Play in the Right of Way
How is play, age-friendly?
Play is important for both youth and older adults. Although play structures may not be the appropriate approach for many parts of the right of way, playful design elements can be infused into many projects. Opportunities to interact with your surroundings is stimulating for both older and younger people. Playful elements could be interactive art, or be play infrastructure.
Where should play be prioritized?
Play in public right of way must consider clearance standards. Playful interactions in public space should be prioritized where there is enough space for someone to linger and not block pedestrian clear space.
Primary agencies invested in play in the right of way
- Seattle Department of Transportation
- Seattle Parks and Recreation
- Private Development
Estimated cost*
$ Can vary
* Cost levels:
$ = Under $100,000
$$ = $100,001-$500,000
$$$ = $500,001-$1,000,000
$$$$= Over $1,000,001
Resources
Play elements can include:
- Repurposing flex zone space as parklets
- Adding play elements to shoreline street ends
- Temporary event space like play streets or block parties