Public/Private Partnership as a Method of Social Change: Supporting the Rebuilding of Community Playgrounds

This paper presents two descriptive case studies of public/private partnerships that developed in a small, economically challenged urban community. Both partnerships focus on improving available play space for children, one at a public school and one at a community park. Each case demonstrates elements that are germane to public/private collaborations as well as factors that are unique to the workings of each project. Data included participant observation, interviews, questionnaires and documentation collection. Analysis focused on grounded theory building. Researchers examined the patterns and themes within the data focusing on institutional missions, values and objectives, roles and functions of partners, and partnership limitations. Results indicate that although there are challenges in public/private partnerships, it is possible to improve and expand public play areas for children while fulfilling the mission and values of the organizations working together in public/private partnerships