The Play Street Experiment: A Glimpse of a Better Childhood

In Leeds’ Holbeck area, Colenso Mount has been temporarily transformed into a playground, free from traffic and time constraints. This experiment could change the way we think about childhood, play, and community.

Statistics show that nearly half of England’s parents say their child doesn’t have a safe place to play outdoors. According to a Centre for Young Lives report, children in this country spend less than 30 minutes a day playing freely outside. The consequences are far-reaching: obesity, mental health issues, social isolation, and decreased creativity.

On Colenso Mount, residents have created a space where children can run, play, and interact without fear of being hit by a car or yelled at by a parent. This is not just about play – it’s about community building, social cohesion, and trust.

The idea of Play Streets was pioneered in Bristol over a decade ago. Its momentum has picked up pace, with more than 1,600 streets across the UK now regularly closing to traffic for children to play. Leeds City Council’s commitment to targeting poorer areas is particularly noteworthy, recognizing that play opportunities are often limited in deprived communities.

However, significant barriers remain: cost, insurance, and bureaucratic hurdles continue to stifle Play Streets’ growth. Only around 100 councils have a formal policy in place – a far cry from what’s needed for meaningful impact.

Play Streets offer an opportunity for communities to reclaim public spaces by giving residents a say in how their streets are used. This can shift the power dynamics of urban planning and design. By prioritizing children’s needs, we can reduce childhood obesity rates, promote social cohesion, and community engagement.

In a world where screens increasingly encroach on daily life, Play Streets provide a rare chance for children to disconnect, interact with nature, and develop essential life skills. As one parent in Leeds noted, “It’s so easy just to sit inside, and kids get bored so being able to go outside our front door, play and meet different people, it’s really good.”

This is not just about individual parents or communities; it’s about policy makers, urban planners, and local authorities who need to recognize the value of play in creating thriving cities. A national play strategy that prioritizes children’s needs above all else is long overdue.

Mohamed, a ten-year-old resident of Colenso Mount, sums up the sentiment: “It’s a good idea, because lots of children will come and then [they] will be excited and happy and they’ll have something to do in the summer holidays.” It’s time for us to listen to our children – and create cities that prioritize their play, creativity, and happiness.