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Research Article: An Observational Study on Play and Physical Activity Associated with a Recreational Facility-Led Park-Based “Loose Parts” Play Intervention during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Date Published: 2023-06-12

Abstract:
Play is a human right, yet opportunities for unstructured play are declining. The COVID-19 pandemic further reduced children’s play opportunities. We conducted an observational study of a novel community-based intervention (play hubs) that facilitated unstructured play by offering loose parts in parks (Calgary, Canada) during the pandemic. Our descriptive study included systematic observation using the System for Observing Children’s Activity and Relationships During Play (SOCARP) and Tool for Observing Play Outdoors (TOPO) to capture physical activity, play, and social and environment interactions among children participating in the play hubs for 10-weeks in 2021 (n = 160) and 2022 (n = 147). Play hub attendance was low. Most children observed were aged 5 to 12 years (2021: 93% and 2022 98%), with boys and girls represented (2021: 58% male/42% female and 2022: 52% male/48% female). Standing, sitting, and moderate activity were common activities. Physical, exploratory, and expressive play were common, while digital, bio, and rule-based play were less common. Children typically played alone or in small groups and engaged with loose parts or played in the open spaces. The play hubs encouraged unstructured play and promoted positive social interactions among children, despite the challenges of implementing a community-based intervention under pandemic public health restrictions.

Introduction:
Play has long been established as a child’s right [1] reflecting its immediate and long-term social–emotional, cognitive, and physical health benefits [2,3,4]. Unstructured play (i.e., play that is self-determined and self-directed) contributes to the accumulation of physical activity, builds confidence, and develops children’s risk assessment skills, coping skills, and physical literacy [5,6]. Loose parts play (LPP) is a type of unstructured play that has gained popularity [6]. LPP involves offering children a…

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