Why Multigenerational Play Is the Next Big Trend in Parks — And How Your Community Can Benefit

Designing a great park is no longer just about creating fun spaces for kids—it's about building vibrant, inclusive places where everyone can play, move, and connect. Across the country, multigenerational play is emerging as a leading trend in park and recreation planning. And for good reason: communities thrive when people of all ages have shared opportunities to be active and engaged outdoors.

At Struthers Recreation, we partner with GameTime to help cities, schools, and neighborhoods design spaces that support physical, social, and emotional wellbeing for every generation. Here’s why multigenerational play matters—and how you can bring it to your next project.

1. It Supports Health and Wellness for All Ages

From early childhood development to active aging, outdoor play and movement are essential. Blending traditional playground structures with outdoor fitness equipment, walking loops, sensory spaces, and social areas ensures your park promotes lifelong activity.

• Kids build coordination, strength, and confidence

• Teens and adults get opportunities for fitness and adventure

• Older adults benefit from low-impact movement and fresh air

When a playground includes fitness stations or challenge elements, parents and grandparents can stay active rather than watching from the sidelines.

2. It Strengthens Community Connections

Shared play experiences create natural moments of interaction. When adults, teens, and children use the same space—but in age-appropriate ways—barriers break down. A well-designed multigenerational park encourages:

• Family engagement

• Intergenerational bonding

• Stronger neighborhood ties

Communities feel more connected when their outdoor spaces invite everyone in.

3. It Maximizes Space and Budget

School districts and municipalities are always looking for smarter ways to stretch their budgets. Multigenerational design accomplishes more with the same footprint:

• One destination that serves multiple age groups

• Higher daily usage and increased community value

• Opportunities to blend grant-funded play and fitness components

With GameTime’s modular designs and freestanding elements, we can help you layer play + fitness seamlessly without expanding your site.

4. It Creates Welcoming, Inclusive Parks

Everyone deserves to belong. Elements like accessible pathways, inclusive spinners, supportive seating, graduated climbers, and open-ended structures make parks more welcoming for:

• Individuals with disabilities

• Caregivers of all ages

• Families with mixed-age children

When people feel included, they feel ownership—and your park becomes a true community hub.

5. It Future-Proofs Your Park Investment

Outdoor spaces built for just one age group quickly lose relevance. Designing for all ages ensures your investment remains useful, engaging, and sustainable for years to come.

With durable materials, smart layouts, and equipment built to evolve with community needs, multigenerational parks stay fresh and functional long into the future.

Ready to Bring Multigenerational Play to Your Community?

Whether you're planning a school playground, a neighborhood park, or a city-wide master plan, Struthers Recreation is here to help. We design, budget, and build outdoor spaces that foster connection, activity, and joy—across every generation.

Let’s create a space where everyone can play. Contact us today to get started!