A growing design movement seeks to provide parks and playgrounds that meet the unique needs of teen girls.

One size certainly does not fit all when it comes to park and playground design. In this informative article, Alexandra Lange offers insights about the unique needs of teenage girls with respect to public spaces. She points out that most parks and playgrounds tend to be designed with boys and competition in mind. So, what do teenage girls want and need? Lange summarizes the results of surveys: "they want hangout spots with cozy round tables and art or games that foster interaction, not competition. They want gyms and roller rinks and skate parks where they can try and fail without judgement or catcalls. They want to listen to music outdoors without having to pay for a festival ticket. Making space for girls means rethinking which age groups need to swing and climb, how to encourage physical activity (and not just playing a sport), and how to make a safe, sheltered place for outdoor conversation."
The article discusses a temporary playscape called "Swing Time," which included 20 hoop-shaped swings suspended from a white shade structure that would light up when in use, glowing purple with vigorous motion. Swing Time turned out to be highly popular with teen girls because it was "big enough for adolescent bodies, close enough for conversation, fun enough to appeal to a desire for thrills." To see what this unique playscape looked like and better understand the need and importance of public spaces that specifically address the needs of teen girls, be sure to check out the source article.
FULL STORY: Teen Girls Need Better Public Spaces to Hang Out

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service