The vital role of playgrounds in local communities

Association of Play Industries (API) Chair Dr Amanda Gummer gives some top tips on playground maintenance.

The API  is the lead trade body in the play sector. It represents the interests of manufacturers, installers, designers and distributors of both outdoor and indoor play equipment and safer surfacing. The API promotes best practice and high-quality play provision within the play industry and all their members are bound by a Professional Code of Conduct.

API Chair Dr Amanda Gummer tells us about their latest campaign – Pathway To Play – and offers some key pointers on best practice for upkeep and installation.

In the heart of every thriving community lies a space that is essential for children’s health and development – the local playground. As Chair of the Association of Play Industries (API), I have witnessed first-hand the transformative power of these community hubs. Our new Pathway To Play campaign highlights the critical importance of playgrounds as vibrant centres of community life.

Pathway To Play

Pathway To Play is a call to action and a call for change in a world where childhood obesity, poor mental health and sleep issues are on the rise. The API are launching a rallying cry to the next UK government to invest in public playgrounds.

With a clear vision of fostering children’s wellbeing, we are urging the UK government to prioritise outdoor play by investing significantly in the UK’s most popular location for outdoor play – public playgrounds.

Our #PathwayToPlay manifesto champions the vital role of outdoor play in enhancing the health and wellbeing of children nationwide. Our call is for a modest yet impactful investment that will transform communities and children’s lives.

We are calling on the new government to make a commitment to: conduct a national audit, assess the quantity, quality and location of public playgrounds; ensure long-term sustainability, provide dedicated funding for the installation and upkeep of free-to-use community play spaces; and increase physical activity levels in schools, integrate outdoor learning into the National Curriculum and fund school play spaces and equipment.

Physical health

Playgrounds offer an antidote to sedentary lifestyles, particularly for those children in the most deprived areas and for the one in eight families (one in five in London) without a garden. Regular play in local playgrounds helps children develop crucial motor skills, improve coordination and build strength and endurance.

The varied equipment found in well-designed playgrounds encourages a range of physical activities, from climbing and balancing to running and jumping, promoting cardiovascular health and overall fitness.

Mental wellbeing

The mental health benefits of playgrounds are equally significant. Play is a natural stress reliever and an essential part of healthy brain development. Through play, children learn to manage emotions, build resilience and develop coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety.

Playgrounds provide a safe environment for children to explore risk, develop creativity, engage in imaginative play and experience the joy of unstructured activity – all of which contribute to improved mental wellbeing.

Social development

Playgrounds are also critical for social development. In the playground setting, children learn to interact with peers, practice social skills and build relationships. Playgrounds foster a sense of community and belonging, bringing together families and neighbours.

They are spaces where social bonds are strengthened, fostering a sense of cohesion and mutual support within communities. Best practice for playground upkeep and installation

Community engagement

Successful playground projects start with community engagement. Involving local residents, especially children, in the planning and design process ensures that the playground meets the specific needs and desires of the community it serves. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership and pride among community members, increasing the likelihood of sustained use and care.

Inclusive design

Inclusivity should be at the forefront of playground design. Playgrounds must be accessible to children of all abilities, ensuring that everyone can participate in play.

This includes installing equipment that caters to a range of physical and sensory needs and ensuring that pathways, surfaces and entry points are accessible to all. Inclusivity extends beyond physical accessibility; playgrounds should also offer a variety of play experiences that cater to different interests and developmental stages.

Safety standards

Safety is paramount in playground design and maintenance.

Adhering to safety standards and guidelines is crucial to prevent injuries and ensure that children can play without risk. This includes using appropriate surfacing materials, regularly inspecting and maintaining equipment and addressing any potential hazards promptly. Playground safety standards, such as those set by the API, provide a benchmark for creating safe play environments.

Quality materials and equipment

Investing in high-quality materials and equipment is essential for the longevity and safety of playgrounds.

Durable, weather-resistant materials reduce the need for frequent repairs and replacements, ensuring that playgrounds remain safe and inviting for years to come. Partnering with reputable suppliers who are members of the API and adhere to industry standards, guarantees that the equipment installed meets safety and quality benchmarks.

Sustainable practices

Sustainability is an increasingly important consideration in playground design and maintenance. Utilising eco-friendly materials, incorporating natural elements and promoting biodiversity through landscaping can create more sustainable play environments.

Regular maintenance and inspection

Ongoing maintenance is critical to the safety and usability of playgrounds. Regular inspections should be conducted to identify wear and tear, potential hazards and areas needing repair. Establishing a routine maintenance schedule ensures that issues are addressed promptly, preventing accidents and extending the lifespan of the playground. Community involvement in upkeep can also foster a sense of collective responsibility.

Educational elements

Integrating educational elements into playgrounds can enhance their value as learning environments, with equipment that encourages cognitive development through problem-solving and imaginative play.

Playgrounds that combine fun with learning opportunities contribute to the holistic development of children.

Investment in playgrounds

Playgrounds offer a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond recreation. They are spaces where physical health, mental wellbeing and social connections flourish. By adhering to best practices in their design, installation and upkeep, playgrounds can remain safe, inclusive and sustainable hubs of community life.

The Association of Play Industries remains committed to advocating for high-quality play spaces through initiatives like the Pathway To Play campaign.

We call on local authorities, community groups and stakeholders to prioritise investment in playgrounds and to adopt best practices that will sustain these invaluable community assets for generations to come.     Playgrounds are more than just places to play – they help to build stronger, healthier and more connected communities.

By working together, we can create play environments that inspire joy, foster growth and enrich the lives of children and families across the UK.

Our members

Members of the Association of Play Industries are the UK’s leading play companies and are reliable, trustworthy and financially sound. Backed by the API’s Professional Code of Conduct, they operate to the highest standards and will provide evidence of previous work and references.

The API Charter ensures they design exceptional, high-quality play spaces for children of all ages and abilities.

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