Laura Sharman 05 August 2019

Calls for ugent investment in public playgrounds

The decline in public playgrounds is ‘pushing’ children away from outdoor play, a new survey has revealed.

The survey of by Mumsnet for the Association of Play Industries found greater access to playgrounds would help children become more active and reduce indoor screen time.

It revealed that nine out of ten parents who did not live close to a playground said that having access to one would make their child more active.

Over one third (35%) of parents have experienced the closure or neglect of their local playground. Of those parents close to a local playground, only 13% said they would be happy for their child to play there unsupervised.

Mark Hardy, chair of the API, said: ‘Children are being ‘pulled’ indoors by screens and ‘pushed’ away from outdoor play because of the alarming and continued decline in public playgrounds.

‘They are experiencing a childhood where time spent playing and being active is negligible compared to previous generations.

‘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.’

The API has launched a new campaign – Play Must Stay – calling for urgent and sustained investment in public play provision.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Principal Accountant

Durham County Council
£47,181 to £51,356 p.a. (Grade 13)
Durham County Council is the largest council in the North East, we have a budget of around £1.3 billion which helps us provide services to more than 5 Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Mechanical Foreman

Durham County Council
£35,412 to £39,152 p.a. (Grade 9)
A vacancy has arisen within Building and Facilities Management for a Mechanical Foreman working full time 37 hours.   WHAT IS INVOLVED?    Within a co Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Occupational Health Physiotherapist

Durham County Council
£40,777 to £45,091 p.a. (Grade 11)
An exciting opportunity has arisen with Durham County Council to join our well established ‘in house’ Occupational Health Service in making a positiv Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Apprentice - Housing Management

Durham County Council
£14,566 per annum / £7.55 per hour (NMW in Second Year)
Earn. Learn. Qualify. Do you want to earn while you learn, with the chance of progression once you qualify? Do you want the opportunity to grow, devel Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £3,383 (approx.) £12.85 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner