KEY TRENDS OF 2023: THE FUTURE OF PLAY

It is essential, now more than ever, to stay current on what trends are driving the future of play.

Play is integral not only to a child’s development but also to the social and economic success of our communities. Over the last decade, play and leisure activities have changed significantly in response to technology, social trends, and cultural preferences. In 2023, we must plan for how we will shape the way children use their free time outdoors as today’s investments in space can be tomorrow’s life-improving outcomes.

In this article, we look ahead to explore what’s set to change in the world of outside play this year and look at some of the trends which will impact how people interact with their outdoor environments over the coming years.

 

 

The recent focus on childhood physical activity levels, the development of LED technology, and a better understanding of the link between neurodiversity and the benefits of light play have all contributed to why playful lighting is a key trend of 2023 for play areas.

Activity levels are 15-20% higher on summer days than on winter days. It also rains for 156.2 days per year on average in Britain – fewer daylight hours and bad weather will mean children are less likely to want to play outside. This invites the suggestion that better lighting, shelter or drainage may facilitate greater physically active use of spaces.

Light is so important to children due to the fact vitamin D is crucial for the health and development of children. Light play is also a form of holistic, educational Sensory Play, and encourages critical and creative thinking.

Here are a few reasons why light should be used in outdoor play spaces:

• To create immersive, playful experiences
• To improve safety for playground and park users
• To provide a magical, sensory experience

 

 

 

 

With the current climate crisis, Jupiter must jump on the trend of prioritising biodiversity in all builds. Biodiversity is declining faster than at any time in human history and our sector has a part to play in addressing this crisis. 15% of species in the UK are threatened with extinction, with native woodland covering a mere 2.5% of our land.

Through the Environmental Act of 2021, the Government has announced that new English developments will be required to demonstrate a 10% increase in biodiversity on or near development sites.

We are building our playgrounds to fit into nature, not just destroying the land we use to build them on. We are doing this through:

• BOUNDARY TREATMENTS: Create a boundary that surrounds the space and seed with wildflower or plant with a mixed native species hedgerow/ native shrub mix/ woodland mix if big enough.
• PLANTING IN SUDS: Planting in SUDS Wetland grass mixes/ marginal planting improves biodiversity.
• AVOID AMENITY GRASS: Preserving the natural grassland as much as possible and avoiding putting in amenity grass – grassland creates more welcoming, greener spaces.
• INVEST IN NATIVE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE: Investing in good quality, green infrastructure puts children’s play in the heart of nature – building playgrounds to fit in with nature, not destroying the land to build playgrounds on.
• HABITAT CREATION & EDUCATION: Our play spaces, especially ones in schools, can be made with habitat creation spaces, allowing children to be educated on habitats and how to look after them.

 

 

 

 

Active Streets are seen as a trend due to the decline of the high street and the need to rethink their function– 50 shops a day closed in the UK in 2022. As well as this, the increase in obesity in both children and adults calls for more solutions to be made, such as the concept of whole streets being dedicated to playing and physical activity.

The all-weather skatepark named Tram Line Spot is the first UK purpose-built ‘street spot’. It is based under the tram viaduct to keep the spot dry and streetlights keep the area well-lit in the dark.

The need to create active communities goes in hand with the importance of physical activity for all ages:

• UNDER 5’S: Need 180 minutes of exercise per day for healthy muscle development.
• PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE: Need to exercise for at least 60 minutes per day to maintain good health.
• TEENAGERS: Need 60 minutes of exercise per day. Strengthening bones is crucial at this age.
• ADULTS: Should exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.
• LATER YEARS: 30 minutes of exercise per day is recommended to improve muscle strength and balance.

 

 

 

 

 

Gender Inclusive designs are becoming a trend due to the number of teenage girls dropping out of sports, and the increasing need to address concerns about safety in parks.

Due to gender norms that girls are exposed to whilst growing up, it can be said that girls do not feel as though they no longer belong in parks. Many girls feel that they are unable to claim space for exercise: almost half feel excluded from their local parks, with active spaces and exercise equipment within parks typically catering to boys’ needs. Unfortunately, 59% of girls don’t feel welcome in parks because the spaces are dominated by boys.

According to Her Story, involving girls in urban development will make the city better for everyone. Girls plan and design with diversity and different needs in mind. Participatory processes are key for planning a city that works for everyone. If we let citizens that the experts rarely hear have a voice, our cities, and communities will become more inclusive, equal, and sustainable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The power of Instagram and TikTok in documenting and photographing wow-factor places has given way to a new trend – crafting ‘wow’ factor playgrounds that entice visitors and encourage outdoor play.

So, how do you create an ‘Instagrammable’ space? Here are several ways to do so:

• Create a unique and memorable brand identity
• Use relevant hashtags to spotlight your space
• Inspire your audience to take videos/photos
• Think about recognisable photo opportunities
• Interact with your community to see what they are looking for

Kids are growing up with technology, so play spaces need to be designed to be interactive to get kids active and families playing together. YALP+ gives kids opportunities to download the free app on their mobiles and enhance their play experiences.

 

 

 

 

 

In conclusion, the world of outdoor play is constantly evolving, with new trends and innovations emerging all the time. Staying up to date with the latest trends in outdoor play is essential. By understanding the key trends of 2023 and beyond, you can create play spaces that are truly exceptional and provide children and families with unforgettable experiences.

Overall, the world of outdoor play is full of exciting possibilities, and by staying informed and creative, we can continue to create play areas that inspire and delight. The key to success is simply to keep an open mind, stay curious, and embrace the power of play.

Contact us HERE to find out how we can design play spaces that will create a sense of wonder for you.