An increasing number of doctors are prescribing 'nature' and time outdoors for medical conditions such as high blood pressure and depression. 

Backed by research and inspired by Richard Louv, one US doctor, Robert Zarr, says the physiological changes for his patients are significant when they take up his prescription of nature over pills. 

Read the article below and here is an excellent video No App Required, narrated by a 17year old about her experiences. 

As part of the National Sports & Physical Activity Convention 2022, Kieran, our Play Australia Assistant Director, will be presenting 1000 Play Streets: How Local Governments Are Revitalising Neighbourhood Play, Tuesday 12 July.  

Kieran will be sharing how Local Governments are using temporary street closures to revitalise neighbourhood play and build back better community wellbeing, as we emerge from COVID-19.

While we are talking about play streets, we would like to congratulate Playing Out on their recently published Resident Survey Report that demonstrates how play streets have supported community wellbeing after COVID-19 ravaged the UK.

Our own Play Australia 1000 Play Streets was inspired by Playing Out and their work to effect longer term change for children's health and happiness by playing outside. 

If this is what it takes to encourage more people into the great outdoors, bring it on!

The City of Stonnington in Melbourne, has installed two solar powered smart benches for community use, provide charging points and free WiFi connection for mobile devices. This is part of the City of Stonnington Smart City Strategic Framework. 

There is an increased amount of research affirming what we know about the connection with play and a child's development.

This recent article in The Guardian tells us that "Children who learn to play well with their peers by the age of three are likely to enjoy better mental health later in childhood". 

Here is a beautiful reflection on the creation of a public space that has adopted learnings from past Heide gardens 'to create a place for wellbeing, experimentation and sensory immersion...'

Described by the Landscape Australia article, the Healing Garden is for visitors in general, for small groups and special physical and developmental needs in particular,  as a place to provide wellbeing. 

This article by Lennie Barblett, Catharine Hydon and Sandra Cheeseman, appeared in Every Child magazine (Vol.28, No.1, 2022), and emphasises 'children’s right to learn through play no matter the age'. 

It is a terrific read and provides  encouragement for educators to discuss and reflect on the commonly used word of 'play'. 'However, trying to describe what play is to others can often be difficult and abstract.'

Brendan Hyndman is a Play Australia Board Member and was recently interviewed by the Sydney Telegraph, with other leading experts, about the disturbing reduction of playspaces in public schools. 

The provocative headline states "Public school kids have less space than NSW prisoners to play".

Who hasn't delighted their senses while swinging high up into the sky? This article provides interesting information on why the swing is still a  favourite in a playspace for all ages. 

'The pendulum action, gravitational force and speed physically experienced while swinging quickly translate into feelings of falling and flying—sensations that inspire imaginations.'

Play Australia has manufactured this entrapment tool for the benefit of our members and it is also available to non-members. (Members will receive a discount.)

This is an all-in-one finger probe tool and has 8, 8.6, 12 and 25mm diameter sections.  It is an easy to carry, simple and quick method for checking most openings.

Delivered in Templestowe, Victoria, this extensive training enables participants to access and understand both best practice and current Playground Standards applicable to the management, development, design and maintenance of playspaces throughout Australia today.

All participants will receive level 1 & 2 certification.

Play Australia membership provides support for all different sectors and industry who are part of the PLAY network. 

From Landscape Architects, Early Childhood Educators, play equipment Manufacturers, Local Government playspace teams, students, or just someone who cares about children's health and wellbeing,  Play Australia membership has something for everyone.

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.