New Playability Index Ranks Outdoor Spaces for Children in Canada

Residents of Canada’s urban and suburban areas now have access to a groundbreaking tool designed to evaluate how well their neighbourhoods foster outdoor play for children. The newly developed “playability index” focuses specifically on the needs of children aged two to six, providing insights into community environments across major cities, including Toronto.

Developed by Emily Gemmell, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of British Columbia (UBC) School of Population and Public Health, the index aims to fill a gap in urban metrics, which have predominantly emphasized adult behaviours. Gemmell noted, “In Canada and actually across the world, there are many urban metrics that look at the healthiness of urban environments, but they’re mostly focused on adult behaviours and movement patterns… There wasn’t really anything for children.”

Assessing Outdoor Play Spaces

The playability index evaluates five key domains: play spaces, opportunities for social interaction, traffic environments, natural surroundings, and destinations suitable for children. According to Gemmell, these elements interact to shape the outdoor play experience. “For instance, there could be space outdoors, but if there is a really busy road right next to it, that affects safety and accessibility,” she explained.

In the index’s findings, Wellington Place, located in Toronto’s downtown core, reported the lowest playability score at just 2.54. In contrast, Lambton Baby Point earned the highest score of 8.07, followed closely by High Park-Swansea at 7.55 and Roncesvalles at 7.45. Gemmell observed that while the downtown core may lack natural environments, it compensates with more child-relevant destinations.

“It’s about finding a balance,” she added. “If you live in the suburbs and there’s nowhere to walk, it might mean children spend less time outdoors. There are trade-offs and nuances to consider.”

Encouraging Community Awareness

Gemmell hopes that the index will raise awareness about the critical role outdoor play spaces play in child development. She encourages residents to reflect on their neighbourhoods from a child’s perspective. “Look around outside your neighbourhood. How does a five-year-old perceive this? What activities or interactions can they have just walking outside their door?”

The early childhood years are vital for brain development, and the variety of experiences during this time is crucial. Gemmell emphasized, “If children are excluded from outdoor environments, their world shrinks, limiting their opportunities for growth and learning.”

As the playability index gains traction, it is anticipated to inform urban planning and community development initiatives, ultimately fostering healthier environments for future generations.