Report on Public Outdoor Spaces and Child-Friendly Urban Design in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The necessity for accessible, safe, and child-friendly outdoor public spaces has become increasingly apparent, especially during hot summer periods. This report examines the current state of urban public spaces, emphasizing their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Challenges in Current Urban Public Spaces

1. Accessibility Issues:
   • Urban environments often lack ramps, benches, shaded areas, and adequate facilities such as toilets and changing tables.
   • Safety concerns arise due to the absence of protective barriers separating pedestrian zones from roads or water bodies.
2. Maintenance and Availability:
   • Locked playgrounds and broken water play facilities limit opportunities for children’s outdoor activities.
   • Examples include prolonged closures such as Camden council’s Falkland Place playground and dysfunctional splash pads in Brighton and Leamington Spa.
3. Privatization of Public Spaces:
   • Privatized “public” spaces, while often well-maintained and vibrant, may not fully serve the diverse needs of all community members.
   • King’s Cross’s Coal Drops Yard in London exemplifies a privatized space that has become child-friendly and communal but contrasts with truly public spaces.
4. Unequal Access Across Regions:
   • There is a postcode lottery in the UK regarding access to quality public, child-friendly spaces.
   • For instance, Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester suffers from antisocial behavior and stalled redevelopment due to budget constraints.

Inspiration from International Models

European models, particularly from Spain and Italy, offer valuable insights into integrating children’s play with adult socializing in public spaces. These models align with SDG 11 by promoting inclusive, safe, and sustainable urban environments.

• Shaded playgrounds adjacent to bars and cafes create multifunctional spaces that encourage community interaction.
• Recognition of climatic conditions leads to design adaptations, such as emphasizing evening use when temperatures are cooler.
• These approaches have garnered positive attention on social media, highlighting their potential for replication.

Recommendations for Urban Design and Policy

1. Enhance Accessibility and Safety: Incorporate ramps, benches, shaded areas, and safety barriers to create inclusive environments supporting SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
2. Invest in Maintenance and Facilities: Ensure playgrounds and water play areas are functional and accessible, addressing SDG 3.
3. Promote Public Ownership and Management: Encourage genuine public spaces over privatized alternatives to guarantee equitable access.
4. Adopt Climate-Responsive Designs: Develop urban spaces that accommodate changing weather patterns, supporting SDG 13.
5. Foster Community Engagement: Design spaces that facilitate both child play and adult social activities, enhancing social cohesion.

Conclusion

As heatwaves and climate challenges intensify, the need for sustainable, inclusive, and child-friendly public spaces becomes critical. Urban planning must prioritize these aspects to fulfill multiple Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring healthier, safer, and more vibrant communities for all ages.

Author Information

• Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett is a Guardian columnist and author. Her book, Republic of Parenthood, will be published this summer.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article emphasizes the importance of outdoor spaces for children’s exercise and health.
   • Concerns about safe, accessible, and child-friendly public spaces relate to promoting physical activity and well-being.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The discussion centers on urban public spaces, their accessibility, safety, and inclusivity.
   • Issues such as lack of ramps, benches, shade, toilets, and safe barriers highlight urban planning challenges.
   • The article contrasts privatized “pseudo-public” spaces with genuine public spaces, emphasizing equitable access.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Reference to increasing heatwaves and the need for shaded, comfortable outdoor spaces connects to climate adaptation.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The mention of antisocial behavior and locked playgrounds touches on community safety and governance issues.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3 Targets
   • Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and promotion of mental health and well-being (linked to promoting physical activity for children).
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to safe, effective, quality health services (implied through safe environments for health).
2. SDG 11 Targets
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children.
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory urban planning and management.
3. SDG 13 Targets
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries (addressing heatwaves and urban design).
4. SDG 16 Targets
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere (relating to antisocial behavior and safety in public spaces).

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 3
   • Prevalence of sufficient physical activity among children (implied by emphasis on outdoor play and exercise).
   • Access to health-promoting environments (safe, child-friendly public spaces).
2. Indicators for SDG 11
   • Proportion of urban population living within 0.5 km of public green spaces.
   • Percentage of public spaces that are accessible and inclusive for children and people with disabilities (ramps, benches, toilets, shade).
   • Incidence of antisocial behavior or safety incidents in public spaces.
3. Indicators for SDG 13
   • Number of urban areas with heat adaptation measures such as shaded playgrounds and water features.
   • Frequency and intensity of heatwaves affecting urban populations.
4. Indicators for SDG 16
   • Rates of reported antisocial behavior or violence in public spaces.
   • Availability and accessibility of safe public spaces for children and families.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: theguardian.com