Planning for Play

Abstract

This paper presents a series of reflective observations on the use of outdoor spaces in Melbourne, Australia, during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. With the closure of playgrounds and organized sports, the authors observed three themes emerging: changes in users and uses of parks and reserves; markers of children’s activities in public areas; and, children’s creation of huts, dens or “cubbies” as evidence of constructive and imaginative play.

Presented by Robyn Monro Miller as part of the Autumn Online Learning Series. 

Play Scotland, Save the Children and the Beano are delighted to launch the Play Well Outdoors pack, which is jam-packed with ideas to help you Get into Summer. The pack is designed for primary school children, but activities can easily be changed to suit younger or older children too.

Click here to view the Play Well Outdoor Pack

Purpose

This Advisory Note outlines the importance of play and provides principles and guidance to encourage built environment professionals to integrate opportunities for play throughout the built environment. It is intended to complement the forthcoming NSW Design and Place State Environmental Planning Policy, other place-based design guidance, and to align with international convention commitments and goals endorsed by the Australian Government1, 2.

Jill Rice, is the Executive Officer of Play Aotearoa, the New Zealand branch of IPA World. ‌In her Design and Future Trends presentation, Jill discussed how designs always need to respond thoughtfully to the unique attributes of a space