Top o’ the mornin’ to you all .. Inspired by Ireland at the moment!

Just taken a quick trip into Ireland to attend a one day seminar, organised by the Government for local authorities on planning for PLAY!  Really great team of people at the Dept of Children, Disability and Equality with a strong commitment to play. 

Tim Gill was keynote speaker and he challenged the local authorities (like our Councils) to look beyond “KFC” (kit, fence, carpet) playgrounds and to think more holistically about play- play beyond the park.  Danish landscape architect and pioneer of natural play, Helle Nebelong joined online and spoke about the importance of asymmetrical playscapes and use of colour. Helle advocates against bright colours like red and really says for health we should be looking at natural colours. Will be sharing more info for us all on that one!! Abigail Gaines presented on planning for teenagers and young girls. This was my second meeting with Abigail and I really enjoyed her presentation. Planning on having her present for Play Aus!

The Department also commenced a consultation on renewing their current national play strategy and we heard brilliant short presentations from Councils on accessible and inclusive playground design, playful communities and pop-up play. One of those, Waterford City Council, I will be visiting in the week of 27th, along with Cork City Council to see their work first hand. You can access their strategies online if you want an idea of their work.  Finally, we heard from youth who are part of Comhairle na nÓg, this is a national youth consultation group who are helping evaluate new spaces for teenagers being developed in Ireland. Each local authority is required to have a youth consultation group. Absolutely love the concept, promoted by Government to have all planning by local authorities include child and youth input. Councils receive funding to ensure this happens!  (and yes, I will be finding out more re its effectiveness and including this case study in my report). I have to say, I was only there two days, and then spent more time with the Irish Govt reps in Wales, but so far, the Republic of Ireland is rocking play!!! they appear to be the quiet achievers and looking forward to heading back after Wales and Scotland!

Next stop was Wales and was able to hear about the progress being made with their Play Sufficiency legislation. Annual National Survey results show 28% of children not playing out every day has remained static for the past 9 years, plus surveys are recording a 15% drop in play satisfaction over the past 6 years. I was a keynote speaker, and I did raise this as a challenge for the next stage of an implementation strategy, what will they do to swing the dial?  It was certainly sobering, legislation alone does not increase play opportunities, and my report will certainly provide more evidence and stats from the survey and qualitative data regarding that challenge. Do I think we need legislation in Australia? I am currently sitting on the fence, but I can tell you my understanding and opinions have been challenged across a broad range of areas during this fellowship and I will be returning with a whole lot more insight than I ever thought possible! 

Yours Playfully,

Robyn