Patterns for children's play in revitalized urban streams

Abstract

Children’s play spaces in urban environments often offer no exposure to or interaction with water or other natural elements. Urban streams are typically degraded and polluted. The restoration of streams in the urban environment can improve urban ecology and hydrology and provide places for children to safely play and experience nature in the city. This thesis explores the possibilities of play in urban streams through patterns of children’s play with water. Each pattern is identified and defined graphically and with specific design criteria. The patterns are applied to a design for a portion of Tanyard Creek in Athens, Georgia.