Nottingham City Council is launching this summer’s Playing Out initiative to get the community, parents, children and young people to come together, get active and have a day playing out in the street.
Roads that take part in the sessions will be safely closed so children can play in complete safety. Playing out in the street will give the children a chance to play energetically by scooting, playing tag, cycling, skating and more. One mum described a playing out session as children “getting exercise without noticing.”
One of the first events to take place and will be the official launch for this year’s scheme on Sunday 3 June on St Peter’s Gate, near to St Peters Church in the city centre between 11am and 2pm. Families are being encourage to come down to meet other people and let children play together.
This scheme was a success in the city and in our neighbourhoods last year and it’s hoped this year more people will take part. The programme is delivered by PlayWorks and funded by Nottingham Together. Nottingham Together is a programme of activities specially designed to connect communities, bring people together and make Nottingham a great place to live.
Evidence shows how few children get the physical activity they need to stay fit and healthy. Children aged between five and 18 need an hour each day of what health professionals call ‘moderate to vigorous physical activity.’ But in children aged between five and 15, only 20% of girls and 23% of boys actually get that much.
If residents are keen to run a Playing Out session they simply need to get in touch by calling 0115 958 9199, or email playingoutnottingham@playworks.org.uk who will help with the application to get a temporary road closure to traffic, and support with the forms and organisation.
Councillor David Trimble, Portfolio holder for Leisure and Culture said: “said: “The idea of Playing Out is simply to give children the chance to play in the street, without the danger of traffic, whilst adults have a chance to meet and get to know their neighbours over a cup of tea. This is an excellent way to engage the community and supporting residents across the city to make their streets safe and acceptable places for play helps children to have a healthy, active lifestyle.”