Helsingborg City in southern Sweden has transformed into a playful city. Over the past decade, the city has invested in numerous thematic playgrounds. These have encouraged school students, kindergarteners, and adults with their children to explore different parts of the city, breaking out of their usual social and neighborhood “bubbles.”
What a smart investment and city development strategy Helsingborgs stad.
I spent my summer vacation in Helsingborg and visited these playgrounds with my niece and nephew. As an urbanist interested in making cities for children and all people, I asked parents, caregivers, and even some of their children what draws them to these thematic playgrounds. Here are their responses:
-Creative, colorful designs with stories to tell
-Movable benches with tables
-Clean WC
-Drinking water station
-Play equipment that’s large enough for adults to join in with their children
-Accessibility via public transportation
-Bicycle parking
-Open urban design that offers good visibility of different play areas, allowing parents to keep an eye on their children
📍 Here are my favorite playgrounds with links to Google Maps. Add Helsingborg City to your list of To-Visit destinations:
🐘Jungle Playground https://maps.app.goo.gl/D1YrEyycS69t5cKNA
🏘 Medieval Playground https://maps.app.goo.gl/BUSnchR1MtuXpL3DA
🦖 Dinosaurs Playground https://maps.app.goo.gl/fombuj7P1XzecFVP8
🏰 Princess and Monsters Playground https://maps.app.goo.gl/XiZnzkaDRTMZLSqDA
🦈Surfing playground https://maps.app.goo.gl/e8kf3gcf4bNhqy7c7
Keep up the good work!
Mustafa Sherif 