Fair Play for Children News — Children’s Play and Youth Work

including Children’s Play, Sport, Arts, Recreation, Cultural, Music, Youth Clubs, Youth Work

Fair Play for Children website: http://www.fairplay31.online/index.html

Read previous edition to 23rd September 2023

1st February 2024

'Time for change is now' - government inquiry into children's play freedoms hears face-to-face…

From play streets to parliament - making the case for children to play out - Playing Out

Play Wales report: Playing and being well — review summary published

The Transformative Power of Play in Society

Play: The Language of Children

When climate change is child's play, the future looks greener

The Power of Place in Play: A Bourdieusian Analysis of Auckland Children's Seasonal Play Practices…

Less than half of Australian children who experience violence in sport tell an adult, world-first…

Angela Stallard: 'Play is fundamental to a happy childhood for children in Northern Ireland'

Children suffering due to lack of outdoor play, UK charities warn

The pandemic limited children's ability to socialise: here's how to encourage your child's…

Curious Kids: why don't grown-ups play like kids?

UN & Save the Children will transform city slums into 'bold child-friendly public spaces'

UK cities and towns pushing for UNICEF child-friendly city status

The Enriching Benefits of Piano Lessons for Children - Oksana Management Group - Santa Clarita…

Singing and playing an instrument can boost brainpower and memory in later life, study finds

Start the New Year with Habits for Safe Play

Local Event: Child's Play Therapy Services PC Opening Second Location

Even Canada thinks the nanny state has gone too far on outlawing fun

Social worker reveals why you should enlist kids in 'PLAY therapy'

expERIEnce Children's Museum Teaches the Importance of Play at All Ages: Giving You the Business

Why youth sports drive parents crazy and 10 more lessons from a mom who's been through it

Paediatric Society study stresses importance of "risky play" for children

Why I Let My Toddler Run Amok in Coffee Shops - Racket

Children's play charity raising money to fund 2024 project

Antibullying Laws

Bullying Prevention Programs

Lincoln County Hospital gifted children's play unit

Westfall: The importance and value of play

"Come on, let's go!" Helping kids find joy in physical activity

'Risky' play and potential benefits for children | Watch News Videos Online

Mama Let Em Play What They Wanna Play! - 620 CKRM

ToR - PLAY TO GROW FLEX RESEARCH STUDY

New lab test shows Kingston school district playgrounds safe, officials are told

The Vital Role Of Playground Equipment In Child Development

Award-winning youth worker writes book of poetry

Labour pledges new youth hubs in plan to tackle knife crime

'We Rock the Spectrum' provides space for children with autism to play

Common mistake by parents harming Aussie kids: 'Really big problem'

Study: Children's Museum has $5.5 million impact

Play: The Language of Children

Calling all play experts: City of Reno asks for help choosing playground equipment

26th January 2024

General Election - Fair Play for Children Priorities Survey

Playing and being well - review summary published - Play Wales

Written Evidence Submitted by Association of Play Industries [CBE 020] EVERY CHILD’S RIGHT TO EVERYDAY PLAY

https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/127158/pdf/

Screens aren't the only reason kids aren't playing outdoors, according to UK charities (and we…

From play streets to parliament - making the case for children to play out - Playing Out

From play streets to parliament Playing Out newsletter

'Time for change is now' - government inquiry into children's play freedoms hears face-to-face…

Children suffering due to lack of outdoor play, UK charities warn

Green Space Index - explore local park provision in Britain

Children living near green spaces 'have stronger bones'

Labour pledges new youth hubs in plan to tackle knife crime

Children's Museum of Denver | Kids Learn and Play in Colorado

Making public spaces better for children: a new blog series

State Playground Licensing Requirements

Boss or Teacher on the Playground

Of course we should let the children play, but should we let them swear as well? | Emma Brockes

Loose Ends: Child's Play | The Herald Times | Serving Meeker, Rangely, Dinosaur & Northwest…

