Analysis of userʹs characteristics of three different playgrounds in districts with different socio-economical conditions

During childhood, playgrounds have a great impact on development of children. Not only do well designed playgrounds help children fast problem solving ability but also increase their social interactive relationships. User surveys are sources of data to aid for planning, designing and management processing of playgrounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of the playground users in districts which have different socio-economical structures in Erzurum. The study focuses on users of three different playgrounds, who belong to poor-middle-high income family groups. To identify the characteristics of playground users of three districts, a questionnaire survey was performed. Results were evaluated using Chi Square (χ2) Correlation Test. Socio-economic conditions of the users were defined according to their incomes. From the outcomes, it was determined that among the playgrounds present in the districts where socio-economic conditions of the families differ user characteristics (gender, age and education level), family characteristics, problems and requirements were also significantly different. In the district where families are in the low income groups, the playgrounds (80%) are used by boys in majority (80%) and all the children (100%) in this district find the playgrounds inefficient. In the district where families are in the high income groups, again majority of the children interviewed (70%) reported they play in these areas with fear of falling down. As a consequence, it was clearly seen that more efficient playgrounds where children can play securely must be constructed.