Last edited 21 Oct 2020

Dedicated play space

Shaping neighbourhoods: Play and informal recreation, Supplementary planning guidance, published by the Mayor of London in September 2012, suggests that dedicated play space refers to: ‘Spaces where play is identified as one of the prime functions. These include playgrounds, playing fields, skate parks and other recreation areas. Dedicated play spaces can be publically owned, open to public access or private (e.g. play areas in shopping centres, private gardens). They can be supervised (such as some adventure playgrounds) or unsupervised. They can be with formal equipment or non-equipped areas, such as landscaped areas and playing fields that can be used for a variety of recreational activities. All dedicated play spaces should be genuinely playable and attractive to count as play provision. It is also essential that they are accessible…. Dedicated play space can therefore be formal and informal but informal provision should not replace formal provision entirely.’

It suggests that dedicated play space can fall under the following typology:

‘Doorstep playable space: a landscaped space including engaging play features for young children under 5 that are close to their homes, and places for carers to sit and talk.’
‘Local playable space: a landscaped space with landscaping and equipment so that children aged 0 to 11 can play and be physically active and they and their carers can sit and talk.’