Opinion | Why CA shouldn't give up on youth tackle football ban

Emotions at Play with Pixar's Inside Out is Coming to the Children's Museum

San Antonio nonprofit has new safe outdoor place for kids to play

Ravinia's REACH TEACH PLAY Music Education Programs

Teen left paralysed after collision during football match

Circusville At The Chicago Children's Museum Gives Kids A Big Top Experience

Indoor Activities to Help Keep Preschoolers with Eczema Engaged This Winter

Overuse injuries and burnout pushing more kids out of sports

Dive into New Sensory Play at Marbles Kids Museum - INDY Week

Some 'risky play' can be good for children, Canadian pediatricians say

Why outdoor fun sets children on a healthy course | CBC News

This is your sign to marry your best friend and move to California #shortsfeed #recesstherapy

"Violins Not Violence" aims to keep children off the street through love of music

Learn, create, play at Longmont Museum's Discovery Days

Arts council offers sensory-friendly children's play

Arrogant parents and extravagant tantrums: all the world's a stage in our precious playgrounds |…

Children's play area in Cotswolds set for major revamp

Training and outdoor learning to be priorities for Manx youth service

Kent County Council agrees £900k youth service funding cuts

E-Play - latest news from PlayBoard NI

Youth@Play

'Play Zone' offers space for youth to test their brains and brawn in BG Community Center

Mom shares creative way to teach young kids about consent through play

Why play matters now more than ever! | Warren County Post

The demographics of kids playing football are changing

Inside the National Building Museum's New Exhibit on Children's Books

NI mums open children's play centre alongside working their day jobs

School-centric policy is harming schools and young people

Child in need cases opened up to non-social work staff despite risk concerns

Playground Provides Learning, Safety for Kids with Autism

UPDATED: Controversial Old Mystic house project leads to playground safety concerns

High Court dismisses damages claim by Limerick boy injured after fall from climbing frame

Get Involved

Jennifer Preston | A place to play - Gig Harbor Now

Gamers at risk of irreversible hearing loss and tinnitus, study suggests

Six health risks of your child gaming too much | BreakingNews.ie

Wise beyond his years #shortsfeed #rainnwilson #theoffice #dwightschrute

Flipping the Switch: How two Marquette engineers help children in need play and explore | Marquette…

Epsom play street scheme gets green light from council

Let the children play this Children's Week

An Embarrassment of Witches

2023HALS048 - Adventurous play report A4 St4 WEB.pdf

UK Play Safety Forum: Benefit-risk and the new ISO (Free online webinar) - Play Scotland

Play Scotland's Impact: Advocating for Play as a Social Justice Issue at the 11th Child in the City…

Children's Right to Play in Scots law - Play Scotland

The Humble Cardboard Box

Playing and being well - review summary published - Play Wales

Why extracurricular activities are important for child development

Editorial: When 6-year-olds play tackle football…

19th January 2024

UK 'play street' organisers shine a light on their success

School absences: Boost sport to get pupils back in class - report

Here's how to help your child learn and grow in those vital first five years

Children can still play tackle football, despite risk of brain damage, after California bill dies

Port Discovery Children's Museum celebrates 25th anniversary

Port Discovery announces $17.5M expansion plan

Developing children's media and digital literacy through play

Foster kids finding joy and camaraderie in music program

Bringing Music to Odesa's Children, Even in Wartime

Surfacing and Accessibility

Roger Sherman teachers in Meriden integrate play-based learning into classroom

"It's so exciting": Children's play centre reaches final of Welsh Business Awards

Work on enhancing and refurbishing a children's play area in a Keighley park begins

Imagination at play: New library playground will encourage outdoor activity

How does playtime shape a toddler's brain development?

How to Encourage Good Behavior in Children With Playfulness

Commentary: The secret to nurturing your child's innovation skills? Toys

Opinion | Children are stuck indoors. Play streets could get them back outside.

