Scarcity of boundless playgrounds in poor zip codes

Playgrounds promote the physical and social development of children. Children living with physical and sensory disabilities have the right to play opportunities on public playgrounds as recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Public boundless playgrounds, built with public and private funding, offer accessible and sensory-rich equipment and areas for children living with physical and sensory disabilities. Research has shown that parks and playgrounds are more frequently located in affluent than poor neighborhoods. Research that examines the availability of boundless playgrounds in areas of different socioeconomic status is limited. The current study examines the location of boundless playgrounds in relationship to poverty in the United States. Using projected 2005-2009 Census data, the location of all public boundless playgrounds in the Western and Central states (AZ, CA, CO, KS, ND, OR, SD, TX, and WA) in relationship to poverty was mapped using the Uniform Data System (UDS) Mapper (http://www.udsmapper.org; Health Resources and Services Administration). A zip code was defined as poor if over 40% of its population was at or below 100% of the federal poverty level. None of the 19 playgrounds were located in poor zip codes. In conclusion, there is a scarcity of boundless playgrounds in poor neighborhoods in the United States. Some children with disabilities and their parents, especially those living in poverty, may experience financial and transportation barriers in accessing boundless playgrounds. The results of the present study may assist in planning the location of future playgrounds to promote the healthy development of poor children.