London Play argues that staffed adventure playgrounds should become recognised as Centres of Excellence for play, and take a key role in implementing the National Play Strategy proposed by the Commission on Play.

London Play has submitted further evidence to the “Raising the Nation Play Commission”, urging commissioners to ensure that staffed adventure playgrounds are given the prominence they deserve in the final report, due to be published next month. Children’s views were front and centre of the submission which argues that policy and decision makers should recognise staffed adventure playgrounds as a distinct element of the overall play ‘ecosystem’ in a given area.

The submission is built on evidence collected from playworkers and children at London’s adventure playgrounds over recent months. It demonstrates how staffed adventure playgrounds are different from standard fixed equipment playgrounds of the type found in parks and on housing estates, and maintains that their unique role must be explicitly recognised in the commission’s final report.

London Play asked over 120 children what makes their beloved adventure playgrounds different and special compared with standard fixed playgrounds. The answers they gave were broadly grouped under four main themes:

• Excitement, freedom and varied opportunities for play that are not available in unsupervised play spaces
• Places where everyone is included and welcomed, and diverse friendships are made
• Safety and shelter – away from dogs, crime and antisocial behaviour and with access to toilets, free food, warmth and shelter
• The presence of staff who centre their needs and uphold all the conditions listed above.

“Whether it’s bulldog in the football pitch or rainy day painting, it’s all due to the workers fantastic efforts to make everyone feel welcome and making sure everyone feels comfortable with something that they can enjoy.”

The interim report highlighted parental concerns around antisocial behaviour as a major limiting factor for children’s freedom to play. This was clear from conversations with children: over half of those surveyed said that while their parents were happy for them to attend the adventure playground independently, they were not allowed to go to an unsupervised playground without adults or older siblings accompanying them.

“I can only go to the adventure [playground], my mum will not let me play out on my estate because it’s not safe.”

The overarching recommendation in the interim report is to implement a National Play Strategy. London Play’s submission argues that playworkers at adventure playgrounds have vast understanding and expertise about the value of play for children and communities, and what quality play looks like.  This could be harnessed by recognising adventure playgrounds as ‘Centres of Excellence’ for play with playworkers becoming ‘Ambassadors for Play’ who could support implementation of a national strategy by advising and supporting parents, carers, councils, community groups, schools and other organisations on how to ensure children can experience the highest quality play opportunities where they live.

Read the full submission here.