Make your street a place to play
"Welcome to Play Streets on ChangeX. Play Streets is all about creating a safe space on your doorstep where children can play freely and the whole community can come together. At Playing Out, we've supported communities all over the country to start Play Streets and we're excited to have you join us!" - Alice Ferguson, Co-Founder of Playing Out
The whole process, from having the idea to the first session, takes around 2-3 months. But please don’t let that put you off – the work can be shared and much of that time is simply waiting for the council to give permission!
Talking to people in your street about the idea of Play Streets is an important first step and will help you gather views and understand any concerns. We advise chatting in the street, door-knocking, leafleting and holding an informal meeting to explain the idea. The important thing is to make sure everyone feels included and consulted from the beginning.
You can read more about this stage in the Playing Out Manual or watch a short video on the Playing Out website
If people are up for it - well done! Now you can set your dates. Road closure applications take around 4-6 weeks to process, so take this into account. Think about how often you’d like to close, and for how long for and how much of the road. Don’t be over ambitious! If there are some concerns or objections, you might want to do a one-off session to test the waters. You can get started by doing sessions after school, to boost the idea of it being a normal part of everyday life, but weekends are also fine – whatever suits you and your neighbours. It also possible to start with a small session where a full street closure isn't necessary.
Once you’re sure there’s enough interest from neighbours, you’ll need to apply to the council for permission to close the road and make sure you have enough people willing to do stewarding and other jobs. Recruiting people for these roles is also a good chance to get to know your neighbours better. You can find a sign-up sheet that you can ask people to sign up to on the Playing Out website
.
This project began in Bristol where the council there pioneered the ‘Temporary Play Street Order’ (TPSO), letting you apply for a whole year’s worth of weekly or monthly sessions. Many other councils have now followed suit – see this local authority directory to find out where yours is up to.
You will also need to consult everyone affected by the road closure using a formal consultation letter (your council may provide one) and maybe adding a more friendly cover letter.
You can read more about this stage in the Playing Out Manual or watch a short video on the Playing Out website . If you have any questions, or would like to talk at any stage of the process, please do give the Playing Out team a call on 0117 953 7167.
Once you have permission, you’ll need to publicise the times and dates of your sessions to everyone on the street and invite them to join in. Try to make everyone feel included, be clear about the rules around car access and ensure parents understand they are responsible for their own children. It’s a good idea to think through any potential problems or issues beforehand by doing a simple risk assessment. You also need to have the correct ‘road closed’ signs and barriers. Your council may provide them or you can buy a kit box from us Playing Out.
You can find template posters and flyers on the Playing Out website or make your own.
The day has finally come!
On the day, arrange to meet and brief your stewards at least 15 minutes before the road is due to close so that they are clear about their role. As long as the road is closed and stewarded safely you can more or less let everything else take care of itself – children will make their own fun and adults will make their own tea!
Don't forget to share your stories and keep in touch with the Playing Out Team to share your experiences and stories! You can also join the national Facebook group to stay connected with other communities who are part of the Playing Out movement
You can read more about this stage in the Playing Out Manual or watch a short video on the Playing Out website
.
By organising a play street you are part of a wider movement to reclaim residential streets from cars and restore children’s freedom to play out near home. You can help to bring about even more change by sharing what you have done, so do spread the word. You could post photos or film clips of your play street (with permissions) on social media, using the hashtag #playingout and just talk to friends and neighbours about the idea and encourage them to try it too. Sign up to Playing Out’s mailing list to stay in touch with how the movement is growing and hear about opportunities to get involved in different ways. Together we can help change things for all children everywhere!