Block play builds foundation for STEM - Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

Huge funding boost awarded to train youth workers in Cumbria

West Northants one of beacon sites for a national programme to build a model of co-designed youth…

New Belfast City Youth Council formed to represent young people in the city

Mum's painful mistake sparks safety warning for Aussie parents

Mid and East Antrim play park closures 'will rob children'

'Beyond belief': asbestos found near Sydney playground

7 Most Popular Playground Equipments for 2024

CBeebies unveil raft of new and returning children's programmes to kick off 2024

The surprising benefits of playing with dolls UK 2024 | Mumsnet

The Importance of Children's Play Areas in Hailsham - Hailsham Town Council

'A space with a soul': children's ideas help transform Glasgow hospital unit

Central Bedfordshire Council news and press releases: Play Streets

Children play on beach in Republic of Nauru

Outdoor Classroom Day

Play away at children's new play area in Chudleigh

Here's where children and youth can 'Play Free' in Ottawa in 2024

Health Play Services Hub

Encouraging older children to play and be active

Green space to get greener as innovative scheme moves forward

Stay and Play at Walthamstow library

New Policy Brief: Play and Psychosocial Wellbeing

First of six new-look play areas is a hit with children | Stroud District Council

Children, young people and the built environment inquiry — Levelling-Up Committee publishes evidence ahead of opening evidence session

13th January 2024

Blackpool play streets are go!

Blackpool play streets take off!

Editorial: The Toy Room Revolution: A babysitter's insights to breaking free of gendered play

Playing with other children is vital for our AADC-deficient daughter

Why Do We Need Playgrounds?

Dodgeball... Taking Some Hits

Youth Work One

NYA Youth Work Academy: Log in to the site

Royal Life Saving Society backs call for probe after tragedy

Review called into NYE children drownings, park safety

Business Matters: The Playground offers a safe and fun space for kids in Midland

Austin Plans Its First All Abilities Playground on Onion Creek

Play Australia Online Learning

See what's NEW in Play Today - 13 Dec 2023

Celebrating play streets and campaigning for positive change for children

Play Streets for Councils

2024 Play street webinars - with Blackpool council speakers

How play, exercise can help your child cope better with stress, bullying

99-Year-Old Maestro Transforms Lives of Autistic Kids Through Music

Association

Calls for more youth workers after 16 year old Catholic school pupil killed - Premier Christian…

Volunteers wanted for 'life-changing' experiences with Lancaster youth charity

Camila Batmanghelidjh, 1963-2024, youth campaigner and fundraiser

Charity hopes Ingleborough Hall can be saved as council plans £40m cuts

Active or overscheduled kids? How parents can consider benefits and risks of extracurricular…

Healthy eyes: 5 ways parents can encourage outdoor play in children to prevent Myopia

Encouraging children to socialise post pandemic

If You're Not Doing Guided Play With Your Kids, They're Missing Out

Children's Book News

Home - Hands On Children's Museum

Thousands of children in need receive gifts from Christmas Toy Appeal

'The swings are missing': Children in Newcastle left with nowhere to play

'Most of our children live in flats': London park boarded up by developers

CBeebies unveil raft of new and returning children's programmes to kick off 2024

The Importance of Children's Play Areas in Hailsham - Hailsham Town Council

First of six new-look play areas is a hit with children | Stroud District Council

Antrim play park closures 'will rob a generation of children'

Exploring the Power of Play 2024 - Jigsaw Early Years Consultancy

Powys town's new play park and biodiversity area should be complete by April

Improvements to the children's play areas at The Strand

Outdoor Classroom Day

Documentary celebrates why play is important to children - Education News

Health Play Services Hub

Children's play, health and wellbeing Archives - Playing Out

Here's where children and youth can 'Play Free' in Ottawa in 2024

Young V&A

Level 3 Children's Care, Play, Learning and Development: Practice and Theory | Health and Care…

New Policy Brief: Play and Psychosocial Wellbeing

Oxon Play - Oxfordshire Play Association promotes and develops play opportunities for children and…

KidZania London Closure — January 2024

7th January 2024

Why science says kids should have fewer toys

British children ‘have less space’ to be kids, award-winning author says

The pandemic limited children's ability to socialise: here's how to encourage your child's…

Sand Point Park

Oui Play in Paris

Luke Littler plays darts as a toddler in home footage

Creative Child January 2024

Texas Children's Pledges Historic $1.5 Million Gift to Support MacGregor Park Renovation

