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As some councils close playgrounds, others are coming up with thoughtful ways to ensure children and their families can continue to use these vital spaces safely; this is especially important for those without access to private outdoor space https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/jan/17/let-us-play-parents-and-charities-plead-for-swings-and-slides-to-be-kept-open-during-lockdown @harrietgrant
If councils are determined to close playgrounds, they must look to find additional outdoor spaces for children to play - for example, make streets safe for play, open up school playgrounds at weekends, signpost the more off-the-beaten track spots. https://blogs.ncl.ac.uk/alisonstenning/improving-safe-access-to-street-space-for-childrens-play-and-physical-activity/
All of this would be supported by clearer guidance that play, and supervising play, is a “reasonable excuse” to leave our homes. Play is exercise for children. https://playingout.net/dear-pm-outdoor-play-is-essential-for-childrens-health-and-wellbeing/
Outdoor play is essential for children’s social, mental, physical wellbeing, especially in times of crisis, and we have a duty to enable this. Play is a right and as important to children as decent food. https://www.playengland.org.uk/letter-to-local-authorities-on-playgrounds/
And I would add, finally, that this is an issue that seems to attract polarised perspectives on lockdown. I fully support lockdowns, but we need clear guidance and proper support to enable children to be able to play outdoors safely, for their social, mental and physical health.
