A Critical Exploration of Natural Playgrounds in Calgary, Alberta

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dc.contributor.advisorMonteyne, David Patrick
dc.contributor.advisorKeough, Noel Gerard
dc.contributor.authorLowan-Trudeau, Kathleen Miho
dc.contributor.committeememberAdams, Jennifer Dawn
dc.contributor.committeememberFox, Mikus Kristoffer
dc.contributor.committeememberBlue, Gwendolyn Gail
dc.contributor.committeememberDyment, Janet
dc.date2023-11
dc.date.accessioned2023-07-21T19:30:00Z
dc.date.available2023-07-21T19:30:00Z
dc.date.issued2023-07
dc.description.abstractGrowing concerns surrounding children’s changing socioenvironmental contexts, such as the increasing impacts of urbanization and decreases in unstructured outdoor play, have led to the emergence of an intentional movement to increase natural play spaces. Among the variety of natural play space initiatives are natural playgrounds: play spaces that encompass a wide variety of interpretations, but generally involve the intentional incorporation of natural features and materials into the playground. Research on natural playgrounds has increased; however, several areas of inquiry remain, including a need for increased understanding of children’s perspectives on natural playground sites and more critical considerations of the complexities surrounding these spaces. In this qualitative study, I explore several areas of inquiry in relation to natural playgrounds in Calgary, Alberta. These areas of inquiry include play affordances, issues of accessibility and inclusivity, concepts of nature and sustainability, and settler colonialism in relation to natural playground development and usage in Calgary, Alberta. This study focuses on the development and usage of five natural playground sites. Primary research methods include online and mobile/walking interviews with 44 natural playgrounds users (e.g., children and caregivers) and seven playground developers (e.g., designers). This study is theoretically informed by political ecology, concepts of nature, and play affordances. Findings from this study are presented in a manuscript-based dissertation, which comprises four manuscripts along with two introductory chapters and a conclusion.
dc.identifier.citationLowan-Trudeau, K. M. (2023). A critical exploration of natural playgrounds in Calgary, Alberta (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1880/116779
dc.identifier.urihttps://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/41621
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisher.facultyEnvironmental Design
dc.publisher.institutionUniversity of Calgary
dc.rightsUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.
dc.subjectnatural playground, play affordance, accessibility, inclusivity, nature, political ecology, mobile interviews
dc.subjectnatural playground
dc.subjectplay affordance
dc.subjectaccessibility
dc.subjectinclusivity
dc.subjectnature
dc.subjectpolitical ecology
dc.subjectmobile interviews
dc.subject.classificationEducation--Social Sciences
dc.titleA Critical Exploration of Natural Playgrounds in Calgary, Alberta
dc.typedoctoral thesis
thesis.degree.disciplineEnvironmental Design
thesis.degree.grantorUniversity of Calgary
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophy (PhD)
ucalgary.thesis.accesssetbystudentI require a thesis withhold – I need to delay the release of my thesis due to a patent application, and other reasons outlined in the link above. I have/will need to submit a thesis withhold application.
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