Property values and safety improvement strategy of playground

Abstract

Purpose

The goal of this study is to investigate the importance of safety issues in playgrounds, related to type of equipment and undersurface and their potential impacts on property values.

Design/methodology/approach

The population of this study was drawn from neighborhood residents in Taman Sri Nibong Park, one of the biggest neighborhood parks in Penang, Malaysia. A total of 173 questionnaires related to playground injuries were distributed and collected. The data were analyzed through the use of descriptive statistics.

Findings

Drawing from the experiences of children with playground injuries, the present study concludes that more effort should be taken to establish particular qualities in designing playgrounds to attract more visitors and investors. Most playground‐related injuries are related to swings (50 percent) followed by slides (22.2 percent). Moreover, the findings revealed that 41.2 percent of injuries identified by parents occurred on sand, which is used as the undersurface of playgrounds. Swings, climbing frames, slides and monkey bars are the types of equipment that attract more children or, in other words, are the instruments found in most ordinary playgrounds that cause the most casualties. Therefore, particular attention needs to be given to ensure safety in designing the parks.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited in its scope due to the lack of time and budget. Moreover, it focused only on one playground and therefore it cannot be generalized. Hence, further research about safety issues in playgrounds is needed to allow a better understanding. In addition, more studies are needed to explore how new equipment designs should be incorporated to ensure safe playgrounds, which in turn can increase property values.

Practical implications

This research would enable government, the private sector and equipment designers, as well as society in general, to benefit from new approaches in considering the effects of the safety of equipment in playgrounds and its important effects on playgrounds, which could be a key determinant of property value. It can affect development strategies by attracting more investment in equipment safety design. This new way of thinking can also affect the quality of life of society and its sustainability.

Originality/value

The paper provides a new way of thinking about the effects of playgrounds on property values by looking strategically at safety aspects in playgrounds.

Citation

Mani, M., Mehdi Hosseini, S. and Abdullah, A. (2012), "Property values and safety improvement strategy of playground", Business Strategy Series, Vol. 13 No. 1, pp. 47-53. https://doi.org/10.1108/17515631211194625