Interweaving Computational and Tacit Knowledge to Design Nature-Based Play Networks in Underserved Communities

Children are often the most disadvantaged cohort during miserable situations of natural disaster, economic crisis, and environmental degradation. Meanwhile, children’s play is increasingly controlled, costly, standardized with engineered structures surfaces rather than infused processes organic materials. Access to nature-based playscapes in underserved neighborhoods extremely limited, impacted by disparities race, class, gender. In these contexts, neglected vacant lots streets related interstitial spaces can be redesigned as that support active, engaged, meaningful, socially interactive play. Our study addresses ample opportunity re-engage kids city nature Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Methodologically, we balance systemic GIS spatial data approaches informal experiential—or tacit—site-based analyses. This mixed-methods approach helps identify local patterns insecurity, circulation, resource possibilities. Finally, a network eight playscape themes revealed an emergent pattern termed green infrastructure. These provide examples activities opportunities for future programs fit their surrounding context. The fills gap literature illustrates how infrastructure serve key strategy improving lives neighborhoods.