Children today 'demonised' for doing as Shakespeare did 400 years ago, director says

The right to play

FDA reminds public to scrutinize toys when buying gifts for kids

Exciting new children's 'play village' and café to open in Cork

Plans to make children's play areas in Dudley no-go zones for dogs for another three years

The Power of Place in Play: A Bourdieusian Analysis of Auckland Children's Seasonal Play Practices…

Federal 'Home Visiting' Program Classifies Parents Who Don't Let Young Kids Cross-Dress as…

Innovative Bike Safety Programs Empower Local Youth - PUBLIC HEALTH INSIDER

Council Looks To Improve ADA Compliance at Playgrounds

Let Go of Control When Playing with Kids

Is it Really Engineered Wood Fiber?

Engineered Wood Fiber

Football Beyond Borders: Transforming the lives of young people | Children's Commissioner for…

New youth group to open in Brora in New Year

Philanthropy funds community services as UK state support withers

Bristol football club that tackles youth violence launches fundraiser

Songs and words for hope: Raising voices of children and youth through music

How Capitalism Made Christmas A Holiday For Children — OpEd

24th December 2023

Happy Christmas to all our Readers!

Play Sufficiency Assessment Regulations 2023: planning guidance

Christmas: Would old toys make it onto lists today?

Playground Memories

Memories From the Playground are a Lifelong Treasure

Creative children, stronger families

Children and Musical Instruments

How music nurtures life skills in children

Music gives Gaza children respite from horrors of war

Children's Museum Houston

Public Space - play:groundNYC

CPSC Public Playground Safety Handbook

Resources

"It's changed our lives": how playing out helped my children, my neighbours and me - Playing Out

Child safety experts welcome 'game-changing' new international benchmark that gives a green light…

Webinar - Progressing the Play Agenda

The Humble Cardboard Box

Play Scotland's Impact: Advocating for Play as a Social Justice Issue at the 11th Child in the City…

Green Space Index - explore local park provision in Britain

Welcome to our new site! - IPA Scotland

Play builds children

Children play less in a week than adults scroll on phones in a day

Children lacking spontaneous play | University of Essex

New Coventry University research shows children who play adventurously are more active

State of Play 2023 - Project Play

I've got one thing to say to adults who tell kids off for hanging out in the street: let the…

QMU research helps shape child-friendly spaces | QMU News | Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh

Allowing children in hospital to play 'could reduce mental health problems' | ITV News

Improvements to the children's play areas at The Strand

Statement from the Commissioner | Children's Commissioner for England

Researchers call for change to Irish schoolyards to support children's play | University College…

Children build a unique bond with play partners, a new study finds | BPS

Council backs campaign to keep children 'Safe to Play' within sport

Encouraging older children to play and be active

Playing Out | Children's Commissioner for England

A World of Learning Through Play

Trends in Children's Street Play report - Play Wales

Right To Play

How outdoor play helps kids take risks and build self-confidence | CNN

How lack of independent play is impacting children's mental health

Article 31 - I have a right to relax and play

Children play in the kindergarten yard on November 12, 2023 in...

Getting adults on board with messy nature play

Children tell us why play in hospital makes a difference

Car donated to primary school for children to play in - Richmondshire Today

Noah's Ark Play Team recognised as "forces of nature" with charity award - Noah's Ark Children's…

We reached the 'death knell' for children enjoying spontaneous play?

International Play Association (IPA World)

Doll play allows children to develop and practice social skills regardless of their…

More play, less desk time could help kids learn better, studies suggest

New offer at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery builds on children's imagination - Shropshire Council…

How many children play video games 2023?

