Reclaiming Play Space
What We Do » Models of Effective Practice » Reclaiming Play Space
Reclaiming Playspace
The ‘Reclaiming Playspace’ Project was the 1st Mobile Community Play Ranger Team helping 'reclaim' the parks and open spaces for play in Northern Ireland. The pilot project took place in three communitieis in North Belfast. Each area received 2 sessions per week from the Reclaiming Playspace Team.
The project was designed to create safe, quality, outdoor play experiences for children and young poeple aged 6-12 years old living in some of the most deprived communities in Northern Ireland.
The initiative has been heralded as an innovative outdoor play service. The purpose was to bring play back into the community, to provide positive, outdoor play experiences using a variety of traditional and innovative fund activities that help to improve the health and well being of children and young people.
The project was based on a the concept of mobile play, using a van, staffed by a small team of play rangers who were furnished with an array of play equipment; children and young people were offered the opportunity to engage in activities that increased participation and provided avenues to experience fun and enjoyment in a safe environment. Children and young people were encouraged to take ownership of their local community spaces and parks.
In order to develop and expand the mobile play concept a community based training and development package was created. Through the training community leaders, older youths, parents etc were given the opportunity to actively assist with the delivery of Reclaiming Playspace sessions. Through doing so they received the skills and knowledge needed to help supervise and direct sessions. The training also allowed participants the opportunity to establish outdoor play projects in their local areas.
The Reclaiming Playspace project helped bring back the basics' of play, no eleborate torys or equipment was needed, just good old fashioned play that once was a daily part of every child's life. Rope swings, den buildings, camp fires and much, much more were the order of the day, the type of play that every child loves and every child can participate in.
If you would like to explore 'Reclaiming Playspace' for children and young people in your area or would like information on the community based training package please contact PlayBoard
Quotes from parents of children who attended the Reclaiming Playspace sessions:
- "My son has made new friends and has something to do instead of hanging around on the streets or by the road."
- "These sessions get the children out to play instead of being bored and sitting in the house and playing PSP or playstations. It's good for them to be out in the fresh air and playing."
- "Normally I look over to the park and see young ones drinking but now you see the children playing and waiting for the van to come."
For a copy of the Evaluation Report click here
