Play and recreation

Safe and stimulating play is essential for children and young people’s mental and physical health. [83] It is not just an activity confined to playgrounds and play areas, but it can happen in all aspects of a child’s life in a wide variety of locations and environments. Accessing opportunities for play, and being able to be independent within their neighbourhood, is important for children and young people’s wellbeing and development. [84]

There is a lot of evidence that sport and physical activity contributes to enjoyment, happiness and life satisfaction, and social interaction as part of recreation is central to this. [85] Self-esteem and confidence can increase through the opportunity to develop new skills and relationships. [86] There is the potential to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. [87]

There is evidence that alternative or temporary changes to the way that people interact with a space, such as the closure of streets for children to play, public art installations and a ‘pop-up park’, can boost social cohesion and social capital (which refers to the network of connections and relationships that people have with others that allow them to function as part of society). [88] There is also evidence that the alternative use of spaces can have a positive impact on civic participation and reduce crime [89] or the fear of crime, and it can also have positive impacts on physical activity and mental wellbeing. [90] Conserving opportunities for play and recreation is essential to both physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Due to playgrounds being outdated or neglected, they often do not meet the standards of children with disabilities. [91] Ensuring that play spaces for all ages are inclusive and accessible avoids excluding disabled people and gives them the same opportunities to interact with others.