Children missing out on adventurous outdoor play - study

"You laikin out?" Trends in Children's Street Play report

The Adult Role in Children's Free Play

Exploring the Benefits of Sensory Play for Children

Supporting play in early years settings

What is Creative Play? The Importance of Imagination for Our Children

Big changes on the horizon for Scotland's play spaces

NJ Spotlight News | 'Medical play' prepares children for hospital procedures | Season 2023 | PBS

Don't Tell Kids That Someone Could Grab Them

E-Play - latest news from PlayBoard NI 🎄

17th December 2023

Seesaws are out, saws are in: the rise of risky playgrounds

"Migrant Children should go to playgrounds, not detention centres"- Save the Children launches campaign for…

Organization gives children a head start with play-based learning - Businessday NG

Youth Sport Trust: children's activity levels in England 'a national concern'

Youth Sport Trust: children's activity levels in England 'a national concern'

Parent contacts Channel 11, City of Pittsburgh about safety concern at new playground

Safety message for playground users - MPNEWS

Youth workers have key role in reforming secondary education, peer says

The youth are the future - but they're just not getting plugged in | FE News

Sky partners with Cardiff Council's Youth Services to open first Sky Up Digital Hub in Wales

Is there space for AI in youth work in Warrington?

Increasing participation for NCS as year-round offer continues

Newsroom

Youth Work

Baby Maternity Holiday Wish List & Gift Guide 2023 Issue No. 5

Dallas Primary School helps children access their right to play this Christmas

Your Donation Doubled - Press Play

Creating a future in music for children with disabilities

Preventing Skate Park Winter Damage

CPSC Public Playground Safety Handbook

Youth Workforce Survey 2023

THE 'CAREGIVER LEARNING THROUGH PLAY' PROGRAMME HELPS YOUNG CHILDREN LEARN AND THRIVE THROUGH THE…

Seattle cancels plan for privately funded playground at nude beach

Nana's Tiny Town in Spring Hills lets kids go wild

Creative Child December 2023

Youth workers wanted for Brora

Garnock Youth Forum team up with local graffiti artist Tragic O'Hara on new mental health mural

'Communities and police will be picking up the pieces after youth cuts'

PARKners improve physical park spaces and the environment

'We're very lean': New schools' playground equipment may not be covered in bond

Knox County Schools playgrounds are getting a new look

Newport Christmas toy donation appeal sees demand surge

The best children's and YA books of 2023

Giving children in temporary housing a chance to play

Playground At Nude Beach On Lake Washington A No Go

LGA responds to report on children’s health and leisure

7th December 2023

The latest in gun violence research and computer games

An Inspiring Action: Chalk Murals in Playgrounds!

Do extracurricular activities always give children a head start? Research says maybe not

Play England joins The Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA) - PlayEngland

Play Builds Community - Magic Play Box

Lovevery Play Kits Review: Stage-Based Play for Your Child's Developing Brain - Mumslounge

A single swing does not make a park inclusive: The importance of equal play and socialization

Letter: Is Farnham playground safe for children after knife discovery?

Letter: Playgrounds might not wear out for many years

Albany's sensory playground raises microplastic concerns

Parents group seeks community help in funding Safety Town proposal

Free summer playscheme success

Creative Child December 2023

E-Play - latest news from PlayBoard NI

Wolverhampton youth centre will offer free entry and hot meals

🍂 November News from Fields in Trust

Locals rage as Aussie council tells kids to 'consider their noise' at playground

Mayor announces new funding for Violence Reduction Unit to boost youth work in London

Stoke-on-Trent crying out for more youth workers, say groups

Youth participation at the heart of recent Youth Work Week

Member of Youth Parliament speaks at House of Commons

Should parks department build a playground near Seattle's unofficial nude beach?

Maintaining Unitary Surfacing

Giving children in temporary housing a chance to play

Music down the hall - New Jersey Education Association

Don't miss our final events of 2023

New Telford children's play centre ready for big adventures

Parents slammed as 'disrespectful' after uncorking bottle of wine at children's play venue

Cost of living: Kit expense stops children playing sport, say coaches

Jobs and pay monitor - young workers

A Celebration of Youth: Crediton Youth Club has so much to offer young people

Organization gives children a head start with play-based learning - Businessday NG

Don't be antsy about letting your kids get dirty and take risks in nature

Complete the Workforce Survey

What Is Play-Based Learning?

