Date of Award

10-16-2023

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Child Development

First Advisor

Amanda Moreno

Abstract

This study investigated the quality of children’s play spaces, both green and built, in and surrounding urban public schools in Chicago. Given children’s declining access to nature and the outdoors, especially in urban areas, the aim of the study was to both assess the current potential for high-quality outdoor experiences, as well as to uncover additional, low-cost, and low-burden opportunities that may exist for enhancing outdoor experiences. Based on a selected sample of 60 Chicago Public Schools, this mixed methods study employed quantitative ratings of play space and neighborhood quality, geographic information systems (GIS) mapping techniques to show distribution of results across the city as well as distances from the schools in the sample, and qualitative coding of visit notes and 1000+ photographs. On average, CPS play areas fell slightly below the mid-point of the quantitative quality scale, i.e., high 2’s out of 5. Play space quality ratings correlated with risk and neighborhood quality, however, varying degrees of quality were observed city-wide. Collective wear and tear, lack of dynamism, and nuanced natural elements emerged as district themes. Examples of positive outliers, such as community champions who advocated for play space improvement grants, tended gardens, and worked with children to distribute produce to the community, and found creative ways to create low-cost “outdoor classrooms,” were also found. Resources on campuses and within <0.5 mile walk from the schools, including local community gardens and Chicago Park District parks, were identified as potential enhancement opportunities. A series of recommendations was created based on the results, such as implementing “standing permission slips” to remove barriers to visiting adjacent outdoor areas.

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