The sounds of children at play echoed from the park, stomping and running and

laughing. None of the worries of adults crossed their minds, only how to elude
capture by their friends. The rhythmic creaking of swings went back and forth, and
some kids tried to time their jumps from the swings to the rhythm. The colors of the
playground equipment were still fresh and bright, despite the years of wear and the
endless use.

A playground, playpark, or play area is a place with a specific design to allow children to play
there. It may be indoors but is typically outdoors (where it may be called a tot lot in some
regions).[1] While a playground is usually designed for children, some playgrounds are designed
for other age groups. Berlin's Preuenpark for example is designed for senior adults age 70 or
higher.[citation needed] It is possible for a playground to exclude children if they are below the required
age for entrance.
Modern playgrounds often have recreational equipment such as the seesaw, merry-go-round,
swingset, slide, jungle gym, chin-up bars, sandbox, spring rider, trapeze rings, playhouses, and
mazes, many of which help children develop physical coordination, strength, and flexibility, as
well as providing recreation and enjoyment. Common in modern playgrounds are play structures
that link many different pieces of equipment.
Playgrounds often also have facilities for playing informal games of adult sports, such as a
baseball diamond, a skating arena, a basketball court, or a tether ball.
Public playground equipment refers to equipment intended for use in the play areas of parks,
schools, child care facilities, institutions, multiple family dwellings, restaurants, resorts, and
recreational developments, and other areas of public use.
A type of playground called a playscape is designed to provide a safe environment for play in a
natural setting.