Speakers
Description
Children thrive when they are given the space to explore, imagine, and learn through play. Yet, in cities like Tema, Ghana, these spaces are disappearing or failing to meet the developmental needs of the children they serve. This study explores how parks, when thoughtfully designed, can become powerful tools for nurturing creativity and learning in children. By integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) principles into park design, the research aims to reimagine urban play spaces not just as areas of recreation, but as environments for curiosity, experimentation, and discovery. Through a blend of literature reviews, case studies of educational parks around the world, interviews with parents, educators, and local authorities, as well as observations of existing parks in Tema, the study reveals a shared concern: most current park facilities are underdeveloped, underused, or disconnected from children's real learning needs. Moreover, many in the community remain unaware of the important link between play and holistic child development. In response, this research proposes a design framework for a STEAM-themed park tailored to the Ghanaian context, a space where learning feels like play, and play leads to growth. Beyond theory, the framework offers design strategies for policymakers, planners, architects and educators committed to shaping cities that invest in children. By focusing on Tema, this project contributes to a broader conversation about child-friendly urban design in Africa and sets a precedent for future innovation in public space development.
Keywords: Parks, Children, Creativity, STEAM, Learning through Play, Tema, Urban Design