This is the first observational study of playgrounds to compare the impacts of design on physical activity and play behavior across gender, age, and socio-economic status. Our data is the most current picture of playgrounds and their influence on physical activity in the United States, identifying specifically what playground elements promote moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and how these elements may have a large future impact on population health.

We studied 60 playgrounds in 10 major US cities, which include Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Memphis, New York City, San Francisco, and Seattle. 

Our booklet of findings is here.