Research and Resources on the Importance of Play

  • The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children

    American Academy of Pediatrics, Volume 142, Issues 3, Sept 2018.

    A comprehensive overview on the positive effects and necessity of play on childhood development.

    Click for Full Article

  • Supporting Children's Learning through Play

    Resource webpage from Childcare.gov

  • Physical Activity and Physical Education: Relationship to Growth, Development, and Health

    From the Committee on Physical Activity and Physical Education in the School Environment; Food and Nutrition Board; Institute of Medicine; Kohl HW III, Cook HD, editors.

    Click for Full Article from NIH

  • The Benefits of Play in Cognitive Development

    From the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development

    Click for Full Article

  • International Play Association - USA

    https://ipausa.org/

    An international organization dedicated to advocacy for play.

    Consider their 50th Year White Paper for a comprehensive look at play and play advocacy.

  • Pop-Up Playspaces Become Permanent Playspaces to Create Healthier and Happier Communities

    Article from American Society of Landscape Architects on effects of pop-up play installations from 2018.

    Click for Full Article

  • Understanding child-friendly urban design: A framework to measure Playful Learning Landscapes outcomes

    From the Brookings Institution: a overview on Playful Learning Landscapes and their importance in urban planning and design.

    Click for Full Article

  • Case Study - When work is play: Child-friendly interventions spread across Portugal

    Article on the effects of urban design when looking through the lens of a child.

    Click for Full Article

  • Case Study - Pink Alley - Downtown Vancouver

    Example of playful urban renewal in Vancouver.

    Click for Article

  • Case Study: NYC Play Streets

    Example of spontaneous/temporary play to help combat obesity and encourage play in New York City.

    Link to NYC Parks Play Streets

  • Case Study: Playable City

    Thinking outside the playground. Creative play for all using art, technology, and community input.

    https://www.playablecity.com/about/