LEGO Australia study shows the impact of play as a tool of unity

Not child's play: Potential risks of smart toys explained

A single swing does not make a park inclusive: The importance of equal play and socialization

Global Educational Toys Market Size is Estimated to Reach USD 45.63 Billion by 2031, Growing at a…

Shaping success in youths through music

Newborn babies can perceive the beat in music, study shows

New look for Victoria Gardens children’s play area is completed

When a Salem neighborhood relies on a school park, who pays for it? — Statesman Journal

Darlington Youth Employment Initiative to close in 2024 — The Northern Echo

Parents Encouraged to Give Children More Freedom When Playing in Nature

24th November 2023

Alleviating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in Children

Suffolk illustrator paints mural for children at West Suffolk Hospital

Sindh govt reaffirms every child's right to grow in safe environment

After years closed for renovations, Children's Park reopens downtown

Medina County Library matches new, inclusive toys with themed books for children

Vandals cause almost £30,000 worth of damage to children's play equipment

Renovation work concludes at twelve children's play areas

Creative Child Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Issue No. 1

An Inspiring Action: Chalk Murals in Playgrounds!

Youth workers unite to help children and young people flourish in Cornwall

Youth work to be targeted at areas that need it most in Cardiff

Council launches new youth centre during youth work week

Sandwell Youth Service celebrated during Youth Work Week 2023 - Sandwell Council

£47k funding to deliver youth work in Cheltenham open for bids

Westminster Youth Voice Summit takes place for first time | Westminster City Council

Pittsburg mom advocates for playground safety after son's accident

Mom asks why Delta playground equipment removed

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park Playground Renovation

Sonora Middle School in Springdale completes wheelchair swing installations

Young children learn about string instruments at Symphony Storytime

Atlanta nonprofit Songs for Kids puts children with disabilities - and big dreams - in the…

Children in Need: Music and dance for Chuckle House children

How expensive music programs are stunting students' education | Broadview Magazine

E-Play Update - World Children's Day

Organization gives children a head start with play-based learning

A family psychology expert explains the surprising benefits of rough-and-tumble play for kids

Do extracurricular activities always give children a head start? Research says maybe not

The Play Park at Bhatiary, Bangladesh

Trends in Natural Playground Climbers

Climbing Safety Review

Why Children Climb

https://phys.org/news/2023-11-extracurricular-children.html

Play Therapy: Explore your study options

19th November 2023

Kids need more unsupervised time outdoors, according to research. Here's how some families…

How lack of independent play is impacting children's mental health

Local initiative builds toy vehicles for disabled children | Times Leader

'A magical, vibrant, fantasy world': the joyous kids' TV show revolutionising disability onscreen

Nature play leads to A+ grades

Rx for Grandparents: Play With Your Grandkids

Organization gives children a head start with play-based learning

Learning the ropes: why Germany is building risk into its playgrounds

What can you tell the UK Parliament about children's future needs in cities?

The National Playwork Conference 2024- Book Now!

Prince of Wales visits youth projects in Manchester

Wildlife presenter Steve Backshall opens Cogenhoe 'forest school'

Creative Child Holiday Gift Guide 2023 Issue No. 1

NYA Support services survey

Council celebrates the power of youth work this Youth Work Week 2023

Youth Work Week 2023: NYA film highlights positive impact of services

Stafford women prisoners to be trained as youth workers

Shropshire Youth celebrates National Youth Work Week 2023! - Shropshire Council Newsroom

Youth Work Week 2023 - snapshot from Westray

Coca-Cola bottler is helping young people in Manchester build connections

Lancashire youth work manager to deliver national webinar for Youth Work Week

Youth centre closures linked to greater risk of young people entering criminal justice system - NYA

Spokane Parks awarded $100,000 to help fix broken playground equipment

Unity Playground puts 'Unity' into comm-unity

Samante: Safe space for children

Closure of the children's play areas in parks

Finland is Creating the First Computer Themed Playground - Goodnet

El Paso Public Libraries unveils a new space for families at the Richard Burges Branch Library

Music In The Key of Parenthood | KQED

Children's Special 2023: 3 initiatives that are making music fun for kids

Tyler Public Library hosts 'Music Makers' class to help with development of young children

Children play less in a week than adults scroll on phones in a day

BLOG: Following children's interests and supporting their play

Play gives honest insight into lives of children in temporary accommodation

A World of Learning Through Play

QMU research helps shape child-friendly spaces| QMU News | Queen Margaret University, Ediburgh

Council backs campaign to keep children 'Safe to Play' within sport

KidZania London - Where kids dream BIG!

