What is a playspace?

Broadly speaking, a playspace is anywhere children and teens can play. Playspaces fall into three broad categories:

1. Playgrounds (which are frequently located in parks)
2. Sports facilities (which are frequently located in parks)
3. Parks and nature

Let’s describe each in turn.

1. Playgrounds in the United States primarily serve specific age groups:
   1.  2-5 years old: play structures are lower to the ground and easy to climb
   2. 5-12 years old: play structures ideally are more challenging and engaging.
       

   Playgrounds are most often found in the following locations:

   • Public parks
   • Schools
   • Child-serving non-profits
   • Religious grounds (churches, synagogues, etc.)
   • Commercial / Business
   • Housing complexes / Subdivisions
   • Libraries / Museums

1. Sports facilities, which include the following outdoor and indoor venues:
   • Baseball Diamond
   • Batting Cages
   • Ice Rink
   • Skate Park
   • Football Field
   • Track
   • Disc Golf
   • Horseshoe Pit
   • Volleyball
   • Tennis Court
   • Raquetball Court
   • Soccer Field
   • Open Grass
   • Roller Hockey
   • Swimming Pool
   • Shuffleboard
      

   Sports facilities are most often found in the following locations:

   • Public park
   • Child-serving non-profit
   • Religious grounds (churches, synagogues, etc.)
   • Commercial / Business
   • Housing complexes / Subdivisions
   • Libraries / Museums

1. Parks and nature, which include:
   • Open green spaces
   • Forests
   • Trails (bike and foot)
   • Lakes
   • Rivers
   • Beaches
   • Rock climbing