YOUNG PEOPLE'S PLAY AREAS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES

Abstract

Play is an important element in a child's educational, social and physical development. It is learning for life. To deny play opportunities is to restrict essential preparations for the demands of adulthood. Therefore, there is a need to study the provision of play areas in public housing estates which house more than 80% of the island's population. Play areas are always referred to as playgrounds in which children will and should play. But children play anywhere and everywhere, and this is reflected in the study which takes into account the various sources of play area in the housing estates. By just providing these amenities for the young people is insufficient to ensure that their play needs are met. Thus, the level of usage and satisfaction should be considered, as it is not only the quantity but the quality of each provision which should be given much thought.