Play Today

On the heels of last week's disheartening news about the end of the United Kingdom's 10-year national play strategy, this story from Abu Dhabi may help revitalize any dwindling optimism about the state of play in the world. The city plans to open over 120 new playgrounds this year, as well as a dozen parks, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that every resident has a playground or park within 400 meters (about 437 yards) of their home.

Ahmed al Muraikhi, Abu Dhabi's director of parks and recreation told The National, "We wanted to provide an escape for families and children and make safe parks within a reachable distance to all residential areas."

As a nonprofit with a vision of a playground within walking distance of every child in America, we sometimes feel a bit daunted by the sheer enormity of what we have yet to accomplish. Abu Dhabi is not only acting on the same vision, but expects to achieve it within a year -- and we know that's no small feat!

A playground outside of Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. Photo by Sarah Ackerman (cc).

Learn more about Abu Dhabi's aggressive playground-building plan.

Play is under attack—and not just in the United States. The UK Department of Education has recently informed the national play organization, Play England that it will not be renewing its contracts after the current ones expire at the end of March, signifying the end of a 10-year national play strategy.

Yet again, adults in charge are failing to recognize that play is a vital component of a child’s education, preferring instead to view it as a “luxury” that can be de-prioritized during lean economic times. But Play England is not going to accept the massive spending cuts without a fight. They have launched Save Children’s Play, a national movement that empowers local communities to launch their own campaigns for children’s play.

Play England states on its website:

In a climate of massive public spending cuts, the play sector faces its most difficult challenge since the 1980's. Local authorities are facing tough decisions on spending, and children's play is being hit hard. Sadly, once we start seeing the impact of cuts - play sites falling into disrepair, play schemes closing and play services making staff redundant, it will be too late. The millions of children who rely on public play facilities will lose out for a generation.

We urge you to express your solidarity with our friends across the pond by liking the Save Children’s Play Facebook page. And whether or not you live in the UK, Play England’s “Save Play Action” pack is brimming with tips and ideas for starting a campaign to save play in your neighborhood. Download the action pack here.

This past weekend, one of D.C.’s local papers, the Washington Examiner, did a profile piece on our CEO, Darell Hammond. The piece was a part of their regular “Credo” page, which is dedicated to D.C. residents whose passion and dedication to a particular cause or subject has made an impact.

Here's a quote from the piece, in which Darell explains why play is important:

"There’s no doubt we’ve become a society that regards play as a luxury. But child-directed play and imagination and creativity are really important, and it sets a foundation for younger kids. It makes them want to read, and want to problem-solve, and want to negotiate with their peers. I think we’re pushing kids to grow up more quickly than we need or want them to, and we should be allowing them more child-directed activities and more places to be kids."

You can read the full story here (Washington Examiner).