LANDSCAPING & EXTERNAL WORKS 73 Ready, steady, play!
Andrew Wood of ESP Play discusses the importance for the physical and mental health of children of planning inclusive and high quality playgrounds
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nsuring equitable access to inclusive and high quality play spaces is crucial for nurturing healthy, resilient communities. Sadly, the provision of play facilities is sometimes treated as a box-ticking exercise and this can have long-term negative ramifications for children and the communities in which they live. Research commissioned by ESP Play shows profound disparities in local authority playground investment and access from region to region and from town to town. This is potentially damaging for many children as it hinders their development and exacerbates inequalities. Professor Helen Dodd, trustee of Play England and leading child psychologist, said: “Play is essential to a happy, healthy childhood. Having time and space to play gives children the opportunity to express themselves, to explore, to be physically active, to take risks and to have freedom to choose what they want to do.” She added: “Children who spend more
ADF MAY 2024
time playing, especially outdoors and adventurously, have better mental health and are more physically active.” “Children’s play opportunities are affected by the environments around them, with some environments facilitating active, adventurous, engaged play, and others discouraging play. It is therefore really important that children have access to places that support their play such as playgrounds.” With all the research showing how important access to outdoor play is, it’s vitally important that architects and developers invest in the right space and equipment to provide the best long-term outcomes for children and communities. Playground design has evolved considerably over the past 30 years. The innovation and improvement that we see now has only come through detailed research and by listening to children and observing them at play. Continuous research into play benefits and child development is integral to best practice and
By providing children with a place to play, society is actively encouraging children to develop and grow, while allowing them to have fun
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