise zones for diverse structured and unstructured play. Urban parks like KLCC Park, Perdana Botanical Gardens, and Titiwangsa Lake Park host diverse play spaces for children. These spaces resonate with Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, which focuses on developing a sense of autonomy, initiative, and competence, and Nicholson’s loose parts theory, which emphasises interaction with natural materials. For example, the Perdana Botanical Garden has natural environments where children can interact with natural elements like stones, plants, and water features. These loose parts encourage creativity as children build, create, and interact with the environment imaginatively.
Built forms designed for flexible use are also a significant aspect of unstructured play—for example, the Bamboo Playhouse in Lake Gardens. Although not intentionally purpose-designed as a children’s play space, it offers a highly unstructured, creative, and imaginative use of space for children’s play. It resonates with Froebel’s focus on sensory and creative play-inspired environments rich with natural materials and opportunities for free exploration.
Themed outdoor play spaces for social and imaginative play
Modern play spaces have emerged since the 20th century as safe and innovative spaces for children. Theorists such as Vygotsky and Parten argued for social interaction in play areas. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory and zone of proximal development have influenced the design of play areas, creating collaborative play areas where children can engage in cooperative play and learn from one another or with the help of adults within the proximal development zone. Extending the notion of play, Parten’s social play stages influence the design of play spaces that house a range of social interactions, from individual/solitary to cooperative play. In addition, more inclusive play spaces that cater to different age groups and developmental needs were created, fostering a sense of togetherness. These modern play spaces are designed with safety and inclusivity in mind, reassuring urban planners and parents about the quality of these spaces.
Spatial diversity becomes critical to fostering different play spaces, ranging from quiet and individual spaces to larger group-oriented spaces. Curiosity and discovery are central to the design of play spaces to engage children. For example, Xplorasi at the National Science Centre integrates physical activity, including climbing frames, water play, and interactive exhibits, which align with Piaget’s and Vygotsky’s ideas on learning through discovery and interaction.
Besides urban parks, shopping malls have also integrated outdoor play spaces for children, such as rooftop parks, pocket green spaces, and structured play spaces. For example, the 10-acre TRX City Park is located at the level 3 rooftop connected to the Exchange TRX Mall in Kuala Lumpur. It houses an interactive water fountain, an interactive sensory zone, a themed Play City designed for children to climb, crawl, and slide, rock climbing in the Play Cave, and the quieter Rooftop Forest Walk.
Imaginative play is another aspect where playing pretend is one way for children to make sense of their world and develop cognitive and social skills. Paid parks such as Sunway Lagoon are outdoor theme parks featuring a variety of zones, such as Pirate Adventure and Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon, that engage children in themed play.
The significant role of outdoor play spaces in supporting learning by play in a child’s world is undeniable. Its evolution from a typical playground to diverse outdoor play spaces is created to nurture a child’s physical, cognitive and social development. From humble open spaces to large urban parks and free play structures to structured play equipment, these spaces give children a window to understand the world.
References:
The Nest School. (2024). Playing Through Time: A Journey into the History of Playgrounds – The Nest Schools. [online]. Available at: https://thenestschool.com/blog/playing-through-time-a-journey-into-the-history-of-playgrounds/ [Accessed 28 September 2024]
Pentago Malaysia. (2023). TRX City Park, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia [online]. Available at: https://pentago.com.my/projects/trx-city-park-malaysia/#prev [Accessed 28 September 2024]
Petitgo.com. (2024) KLCC Park. [online]. Available at: https://petitgo.com/listing_display?listingid=1
[Accessed 28 September 2024]
Yin Teing. (2019). Pusat Sains Negara and Taman Prasejarah (Prehistoric Park). [online]. Available at: https://visit-malaysia.yinteing.com/2019/04/pusat-sains-negara-and-taman-prasejarah-prehistoric-park/ [Accessed 28 September 2024]
