WSLHD_CPH_Healthy High Density Living for Families with Chil

1.3 Playable Outdoor Space

Why it’s important Research has shown that parents living in apartments greatly desired an outdoor play space located in their building that was convenient, offered access to nature and a ‘backyard’ similar to what they had grown up with. 33 Outdoor play is essential to the development of children aiding in their physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing. 34 Within high density neighbourhoods, there is often a deficit of public green open space, making communal playable space within an apartment building even more important. The provision of a communal, outdoor space for apartment buildings is a consistent recommendation through the literature 10 and reinforced by parents in the City of Parramatta (CoP) study, 8 addressing some of the physical, psychological and social needs of residents living in high density. 35

How it can be done Integrating designated and adaptable playable space and objects within communal shared areas ensures that children of differing ages have direct access to play every day in lieu of a traditional backyard, while at the same time enhancing social connections for children and their caregivers. The Planning for Children in New Vertical Communities guideline from the City of Toronto supports the integration of designated playable place, and provides guidance on the minimum required amenity space for children and youth. 35 This has been used to inform Guideline 1 on page 25. Acknowledging that outdoor space in apartments is regulated by strata management, inclusion from the outset of well-designed playable outdoor space signals to residents, whether they are owners or renters, that this is a family-friendly building. Siting and orientating playable outdoor space that maximises light, incorporates sound proofing elements, and allows for passive surveillance and supervision will further enhance its useability. Incorporating suitable trees and vegetation to maximise green infrastructure will enhance passive recreation, rest, and the wellbeing of all residents, as well as encourage active nature play opportunities for children. Consent authorities can consider the use of regulatory mechanisms, such as their Development Control Plan (DCP), to enforce the inclusion of playable outdoor space if a public park is more than 200m away. 22 Other amenities, such as toilets and storage, can also be included depending on the number of dwellings/residents.

Image 16: Opportunities for imaginative play within communal outdoor space can welcome playful behaviours with the provision of elements such as cubby houses.

Image 18: Areas for play can be multi-use and encourage intergenerational play opportunities.

Image 17: Storage areas for gardening tools, toys and children’s bikes should be easily accessible from communal outdoor space.

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Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide