Cozy Spaces

Playspaces high in play value usually consist of small spaces as well as large spaces, i.e. cozy spaces (see Playability Model). We know from play research with children, that they enjoy having small private spaces to play and not just one big open playground. Cozy spaces can be provided through specially designed, manufactured spaces such as play houses or dens, and through natural elements such as willow tunnels and huts, dugouts under trees.

Issues:

• Cozy spaces access: sometimes there are accessibility problems with cozy spaces as they are built up high and out of research for children who cannot climb. For cozy spaces on ground level, access is often a problem if the space is formed as a tunnel or cave with no level access (see figure 1)
• Cozy spaces usability: too small for children who may need a walker or mobility aid
• Play value: limited play value if the cozy space is not private and too open for adults to access.

Successful design for inclusion:

Playspaces need to consider offering varied opportunities for cozy spaces.

• Ensure the pathways to the cozy spaces are accessible and level
• Consider access to cozy spaces: make sure if a tunnel is being built, to have the floor of the tunnel flat and level for wheelchair users. If the space is up high, aim for access via a sloped ramp or have it set onto a hill with dual access via climbing up ropes as well a ramp.
• Consider size of the space: the cozy space may need to be used by children of different ages, sizes and abilities so consider the scale and space inside it- for example children with intellectual disability may still enjoy this kind of play even though they are older (and therfore bigger in size than a younger child). Equally a child who uses a wheelchair needs space to turn around inside a small space, so internal circulation is very important.
• Consider how to provide privacy yet supervision if needed: in some contexts, a care giver may want to be able to keep an eye on their child yet the child may seek to hide or be somewhere out of sight. Cozy spaces can be designed with no roof on for example where an adult can look into the cozy space without influencing the feeling of privacy or being away from everyone.
• Provide sensory elements within the cozy space to enhance feelings of safety or security: some children seek cozy spaces to help calm down of if over whelmed by the busyness and intensity of the playground. Consider how you want to make this a cozy space for them- if it is in a school playspace, you may be able to provide cushions or soft blankets for example.

Figure 1: Lovely tunnel to hide in but it is not accessible due to the curved base. This cojuld be made accessible by providing a semi-circular tunnel rather than a circular one.

Figure 2: Space for crawling under front of ship in Fitzgerald’s park, Cork, Ireland

Figure 3: Space for crawling under log pyramid in Fitzgerald’s park

Play value and Universal Design strategies

•  Regular and accessible surfacing should lead to all cozy places in the playgrounds.
• Additional cozy spaces need to be considered (for example, cosy corners, spaces to be an onlooker, huts, play houses). Consider access routes and transfer stations.
• Ensure that spaces give children a sense of privacy. However, adult caregivers can be facilitated to see child users through thoughtful