A Critical Exploration of Natural Playgrounds in Calgary, Alberta

Abstract

Growing concerns surrounding children’s changing socioenvironmental contexts, such as the increasing impacts of urbanization and decreases in unstructured outdoor play, have led to the emergence of an intentional movement to increase natural play spaces. Among the variety of natural play space initiatives are natural playgrounds: play spaces that encompass a wide variety of interpretations, but generally involve the intentional incorporation of natural features and materials into the playground. Research on natural playgrounds has increased; however, several areas of inquiry remain, including a need for increased understanding of children’s perspectives on natural playground sites and more critical considerations of the complexities surrounding these spaces. In this qualitative study, I explore several areas of inquiry in relation to natural playgrounds in Calgary, Alberta. These areas of inquiry include play affordances, issues of accessibility and inclusivity, concepts of nature and sustainability, and settler colonialism in relation to natural playground development and usage in Calgary, Alberta. This study focuses on the development and usage of five natural playground sites. Primary research methods include online and mobile/walking interviews with 44 natural playgrounds users (e.g., children and caregivers) and seven playground developers (e.g., designers). This study is theoretically informed by political ecology, concepts of nature, and play affordances. Findings from this study are presented in a manuscript-based dissertation, which comprises four manuscripts along with two introductory chapters and a conclusion.