Fifty-seven percent of families who have a child with a physical, learning, sensory, medical, undiagnosed or complex need are unable to play in play parks as often as they would like, with a similar amount (56%) having to travel long distances to access a play park that meets their family’s [...]
March 2021 The Reclaiming Play Spaces programme facilitated by PlayBoard NI and funded by Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council ran from October 2020 to February 2021. Play sessions were delivered in five areas of Antrim and Newtownabbey and aimed to bring free, unstructured play opportunities to children, parents and staff [...]
The Covid-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented challenges for our society leading to the implementation of significant measures by government as they have sought to contain the spread of the virus and reduce the risk of contraction to individuals. Following an increase in the Covid-19 infection rate, on the [...]
On 14 October the NI Executive announced a number of time-bound interventions aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19 with restrictions coming into regulatory effect on 16 October. The interventions announced did not include any change in status for fixed play areas. Fixed play areas can therefore remain open [...]
As I reflect on my own play memories it fills me with a sense of happiness and joy that inevitably brings a smile to my face. I was one of the lucky ones, with my childhood being full of freedom to explore the outdoors with a rich natural environment [...]
PlayBoard NI, the lead agency for play in Northern Ireland has welcomed the NI Executive’s decision to allow the reopening of soft play areas from Monday 14 September. In welcoming the decision to reopen, PlayBoard Director of Service Delivery and Development Alan Herron said: “Research undertaken by PlayBoard has [...]
PlayBoard NI, the lead agency for play in Northern Ireland has welcomed the NI Executive’s decision to allow the reopening of Play Parks from 10 July as part of the easing of Covid-19 restrictions. Welcoming the reopenings, PlayBoard Chief Executive Jacqueline O’Loughlin said: “The severe social restrictions associated with [...]
The NI Executive have announced that all outdoor playgrounds can re-open from 10 July 2020. With a view to reducing levels of risk parents and children visiting playgrounds are asked to adhere to the following: 1. Closed Play Parks If the play park you wish to [...]
During this worrying and uncertain time when we’re all experiencing many changes in our lives, it is important to remember that children still need time to play every day. Playing is an essential part of children’s lives helping them keep active, boosting their health and well-being, and is crucial [...]
Do playgrounds in Northern Ireland allow your child (or adult) with disabilities or other needs, to take part? The Mae Murray Foundation and PlayBoard NI are surveying parents and carers on play opportunities for children with disabilities. We are particularly interested in your views on fixed play areas i.e. play [...]
