Childcare-Friendly Play Spaces for Parents in Community Parks

Abstract

Childcare behavior refers to the attention and care provided by caregivers, especially parents, during outdoor activities. Caregivers’ level of engagement and demeanor directly affect children's self-protection, independence, and social skills. This study explores childcare behaviors in community parks, focusing on child safety and development. Using virtual reality (VR) to simulate park environments, we developed a method to quantitatively compare parental care across different site types. Grounded in urban ergonomics, the research analyzed eye-tracking data and survey responses from 28 parents in Beijing to assess how spatial design affects caregiving. Results show that site size influences perceived safety, with areas under 32 meters in diameter providing optimal visibility. Shrubs around 0.9 meters high were rated as the safest boundary type, balancing visibility and containment. This research informs evidence-based park design and enhances urban spatial research by integrating behavioral data with ergonomic principles. While findings offer valuable guidance for child-friendly park planning, the small sample size and use of VR may limit generalizability.

Keywords: Ergonomics, Childcare, Community Parks, Eye-tracking Technology, Spatial Characteristics

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007955