Privatization of collective play spaces in the UK

Abstract

There is a trend toward the commercialization of playgrounds in the UK. Here the nature of commercial playgrounds, patterns of growth and the significance of their imprint on the built environment, are each considered in turn. The paper then turns to patterns of participation and considers current and the future use of commercial playgrounds for children, parents and leisure providers. The paper concludes by reflecting on the wider significance on children's lives of commercial playgrounds.