London Open for Play 2012 Report

Thanks to all those of you who came to the first ever "Open for Play" event in London Wednesday evening!  I forgot to take any photos, but we had a packed room full of professional play makers, workers and a healthy dose of those who, like myself, fall in the category of "enlightened amateur".  It was a joy to meet many of you; do keep in touch.  The evening was recorded, so the talks will be online soon.

I also thought you might be interested in the results of the feedback we collected at the meeting. 
We asked attendees to rate the current state of play design:  it averaged just over 6 on a 1 to 10 scale.  So a general recognition, across all the types of attendees, that there is room for improvement.

We also asked each attendee what, in their view, was the single area of play provision that most needed improvement.  Answers varied, but all were fascinating.  Here are a few:

"Public knowledge and consciousness about the benefits of play"
"Interlinked thinking about better spaces for children and parents...adventure"
"Play in the public realm - streets, homezones, etc."
"Tolerance by all, toward all"
 "I think we are in danger of becoming obsessed with natural play at the cost of other types...need more localisation!"
"School playgrounds"
"Freedom to play - move from generic equipment"
"Procurement process"
"Permeability,  multi-functionality, multi-generational appeal/ownership"
"Inclusivity for grown-ups, more gardening"
"Accepting risk'
"Science of childhood development influencing play provision and playground design"
"Developer/client expectations"
"Empowering makers"
"More fun, more dangerous"
"Adult attitudes to children"
"More risk-taking commissions"
"Original design that fits urban environments"

The strongest themes in the feedback were concerns over school--rather than public--playgrounds, a desire for greater originality and adventure, and multi-generational appeal.

Also I'm pleased to say that there was overwhelming demand to have more events of this type!  So watch this space.

In the meantime, don't forget that you can continue the conversation by joining the playground tours on Saturday and Sunday...no need to book in advance, just show up.  Full details at the OpenforPlay website. 

And if you're interested in having a play design event in your own community, get in touch!