Around the world there are many conversations ocurring about the need for more open green spaces and play areas for kids and the community. There is also agreement on the inequality of provision, with lower socio-economic areas having less access. 

A recent US article states that 51% of residents in the Los Angeles County did not have a park within walking distance. 

Why are parks so important? Read the full article below.   

Photo by Krill Sharkovski - Unsplash

An Active for Life article tells us that research findings show 'spending time in nature can improve children’s attention spans'.  There has been much said in support of this and now there is evidence. 

“Researchers also found that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who take a 20-minute walk in a park can improve their symptoms as effectively as if they took a dose of prescription stimulant medication.” 

ABC News online reports how two schools in Western Australia are tackling the issue of risk and how it is building children's resilience. 

Honeywood Primary School, in Perth's southern suburbs, has "Wheels on Wednesday" every week, where students are encouraged to bring their bikes, scooters and inline skates to school.

West Greenwood Primary School, in northern Perth introduced "Loose Parts" areas, where students get creative with things like milk crates, giant wooden spools and timber to slide down.

Here is a terrific manual from Playground Ideas with a step-by-step process to develop your own unique loose parts play kit. 

'The great thing about loose parts is that they don't come with a set of directions or an implied "right way" to use them. Loose materials are only directed by a child's imagination.'

Play Australia is delighted to see some of our members listed as finalists for this year's NSC Awards. The winners will be announced at the NSC Oration on Thursday 9 December. 

There are still so many great opportunities to engage with the convention over the next two weeks. 

Week 4: Sustainability, Climate Change and Sport

We'd like you to meet our Play Australia member, Susie Kumar from site | office. They recently won an AILA award for their wonderful work in the Frankston pedestrian mall. 

Here's what site | office says about PLAY: 

We are landscape architects, and we design high quality habitats for people, and what happens to be very beneficial for people is also importantly very good for the natural world. Play is everywhere, so we must be carful we do not shut it down or clear it out.

The value of play is really like access to sunshine, fresh water, clean air, and things that grow such as real grass and trees. As a species, humans need play as an integral part of everyday life and naturally the landscape is an ideal situation for play. These things seem so basic yet are often forgotten within the design of cities.

PS - if you look very closely into the pot plant pic, you'll find the site | office team hard at work!

Play Australia Members have the opportunity to highlight your commitment to promote the value of play. 

Value of Play - Digital Assets are available to download for free!

Use these icons on your signature block or your organisation’s website. The graphic files can be uploaded in sections to support desktop and mobile view.

We are pleased to present a range of resources for Members to help you promote your commitment to play.

We asked Susie from site | office, what the benefits are being a member..."Generous and kind support is the big one, and worldwide connections with leading researchers and advocates."  You can be part of this too!

Membership starts from as little as $22 p/yr for a student OR $66 p/yr for an individual.

View our full list of benefits here to find the Membership package that is right for you.