EVALUATION OF GREEN SHADE FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF CHILDREN’S USAGE DYNAMICS AT THE PLAYGROUND SQUARE IN OIZUMI RYOKUCHI PARK

Abstract

 In this study, we conducted a survey on how children use playground equipment and open spaces at the playset plaza in Oizumi Ryokuchi Park. We analyzed how children use the sun and shade place, and the relationship between WBGT and how to use it. The average WBGT during the daytime in summer was 32.1 °C, which was a dangerous hot environment exceeding 31 °C, which is prohibited by the Ministry of the Environment's heat stroke prevention guidelines, but many children used the space in the sun place. However, with the rise in WBGT, the proportion of children playing in the shade increased significantly, and it became clear that more than 90% of children always choose the shade during breaks, taking actions that correspond to the hot environment. In the case of accompanying parents, the behavior of avoiding the sun was clearly confirmed, but in the case of the behavior of the child alone, it is necessary to be careful because the playset is selected regardless of the thermal environment. When designing the playset plaza, it is necessary to provide a sufficiently large forest area around it and provide a space where 90% of users can rest in the shade.