Landscape equipments used in children playgrounds

In this study, types of grounds under and around the concept of outdoor playground, types of playground equipment used by children in the parks and these equipment are defined. A field research was conducted in this direction and the information regarding equipment used in the production of playground equipment and technical specifications within the scope of the research was assessed in accordance with the norms of USA Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The research was carried out in the fifteen-parks located in Çankaya, Ankara and 210 children were randomly selected during the research. Those children were distinguished into three age categories as 6 months-6 years old, 7-12 years old and 21 years old and over. Observations were collected through a questionnaire including the preferred types of playground equipment, safety and accessibility and preferred colors and shapes. Further, the questions related with the ground types under and around the equipment, which type is better for children and on which seasons the equipment is preferred by children were included at the aforesaid questionnaire. The data collected through questionnaire was evaluated by using chi-square method. As a result of the field research, it was found that the playground equipment is in accord with CPSC standards and guidelines to a certain extent in terms of technical specifications, except some observations regarding the materials used, periodical maintenance and reparation. It was also seen that grounds are not conformed with the requirements specified by relevant features and guidelines. It was observed in the observation results that the most positive evaluations were made for slides and then for swings and seesaws, respectively. Moreover, it was determined that the most loved color is red and the season when the equipment is used most is summer. Finally, rubber-ground was presented as the best option. Key Words: Landscape, children playgrounds, resting areas, construction materials