Creating spaces for play

Younger generations aren't as outdoorsy and and there's a good reason why

And a very good morning to you from London.

The weather over here over the weekend was a scorching 32 degrees. Sorry/not sorry if you’re reading this from a colder climate. I’m in shorts. Leave you with that mental image.

Wherever I’m travelling I make a point of buying the local newspapers. It’s because (a) I’m basically an old man and it’s the habit of a lifetime, and (b) find me a better value well-curated educational resource?

I love reading stories that wouldn’t make it into my feed if I was at home.

Like this one…

By Lucy Bannerman in The Times.

“An unloved, disused backstreet is to be transformed over the summer holidays into a Lego-filled playground as part of a wider push to get city children playing, building and inventing games outside.

The Lego group is donating about 20,000 bricks to Story Street in Newham, east London - a delivery it said would be equivalent to ‘almost the weight of a grown lion".

And yes, they have to set it up every morning and pack it up every evening.

This initiative follows on the heels of a Lego study released on World Play Day (which was on 11 June) that revealed:

• Nearly 7 in 10 parents don’t feel their city offers sufficient safe and accessible play spaces designed for children.

• 1 in 3 children feel adults designing urban environments don’t consider their needs or preferences.

Julia Goldin, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at the LEGO Group said: “Play should not be limited to homes and schools - it should extend into our streets, parks and public spaces. However, our research shows that children often feel overlooked in urban design. At the LEGO Group, we believe it is our role to help create a bridge between kids’ imagination and real life, and we know that a more playful world benefits everyone”.

On World Play Day, former NASA engineer, and one of the most successful science and engineering creators on YouTube, Mark Rober, released this:

But here’s the news - shock, horror - play isn't just for kids!

The LEGO Group’s worldwide study show that city-dwelling parents experience significant benefits from engaging in play:

• Reduced Stress & Increased Happiness: 41% feel happier and less stressed after playful activities.

• Enhanced Energy & Well-Being: 38% report that having fun makes them feel more energetic and improves their overall wellbeing.

• Improved Relaxation: 37% find play helps them unwind and detach from daily worries.

• Personal Fulfilment: 32% say playing for fun is rewarding and reminds them of what’s important in life.

• Community Connection: 30% believe that cities promoting play for all ages help create more inclusive, kind, and connected communities.

So I encourage you to have a play today. Doesn’t have to be Lego. But find 15 minutes to do a puzzle, draw, play a game (not on your phone), or draw with chalk on the ground.

Whatever you choose, you won’t regret taking time out to play.

See you Monday Morning,

Wade