The space for play as a right for children in the border region of the Southern Pantanal

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5380/ra.v18i1.102078

Abstract

With the aim of analyzing public spaces intended for play, a field study was conducted in the cities of Corumbá and Puerto Quijarro to identify and quantify these areas, considering both the ratio of squares to population and schoolchildren to playgrounds. A total of 18 public squares were mapped—seven in Corumbá and nine in Puerto Quijarro. The results revealed a proportional difference between the two variables: Corumbá has, on average, one square for every 13.8 thousand inhabitants and one square with a playground for every 4.1 thousand schoolchildren, while Puerto Quijarro has one square for every 2 thousand inhabitants and one square with a playground for every 305 schoolchildren. Thus, Puerto Quijarro offers more public leisure spaces per inhabitant, as well as more playgrounds per child. These data highlight the insufficiency of adequate areas for children’s free play in Corumbá. This shortage can be interpreted as a reflection of public authorities’ neglect in ensuring a fundamental right of childhood—the right to play in conditions of safety, freedom, and guaranteed access.

Author Biographies

Nathan Jesus da Silva, UFMS

Professor de Educação Física, formado pela Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul. Mestrando em Estudos Fronteiriços pela mesma universidade.

Antonio Iderlian Pereira de Sousa, UFMS

Geógrafo. Bacharel em Geografia pela Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados.  Licenciado em Geografia pela Faculdade Única de Ipatinga. Mestre em Geografia pela UFGD. Doutorando em Geografia pela UFGD.

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Published

2026-07-01

How to Cite

Jesus da Silva, N., Pereira de Sousa, A. I., & Zaim-de-Melo, R. (2026). The space for play as a right for children in the border region of the Southern Pantanal. The Journal of the Latin American Socio-Cultural Studies of Sport (ALESDE), 18(1). https://doi.org/10.5380/ra.v18i1.102078

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 1 (2026): Dossier: Physical Education, Sport, and Body Practices in Border Contexts

Section

Dossiês

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