PLAY FOR LIFE
Encouraging play for all ages
MAKING SPACE FOR PLAY: Volume Three
PHILADELPHIA, PA
WHO WE ARE
STUDIO LUDO is a 501(c)3 woman led non-profit founded in 2015 whose mission is building better play through research, advocacy, and design.
We are architects, landscape architects, city planners, and social scientists who have collected user demographics, physical activity, and play behavior data on over 60,000 people in 100 play environments in the US and UK.
This dataset is the most current picture of behavior and user preference in play environments in the world, and directly influences all of our play space designs, from rooftops, to schoolyards, to neighborhood parks, to large scale destination playgrounds.
WHY PLAY
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”
- George Bernard Shaw
Play is one of the primary ways that humans learn, grow, and connect.
Playing fosters tolerance, connects across generations, and helps us learn to live in community together. Play builds grit, prevents burnout, ignites joy through movement, and encourages us to become our best selves.
In a world that is increasingly disconnected, play helps us find each other again.
OUR RESEARCH
Our research asks a simple question - what makes a great space to play?
We have studied play behavior around the globe, and collected data on over 60,000 people in 100 different play environments. Our most significant finding is that half of those people are not children, but teens, adults, and seniors.
People crave movement, joy, and connection. That instinct does not go away once we leave childhood. We need to rethink what play is and who it is for.
OUR FINDINGS
In the late 1800’s, when playgrounds were first being built in US cities, 40% of the population was under the age of 18. In 2035, we will reach a tipping point - there will be more people over the age of 65 than under the age of 18.
We know that play evolves as we age, but we do not make enough space or time for it in our everyday lives. Playgrounds are built for the young, but teens, adults, and seniors need play, too
WHAT MAKES A GREAT SPACE TO PLAY (FOR ALL)?
CORRELATION TO DEVELOPMENT
INFANCY (0-2)
CHILDHOOD (3-6)
MIDDLE
(7-9)
CHILDHOOD (10-12) CONCRETE TO ABSTRACT THOUGHT
(13-15)
(16-19)
EARLY ADULTHOOD (20-40)
(41-65)
(65+)
PLAY FOR LIFE
Play is an instinct that helps humans learn and connect in a low stakes environment, fostering connection, building community, and helping us thrive. We play from birth to develop healthy brains and build strong bodies. But play does not stop after childhood, it just evolves.
The Play For Life chart (left) demonstrates how play supports mental, physical, social, and emotional development at every stage of life. This booklet expands on each section of the chart using one of our large-scale, intergenerational design projects - the Anna C. Verna Playground at FDR Park, created in partnership with Fairmount Park Conservancy, WRT, SPEC, and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation.
WHY IT IS IMPORTANT
Play gets people to move more, connect more, and spend more time outdoors, laying the foundation for a lifetime of health and happiness. Our studies show that playgrounds serve more people per square foot than almost any other public space amenity.
It is essential that we invest in and design for play for all ages, in order to support everyone in our communities to be happy and healthy throughout life.
NATURE PATH
EMBANKMENT SLIDES
LOG SCRAMBLE
TOWER
EMBANKMENT SLIDES
WISHBONE LOGS
LAWN
PAVILION
MEGASWING
TOWERS
PLAY AT FDR
The Anna C. Verna Playground at FDR Park is the first destination playground in Philadelphia.
On either end of the playground are three monumental climbing structures. Between 20-30’ tall, The Towers reach into the mature tree canopy with slides spiraling to the ground. The transparent enclosure gives users the thrill of being up high and visually connected to their surroundings.
At the center of the site is the largest swing set in North America, the Megaswing, with enough room for 30 people to swing together. The elliptical shape was built for socializing, connecting people swinging with those on the lawn and seating in the middle.
The Lawn and Pavilion ensure spaces for visitors to comfortably relax, gather together, and watch the nature of play.
An accessible Nature Path winds around the planted perimeter berm, providing views of the surrounding lagoon and spaces for quiet reflection.
MENTAL
The Anna C. Verna Playground supports Brain Growth for toddlers and young children with short embankment slides, boulders, and log scrambles in the tot area. Teens gain Critical Thinking as they challenge themselves on the tall towers, slides, and swings. Older adults receive Cognitive Stimulation as they socialize and play at the logs and swings.
BRAIN GROWTH
Young brains grow best in sensory-rich environments
COGNITIVE STIMULATION
Aging brains stay plastic with mental stimulation & social interaction
CRITICAL THINKING
Teen brains need space to strengthen executive function & problem-solving
PHYSICAL
The Anna C. Verna Playground develops Gross & Fine Motor Skills for young children at the open-ended log and boulder scrambles scattered around the park. Older children foster Bone & Muscle Growth as they leap off the log climbers or climb the nets. Adults fight the Battle of the Bulge as they challenge themselves on wishbone logs and spinners.
