The Importance of Green Open Space in Recreation and Education of Children in Urban Environments

Illustration of green open space. ((Photo: Dok. Summarecon)

JAKARTA - In the midst of a crowded urban area, green open space is an increasingly important need. Not only as a recreation area, but also as a learning space, a social interaction space, as well as a place for the community, especially children, to get to know nature more closely.

In recent years, the trend of family tourism has also shifted. Many parents are starting to look for places that are not only fun, but also provide educational value for children.

Well-managed open spaces can be an effective learning tool. Children can interact with the environment, get to know different types of plants and animals, to train courage and motor skills through various physical activities. That is why, a number of public spaces are now beginning to develop an educational-based recreation concept.

However, managing green open spaces in urban areas is not always easy. At first, many parks were opened freely to the public. Over time, the increasing number of visitors often presents various challenges, ranging from environmental maintenance to the potential misuse of public areas.

This condition is what encourages a number of area managers to start rearranging open spaces to remain comfortable, safe, and provide wider benefits for visitors.

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This approach is also visible in the Summarecon Serpong area, Tangerang which in recent years has developed into one of the new activity centers. In addition to being known as a residential and commercial area, this area also presents various public spaces designed for family activities.

One of them is SQP Park, an open space located in the Scientia Square area. This area was originally a green space that was open to the public. However, in its development, the management began to rearrange the area so that it was better maintained and had more focused activity programs.

Center Head SQP Park, Alese Sandria explained that the process of managing this park developed gradually. Initially, the area was just a regular green open space, but then there was a need to arrange and maintain it better.

"Initially this was a green open space that was free for the public. But over time we saw a need to manage this area so that it was more organized and not misused. In the last two years we have made many improvements and innovations, especially so that this park can become a fun learning space for children," he said at SQP Park, Jl. Scientia Boulevard, Tangerang, Banten on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

According to Alese, the educational approach is the main focus of the park's development. For more than a decade, this area has been known as one of the outdoor activity destinations for schools, both national and international. The study visit or field trip program is one of the activities that are most often carried out in this area.

"Many schools come for field trips. From kindergarten to junior high school. There are national, international schools, to several schools from outside the city. They usually look for outdoor learning experiences that are different from the classroom," said Alese.

This concept of learning through direct experience is then the basis of various activities presented in the park. Children not only walk around the park, but can also participate in various activities that train agility, courage, and interaction with nature.

Several rides are designed to encourage physical activity such as adventure areas with rope obstacles, climbing walls, to games that train body balance. Safety standards are also a major concern in its operation.

"For adventure activities, the safety system follows international standards. Children can still try challenges, but with clear safety procedures," he added.

In addition, the park area also presents various thematic areas that allow children to interact with animals. Experiences such as feeding animals or seeing animal activities directly are often the most memorable moments for young visitors.

On the other hand, this area is also beginning to be widely known through social media, especially because of a number of unique rides that attract visitors. One of them is a mini train that takes visitors around the park, passing through various thematic areas designed like a journey in the story world.

Meanwhile, the development of public spaces such as SQP Park cannot be separated from the planning of a wider area. The Summarecon Serpong area itself is designed as an integrated city that combines residential, educational, business centers, and recreational spaces in one ecosystem.

Summarecon Serpong Executive Director, Albert Luhur said that the development of the area not only focuses on property development, but also creates an environment that supports people's lives comprehensively.

"Development of an area is not merely building properties, but forming a living space that can develop across generations. Therefore, planning an area must pay attention to the integration of functions, environmental quality, and connectivity that facilitates community activities," he said.

He added that the existence of public spaces such as parks and recreational facilities is an important part of the integrated city concept. These spaces provide opportunities for people to interact, exercise, and spend time with their families.

In the midst of rapid urban development, the existence of green open spaces with an educational approach is becoming increasingly relevant. For children, the experience of playing in the open air can be an irreplaceable learning tool. Meanwhile, for adults, the space becomes a place to rest for a moment from the rhythm of city life.

The combination of recreation, education, and an organized environment ultimately makes the city park not just a green space, but also part of a healthier and more sustainable urban lifestyle.