It should come as no surprise that playgrounds and parks play an important role in children’s lives and development. And with Whitehall making decisions as to its own playground, it seems a good time to look at why playgrounds are important and what features set some above the rest.

Playgrounds give kids a chance to let out their energy while at the same time relax and access their playful nature. They tap into children’s imaginations and creative play. A well-designed playground invites different types of play: active, creative, sensory, imaginative, and social, while encouraging movem...