Asking the experts reaps rewards

Thursday 14 May 2009

A key dimension to the success of the new play spaces resulting from the government's £235m investment programme is the involvement of children and young people right from the start.

Children from Ray Lodge Primary School had a key role in choosing the new equipment at the refurbished playground in Ray Park, South Woodford. We asked three children what they thought.

Gemma commented: "I thought of the spider swing and the giant boulders...I think the new playground is a huge success, everyone loves it."

Bazahir had a say in the installation of tunnels and a bridge. He explained: "You can have a lot of fun with bridges; you can pretend there is a troll beneath it. I am happy with the way it came out, especially as it's also for disabled people too."

Rahul was keen to include challenge and risk. He said: "I contributed to the five-metre rope tower and the rock-climbing wall. I love all of these things because they give you a feeling of danger."

Ray Park is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when the experts of play - the children themselves - are consulted at an early stage. To ensure other new sites are equally successful, Play England and Participation Works are producing a guide on how to involve children in the design and development of play spaces. The guide, featuring case studies and tips on how to include children at every stage of the design cycle, will be published in June.