By Sarah McClelland on behalf of SLH
Play Streets are all about the community. They are led by, and for, local people, like you. There are Play Streets all over the UK but only one in Stockport in part, we think, because people have never heard of them. The amazing people at Playing Out have provided SLH with some funding to enable us to support the creation of some demonstrator Play Streets in the Heatons..
What is a Play Street?
A Play Street is a road which is closed to through traffic for a few hours on a regular basis to open up the space for play and community. People who live in the street are still able to come in / out but at a walking pace to allow for safety. It is led and organised by local people with the aim of giving children a place to play safely close to their homes and for neighbours to get to chat, catch up and get to know each other.
How will it work?
SLH will help guide you through the process to develop a successful Play Street. Initially we would meet with you to talk through steps to create a Play Street. We will also work with Stockport council to ensure that the Play Street is fully compliant with all regulations and requirements. We will help you complete any paperwork required and provide the signage required to ensure your road can become a Play Street.
We will also help with providing leaflets and invitations to share with neighbours about the Play Street to make sure everyone knows what is happening and when.
As part of the funding we will also provide a Play Street pack. Within the pack is all you need to start a Play Street. We can also use the funding to help with additional Play Street equipment like skipping ropes or with cake and biscuits to make sure there is a party feel to the event.
When would the Play Street start?
We suggest the Play Street starts with a celebration; such as a street party for the Queen’s Jubilee (2–6 June) or part of the Great Get Together (24–26 June).
How often?
Research shows that regular Play Streets work best eg at least once a month. However it will be entirely up to you and your street to decide what works best for you for example it could be:
- Every Friday 4–5 as an after school treat
- The first Sunday of every month 10–12
- Every blue bin day for one hour
Therefore after the first event we anticipate the trial Play Streets operate at least once a month until the end of 2022.
Want more information?
We are basing our Play Streets on the highly successful Playing Out model. You can now also view a video of our first successful play street on your YouTube channel!
Next Steps
If you think your street would be suitable for a Play Street please drop us an email and we can arrange a meet-up to talk through he details.
Thank you so much for your interest in Play Streets. We look forward to getting Stockport’s Play Streets up and playing!