Children's Play

Risky play for children: Why we should let kids go outside and then get out of the way

Children's Play, Learning and Development | Pearson qualifications

Play Games, Feel Better™

Let's talk about play! Council asking for children's input to play park strategy

Celebrating a Wonderful Play Team - Theodora Children's Charity

New offer at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery builds on children's imagination - Shropshire Council…

9th November 2023

Rough Play Is Actually Good For Your Child To Engage In, And Here's Why

Tilbury youth zone to offer sport, music and arts

Youth Work Week 2023

Analysis: Utah's blowout of Arizona State afforded right to play more meaningful football

Celebrating youth work in every place in space

Oxfordshire youth worker shares her experiences of making a difference to young people

Youth workers to be trained to support young victims of unreported crime

'If I hadn't met that youth worker in the supermarket, where would I be today?'

Playground equipment 'falling apart'

Renovations level up playgrounds

Westchester County Executive Cuts Ribbon on New Playground for Kids at Family Shelter

City welders design their own spare parts for 'rotten' playground equipment

Plans for new children's play centre in Burntwood are approved - Lichfield Live®

Major plans for Seaburn outdoor children's play park officially submitted

NYC Parks completes $5.8 million renovation of Nautilus Playground in Roy Wilkins Park - QNS.com

Children's Museum of Atlanta Honors Brenda Reid with Power of Play Award

Toys & STEAM

7 Exercise Excuses and How to Make Moving More Fun

Children play, learn and thrive together

The Astrodome and Hemisfair Park Playground

Children play less in a week than adults scroll on phones in a day

New Play Specialists changing lives at children's hospital | ITV News

Outdoor play campaigners call for UK traffic curbs to protect children

UK families tell of threats and police warnings over children playing in street

How outdoor play helps kids take risks and build self-confidence | CNN

PlayEngland

BLOG: Following children's interests and supporting their play

Council backs campaign to keep children 'Safe to Play' within sport

A Physical Disability Does Not Have to Limit Play

Diamond Children's Play Zone Groundbreaking Oct. 27 - Signals AZ

Empowering Serbian Roma children through music

Symphony launches new educational program with music, storytelling

Searching for the right angle - students in this course shoot pool to learn about journalism

Visiting The Yard - play:groundNYC

This next one is TEN YEARS old ….

Hamas running Summer Camps ….. TEN YEARS ago ……

3rd November 2023

It’s play hard, work hard at London’s adventure playground of the year

Monday 30 October 2023

A Hackney adventure playground has ‘outplayed’ others from across the capital to win the title of London Adventure Playground of the Year 2023. Shakespeare Walk Adventure Playground was one of 16 shortlisted in the London Adventure Play Awards last week to join the hotly-anticipated annual event run by the charity London Play.

Entries to the awards are in the form of two-minute films, made by children. The group from Shakespeare Walk (affectionately known as SWAPA) were among around 250 excited kids and supporters who converged on the Prince Charles Cinema in London’s West End on Thursday, to see the short films they had made about the places they love to play up on the big screen, enjoy a bit of pandemonium — and find out if they had won prizes.

SWAPA’s winning film featured an original soundtrack, made by children in their on-site sound studio. It played over footage of kids building with tools, lighting fires, climbing, swinging, sliding, putting on impromptu shows, playing in the snow, dressing up and joyfully messing about. Molly Mae aged 12 summed up what she likes about SWAPA: “I like the staff. I like the adventures!” Her friend said: “The best thing about SWAPA is making friends, getting to know other people and taking a break from what’s happening at home.”

