Philly Schoolyard After

Playgrounds reimagined for the future.

The erosion of safe play spaces for children is a critical issue at the intersection of urbanization, inequality, the digital shift, and public health. Tackling this nationwide challenge demands a unified, collaborative effort at local, city, and national levels to ensure that every child in every community has access to safe, accessible spaces for play.

co-creation

Involving local communities in defining, designing, and maintaining play spaces fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. When communities take charge, play areas are more likely to be used and cared for, creating a safer environment for children.

Facilitations and storytelling activities can be a powerful tool in supporting this process.

inclusive design

Play spaces should be inclusive, welcoming historically marginalized groups—such as girls, children with disabilities, sports beginners, those with health challenges, and elders. This includes addressing cultural and accessibility barriers and offering a mix of traditional sports structures, greenery, and wellness zones. By doing so, we create spaces that support physical activity, relaxation, and well-being, fostering a sense of belonging for all.

investment in public spaces

Cities must prioritize creating safe, accessible parks, especially in underserved areas. Public investment alone is limited, so a comprehensive assessment of private, public, and philanthropic funding is essential. Aligning these resources can bridge gaps and ensure all communities have access to sustainable, high-quality play spaces promoting equity, health, and well-being.

Equitable Access to Play

Bridging the gap between affluent and underserved neighborhoods requires a commitment to equity. Public policies should ensure that every child, regardless of socioeconomic status, has access to safe, affordable places to play.

balancing digital and physical play

While digital play is here to stay, efforts must be made to balance screen time and outdoor activity. Communities can invest in technology-integrated play spaces that combine the physical with the digital to keep children engaged while ensuring they remain active.

addressing violence

Tackling violence in public spaces requires collaboration between community leaders, law enforcement, and residents. Safe play cannot exist without safe communities, and efforts to reduce crime and increase safety must accompany the creation of play spaces.

looking to the future

The decline of safe play for children is not an inevitable consequence of urbanization or the digital age but a reflection of societal choices. As communities grow and change, so must our approach to creating spaces where children can play safely and freely.

By addressing the underlying factors—rising costs, urbanization, violence, the digital shift, and inequality—we can restore the essential spaces where childhood thrives and build a future where every child has the right to play safely.