It’s universally acknowledged the ability to play is a critical and fundamental human right for children – but how can play be encouraged as an everywhere activity?
The Albert-Eden Local Board has helped unlock the magic of play by adopting the 2025 Play Plan.
The programme provides guidance for future investment in play, beyond playgrounds and for the wider community, reflecting the belief that play should be an everywhere activity.
Play is something everybody can enjoy, by keeping the ability to incorporate play into the lives of adults build resilience, social cohesion, and a sense of belonging.
The Play Plan advocates for all-ages play, recognising all ages can reap the benefits of having fun.
Chair Kendyl Smith says it’s an important document that will shape future decision-making and funding.
“The 2025 Play Plan is an essential guide for how we can invest in and support play opportunities across our rohe. This plan takes a broad approach, exploring creative ways to expand opportunities for play that contribute to the wellbeing of our people.
“These are practical, cost-efficient initiatives, but they are also sustainable ways to encourage play, such as creating new nature opportunities for felled trees in areas with a lack of playgrounds. We also support community-led projects and have included numerous ways for our residents to get involved in creating more playful environments in their local areas.”
What's in the plan?
The plan offers a wide-range of options for the local board to incorporate wider play activations, such as:
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Playful street art
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Playful installations
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Installed adventurous nature spaces
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On-site adventurous nature spaces
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Sidelines Play Box (Local board-branded sports boxes gifted to local sports clubs)
The next steps for the board will be deciding which play components can be incorporated into the work programme.
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