In true adventure playground style, there was plenty of fun, games and messing about during the awards event with compere Charlie keeping the atmosphere just the right side of chaos.

Nitasha, chair of trustees at Shakespeare Walk said:

“It was such a joy, so much great energy, I’ve never seen a cinema transformed the way it was, truly a wonderful adventure playground event. I can’t believe we’ve won; the team has worked really hard this year and I really feel like they deserve it. I am so pleased for them.”

Awards were also made in three categories: Best Flick (best film); Weird and Wonderful; and Playworker Dream Team.

A group of budding documentary makers from Triangle Adventure Playground in Lambeth won ‘Best Flick’. Their film showed children playing on the giant rope swings and zipline; roasting marshmallows over a fire; and even enjoying an overnight camp — all in the inner-city neighbourhood where the playground is based. Asked what she enjoyed about Triangle, one young adventurer in play said: “Well, I see all my friends, I get to play, and I get to play for how long I want.”

Gabriel Green, deputy senior playworker, Triangle Adventure Playground said:

“Triangle Adventure Playground was absolutely delighted to win the Best Flick Award at London Play’s Adventure Playground of the Year awards 2023. It is a special and unique occasion each year that really makes a difference to promoting the vital importance of the work that adventure playgrounds do.”

Children at The Markfield Project in Haringey won the ‘Weird and Wonderful’ category with their film epic featuring the death — and resurrection — of Spongebob Squarepants. Weird you say? Yep. Finally, the team at Islington’s Barnard Adventure Playground took the ‘Playworker Dream Team’ award. All those shortlisted in that category had their ‘dream team’ credentials tested during the event, with one game requiring playworkers to submit to children dressing them up for a very out-there fashion show: catwalk compulsory!

London is known as the adventure playground capital of the world; these unique child-led places began on bombsites in the aftermath of WWII and tend to be located in the least affluent areas of the city. In the 1980s London had over 100 staffed adventure playgrounds; today only 70 remain, with 12 having closed in the last decade alone.

Fiona Sutherland, director of London Play said:

“These annual awards are a joyous occasion that we look forward to hosting every year. The children’s creativity and enthusiasm is fantastic to see. But there is a very serious side to this! London’s staffed adventure playgrounds are a lifeline for communities. They allow children space, time and freedom to have fun, explore, challenge and express themselves — building skills, resilience and improving mental and physical health along the way. But despite the amazing work that SWAPA, Triangle and others do, they tend to fly under the radar. Funding is scarce, and most are in a constant fight for survival. Yes, these awards are about celebrating adventure playgrounds and the children who play there — but they are also about raising awareness of their value and building support to secure their future.”

London Play promotes children’s right to play, campaigns for more and improved out-of-school play services for children and young people across London, and supports play work in the capital.

There are around 70 adventure playgrounds across London providing school-aged children with opportunities to play that are difficult to find elsewhere in our busy, urban environment. Fenced and secure, with skilled staff, adventure playgrounds are oases of nature, many located in deprived neighbourhoods. Visit www.londonadventureplaygrounds.org.uk for more information.

Full list of winners for 2023:

Adventure Playground of the Year

WINNER: Shakespeare Walk Adventure Playground (Hackney)

Weird and Wonderful Award

WINNER: The Markfield Project (Haringey)

RUNNER UP: Pearson Street Adventure Playground (Hackney)

Best Flick

WINNER: Triangle Adventure Playground (Lambeth)

RUNNER UP: Somerford Grove Adventure Playground (Haringey)

Playworker Dream Team

WINNER: Barnard Adventure Playground (Islington)

RUNNER UP: LCC at Max Roach (Lambeth)

Also shortlisted: Cape, Three Corners and Waterside Adventure Playgrounds (Islington); ELHAP (Redbridge); Hackney Marsh and Homerton Grove Adventure Playgrounds (Hackney); Make-Do Play (Haringey). Marble Hill Playcentres Adventure Playground (Richmond); Roman Road Adventure Playground (Tower Hamlets);

We are grateful to the National Lottery Communities Fund for supporting these awards and adventure playground communities; and all our other funders for their support.

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