play
Play Must Stay - Campaign for investment in play
THE Association of Play Industries (API) is calling for urgent and sustained investment in public play provision as part of its new campaign Play Must Stay. It is also supporting the Children First
Alliance in their call for a dedicated cabinet minister for children and young people to put children at the heart of politics and help drive investment in community playgrounds. “With ever-shrinking opportunities for children
to play outdoors, public playgrounds play a crucial role in improving children’s movement levels and, in turn, their physical and mental health,” says Mark Hardy, chair of the API. “Playgrounds are not a luxury. They provide
a uniquely safe, traffic-free environment in and around our towns and cities and for millions of children they are essential to their current and
future health. For policymakers, the funding of public playgrounds should be a priority because they are both prevention and cure; playgrounds fulfil a unique role in improving children’s movement, social interaction, fitness and physical and mental health.” The new campaign follows research carried
out by Mumsnet – the UK’s biggest website for parents - and commissioned by the API, which found that parents are worried about the shift from outdoor play to indoor screen time. The vast majority of parents say that playgrounds are vital in getting children outdoors and active again. A survey of 1111 parents with children aged between two and 12 has found that nine out of 10 parents who were not close to a playground said that having access would make their child
play outside more. Of those with access to a playground, 61 per
cent said it does make their child play outside more and over half (53 per cent) of parents said more access to playgrounds would make their child more active. Over one third of parents have experienced the closure or neglect of their local playground. “The overwhelming majority of UK children
live in urban areas. For these children, and particularly those in the most disadvantaged areas, public playgrounds are their only chance for outdoor play,” says Hardy. “We are in danger of leaving entire communities without anywhere for children to play.”
www.api-play.org Plat trail for Severn Valley Country Park
A BESPOKE themed play area and sculpture play-trail are part of plans to create a permanent legacy for families at Severn Valley Country Park, near Bridgnorth in Somerset. Unlocking the Severn, a collaboration by
Severn Rivers Trust, Canal & River Trust, Environment Agency and Natural England, is one of the largest river restorations of its kind ever attempted in Europe. It will restore over 150 miles of the River Severn to endangered fish species, by creating routes around six weirs. The project also aims to reconnect millions of
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people with the UK’s longest river with a bespoke River Severn themed play area and a sculpture play-trail looping down to the river. A specially designed wooden Severn Trow
will be the centrepiece of the play area. This historic type of river barge was used on the River Severn before proper towpaths were introduced at the end of the 18th century. Children will be able to climb over the boat and play at steering it, loading cargo and keeping a look-out. Other play equipment will include a sunken barge, a fish-ladder slide, a
waterfall-themed rock climb, and a toddler play area. The carved wildlife trail will encourage
children to explore Severn Valley Country Park down to a bridge crossing the river. Along the way they will have the chance to play on the sculptures and learn more about the river wildlife.
www.canalrivertrust.org.uk www.severnriverstrust.com
www.UnlockingtheSevern.co.uk
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