A local participatory experience for improvement of playgrounds

• Published in: Megaron (Istanbul, Turkey) Vol. 10; no. 3; pp. 423 - 439
• Main Author: Basaran Uysal, Arzu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: KARE Publishing 01.11.2015
• Subjects: city council; local participation; playgrounds; çanakkale
• ISSN: 1309-6915; 1309-6915
• DOI: 10.5505/MEGARON.2015.53215

The safe areas for children's play are declining with urbanization. Despite the fact that the significance of play in the development of children is well known and that the demand for safe areas for children increases every day, playgrounds are one of the most neglected spaces within cities. The fact that children are not represented and that they cannot vote is one of the main reasons that this problem is overlooked by the administrators of cities. In this article, the experience of a group of volunteer women, who came together to improve the playgrounds in a medium size city, is discussed. The group got together under the auspices of Çanakkale City Council, brought the issue of improving playgrounds to the agenda of the city and succeeded in attracting the attention of local authorities. The process, consisting of analysis of the current status of the playgrounds, interviews with children and parents, and raising awareness, was finalized with an action plan for playgrounds. The Action Plan for Improvement Playgrounds in Çanakkale (2010-2014) continues to be implemented even if not completely. This article shows that children and women, who are defined as disadvantaged groups, are able to effect to decision making process with help the City Council. The quality of life was improved by local participation in the city, and the awareness of decision makers was raised with regard to thinking in a more child-centered manner.