Ahead of his October 31 MOVE Congress presentation, Professor Jasper Schipperijn, Head of the World Playground Research Institute, argues that free outdoor play spaces are a cornerstone of children’s health and development.

What are the most pressing current issues / biggest challenges facing the promotion of children’s play and play spaces?

Free outdoor play and play spaces are not taken seriously. They are seen as ‘nice to have’ and not ‘need to have’ by many decision makers – not only city planners but also by schools and afterschool programs – and also probably by many parents. Most adults are not aware that providing good play spaces and sufficient time for free outdoor play is essential for children’s health and development.

Children learn and develop through play, and in particular free active outdoor play is linked to numerous physical, social and mental health benefits. Making sure that children have good places to play means providing environments where they can develop their motors skills, experience a sense of achievement when they manage to climb that challenging tree, feel the adrenalin when they take a corner a bit too quickly in a buggy, and experience the joy of simply playing and interacting with other children.

How has the global conversation around playgrounds and active living environments shifted in recent years, and what changes have you seen?

Advocates for outdoor play are becoming more visible. There’s a growing body of evidence demonstrating the many health and development benefits of outdoor free play, and as a result, political attention is increasing. A new strategy called ‘It All Starts with Play!’ that PlayEngland is advocating for in the UK is a good example, as is the upcoming 2025 Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play coordinated by Outdoor Play Canada.

Could you give us a preview of your presentation at the MOVE Congress—what themes or findings will you be sharing?

During our session we’ll demonstrate the power of play and show how we can use it in practice as a means of improving children’s health, development and well-being.

And finally, could you tell us your favourite way to be physically active—whether it’s a sport, dance, or everyday movement?

My favourite activities are my daily walks with our dogs around our farm. Together we enjoy all sorts of weather and the landscape around us as the seasons change. It gives me a break from my busy day, forces me to move, be outside, and gives me new energy.

Jasper Schipperijn is Professor in Active Living Environments at the University of Southern Denmark’s Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics. Since 2022, he has led the World Playground Research Institute—an initiative focused on promoting children’s health and development through research into playground design and use.