BONE & MUSCLE GROWTH
Young bodies need impact activities to grow strong
GROSS & FINE MOTOR
Play helps toddlers & young children to refine their motor skills
BATTLE OF THE BULGE
Being active through play keeps adults fit & provides an endorphin rush
SOCIAL
The Anna C. Verna Playground helps foster Caregiver Connection for young children with the varied seating options located at each play area. Older children gain Sense of Self as they play solo or with others at the megaswing. Adults Build Community as they socialize with family and friends on the lawn, at the picnic tables, and in the pavilion.
SENSE OF SELF
Playing in middle childhood helps us discover who we are & what we care about
BUILDING
COMMUNITY
Play continues throughout life, fostering community & connection
CAREGIVER CONNECTION
Young children need caregivers nearby to feel secure while playing
EMOTIONAL
The Anna C. Verna Playground supports Emotional Growth for young children as they challenge themselves on the different spinners and various log scrambles. Older children gain Self Confidence as they achieve great heights on the log climber and the towers. Adults can find Stress Relief solo or socializing with others on the megaswing.
STRESS RELIEF
Teens & adults need play for emotional regulation & stress reduction
EMOTIONAL GROWTH
Play is a low stakes environment for young children to try, fail, & try again
SELF CONFIDENCE
Achievements in play lay the foundation for confidence in other aspects of life
PHILADELPHIA, PA
IMAGES
COVER
Anna C Verna Playground, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Studio Ludo
PAGE 2
Anna C Verna Playground, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Sahar Coston-Hardy
PAGE 5
Anna C Verna Playground, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Albert Yee
PAGES 8/9
Anna C Verna Playground, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Safety Turf
PAGE 11
Top Center- Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Sahar Coston-Hardy
Top Right- Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Sahar Coston-Hardy
Center Left- Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Sahar Coston-Hardy
Center- Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Albert Yee
Lower Left- Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Studio Ludo
Lower Right- Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Studio Ludo
PAGE 13
Top Left - Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Sahar Coston-Hardy
Top Right - Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Sahar Coston-Hardy
Center - Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Sahar Coston-Hardy
Center Right - Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Albert Yee
Lower Left - Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Studio Ludo
Lower Center - Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Studio Ludo
PAGE 15
Top Left - Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Albert Yee
Top Center - Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Sahar Coston-Hardy Center - Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Sahar Coston-Hardy
Center Right - Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Albert Yee
Lower Left - Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Albert Yee
Lower Right - Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Studio Ludo
PAGE 17
Top Left - Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Sahar Coston-Hardy
Top Right - Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Sahar Coston-Hardy
Center Left- Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Sahar Coston-Hardy Center - Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Sahar Coston-Hardy
Lower Center - Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Sahar Coston-Hardy
Lower Right - Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Sahar Coston-Hardy
PAGE 18
Anna C Verna Playground at FDR Park, Philadelphia PA, Photo Credit: Sahar Coston-Hardy
RESOURCES
National Study of Playgrounds: The Influence of Design on Use and Physical Activity, in 60 Playgrounds in 10 US Cities, ISSUU, 2022. Studio Ludo, Cohen D, Talarowski M, Han B, Williamson S, Galfond E, Young D, Eng S, McKenzie T.
Playground Design and Physical Activity, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2022. Cohen D, Talarowski M, Han B, Williamson S, Galfond E, Young D, Eng S, McKenzie T.
Innovative Playgrounds: Use, Physical Activity and Implications for Health, Public Health, 2019. Talarowski M, Cohen DA, Williamson S, Han B.
The First National Study of Neighborhood Parks: Implications for Physical Activity, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2016. Cohen D, Han B, Nagel C, Harnik P, McKenzie T, Evenson K, Marsh T, Williamson S, Vaughan C, Katta S.
Playground Design: Contribution to Duration of Stay and Implications for Physical Activity, Environmental Research and Public Health, 2023. Cohen D, Talarowski M, Han B, Williamson S, Galfond E, Young D, Eng S, McKenzie T.
Playground Locations and Patterns of Use, Journal of Urban Health, 2023. Young D, McKenzie T, Eng S, Talarowski M, Han B, Williamson S, Galfond E, Cohen D.
2017 National Population Projections, United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2017/ demo/popproj/2017-summary-tables.html
“WE ARE NEVER MORE
PLAYING.” FULLY ALIVE THAN WHEN WE ARE
CHARLES SCHAEFER