Unstructured Play
Synopsis
The aim of our research was to assess the potential for children between the ages of 5 to 12 to enjoy Hackney Marshes and surrounding green areas for unstructured play, which could spark a process towards a more sustainable community. Unstructured play in green spaces provides children with a wide range of learning experiences, which are highly beneficial for their personal development and which extend towards the greater community.
In order to understand the potential of unstructured play in Hackney we looked at the opportunities and constraints for children to play outside. Hackney offers vast amounts of green spaces and especially the Marshes that allow for unstructured play. However, the perceptions of safety require the presence of an educator. This facilitation appeared to be the main constraint due to limited capacities of parents and play providers. The creation of a network of play agents, Marshes User Groups and community active parents could therefore enhance the facilitation of unstructured play in Hackney.
Findings
Synopsis
The aim of our research was to assess the potential for children between the ages of 5 to 12 to enjoy Hackney Marshes and surrounding green areas for unstructured play, which could spark a process towards a more sustainable community. Unstructured play in green spaces provides children with a wide range of learning experiences, which are highly beneficial for their personal development and which extend towards the greater community.
In order to understand the potential of unstructured play in Hackney we looked at the opportunities and constraints for children to play outside. Hackney offers vast amounts of green spaces and especially the Marshes that allow for unstructured play. However, the perceptions of safety require the presence of an educator. This facilitation appeared to be the main constraint due to limited capacities of parents and play providers. The creation of a network of play agents, Marshes User Groups and community active parents could therefore enhance the facilitation of unstructured play in Hackney.
Findings
- The Hackney Marshes and surrounding green areas provide a space for unstructured play: 47% of the Study area [East Hackney] is under Green Spaces, as opposed to 24% in the whole borough.
- Children depend on facilitation, which limits the potential of the Marshes as a place for unstructured play, and as a means of enhancing environmental justice.
- Therefore, play facilitators have a pivotal role in realising the potential of the Marshes, and increasing its use an appropriation for play activities – however many play agents are constrained by limited resources.
- With increased collaboration amongst play agents and with the community, environmental justice and a wider use of the Marshes and surrounding green spaces can be more effectively promoted.
Justice in the Green Community Map
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