What Kind of Neighborhood Yard Do Adults Want?

Summer weather has brought people outdoors, and neighborhood playgrounds have become pleasant meeting places for children. But how do adults want to spend time in their home courtyards? It turned out that primarily they would like more benches and loungers in their residential surroundings, and why not also a grilling area where they can simply relax.

Bonava Estonia conducted a survey among its clients this spring to find out what kind of courtyard area solution is desired near apartment buildings. In addition to versatile children's play areas, 57 percent of respondents preferred green areas with benches and grilling corners – solutions that support relaxation.

Lauri Laanoja, sales and marketing director at Bonava Estonia, noted that although adults valued spending active time outdoors for themselves quite highly (43%), residents worry about the noise associated with these activities. "For example, it was pointed out that ball courts are not particularly preferred, as the noise from bouncing and play can become disturbing," explained Laanoja.

The sales and marketing director explained that Bonava neighborhoods have created various activities for children, young people, and adults alike, and feedback from clients is taken into account in future planning.

"For example, we have removed the street basketball court from our list of courtyard area ideas today, but a grilling corner has been designed for the courtyard area of the Bonava Pikaliiva Kaarmaja development currently under construction, and will offer a pleasant way for adults to spend time in the future," said Laanoja.

Additionally, it was noted in comments that a courtyard area is valued when greenery has been created there, and proximity to a park is considered important.