ABSTRACT
Urban planning shapes the local built and social environment. It plays a critical role in supporting (or impeding) individual and community health and well-being, especially that of children and older adults. One way in which urban planning shapes communities is through built and social encouragement of play. The benefits of play to the physical, mental, and emotional development of children are well established and recent research has highlighted the potential benefits of older adult play. Yet, while there is abundant literature on planning for children's play, planning practices for older adult play remain scarce. This chapter draws from children's play discourse to provide insight into planning for older adult play. Current and past planning play practices are detailed, and the physical, social, and emotional benefits of play are discussed – both for children and older adults. The historical trials and tribulations of planning for children's play provide an important reflective counterpoint for considering the opportunities and challenges of planning for older adult play. Lessons learned and recommendations for future planning are outlined.
