The Housing and Development Board (HDB) announced that starting next year, new playgrounds built under its projects will follow a refreshed Play Values Framework. The aim is to give children more engaging and varied play experiences that support their overall development. In its media release, HDB shared that, “New HDB playgrounds will be specifically designed to encourage physical, social, and creative play, to actively support the holistic development of children across different age groups.”
This new framework will be introduced from January 2026 for playgrounds in newly tendered Build-To-Order developments and new HDB parks. It has already been piloted at Mount Pleasant Crest, a BTO project launched in October 2025. HDB said the framework was shaped with input from parents, early childhood and health professionals, and playground specialists to ensure diverse viewpoints were included. The Housing Board added that it “adopts an evidence-based and comprehensive approach to enhance the play experience for children, while addressing their developmental needs.”
Key Aspects of the Play Values Framework
The framework focuses on three main aspects of play: physical, social, and creative. These categories help guide how each playground is designed. Physical elements include swings, slides, and climbing walls, which help children develop motor skills and balance. Social elements involve equipment like see-saws and merry-go-rounds that encourage interaction among children. Creative play includes tactile and imaginative features that support cognitive growth and sensory development.
HDB explained that under this new approach, “playground equipment can take diverse forms beyond conventional designs, to offer varied experiences and challenges.” These features will be balanced with safety needs, age suitability, and space availability.
Designed for Different Age Groups
HDB shared that playgrounds for children aged two to five will place more emphasis on creative and imaginative play. It said, “This could include thematic designs with open-ended play features such as nature-inspired shapes, mounds, and bright floor patterns.” For children aged five to 12, the focus will shift more toward physical and group play. All playgrounds will continue to include activities that support climbing, balancing, swinging, spinning, and bouncing.
Larger playgrounds in parks may also include equipment such as spinners and merry-go-rounds if space allows.
More Playgrounds Will Be Upgraded
The framework will also be extended to town councils, which manage upgrading works for playgrounds in existing estates. HDB stated that this will allow older playgrounds to offer more varied and engaging play opportunities for children. “HDB strives to create playgrounds that are vibrant, fun, and safe for our young residents,” said Mr Leonard Cai, director of landscape at HDB. He added, “This framework will ensure that our playgrounds offer a wider range of play features to support children’s holistic development, enhancing play experiences to spark children’s imagination and create joyful childhood memories.”
HDB said new playgrounds are not expected to cost more. The cost will depend on factors such as the types of equipment, playground size, and site terrain. Contractors will also be free to choose equipment from various manufacturers.
HDB added that the development of the Play Values Framework included insights from invited stakeholders who contributed at no cost. The agency also noted that playgrounds have changed significantly over the decades, moving from simple slides and swings to more creative and multi-element spaces, including thematic playgrounds and the Build-a-Playground initiative in estates like Canberra, Woodlands, Toa Payoh, and Pasir Ris.
