Abstract

This research seeks to examine how schoolyards promote physical activity among children and how these environments can be improved using input from students. The study is based on a project that involved school children, teachers and principals of five public schools in Ankara. Data was collected using multiple methods including: Student surveys, interviews with teachers and principals and focus-group discussions. Results showed that schoolyards are important to children and they are perceived as places for recreation and relaxation. The evidence of this study indicates that green and well maintained schoolyards can play a significant role in promoting physical activity.

Key words: Schoolyard, physical activity, obesity, child participation, landscape design.