The Association of Play Industries (API) is delighted to hear that playgrounds will continue to remain open during the next lockdown in England beginning this Thursday.
API Chair Mark Hardy says:
“The play sector has been united in working to ensure that children do not suffer in the way they did during the first lockdown. The closure of playgrounds hits the most disadvantaged children the hardest. We are delighted that our collective voice has been heard and all children will still be able to access their community playgrounds.
“Playgrounds are one of the safest places for children to play freely outdoors. The risks to children of not playing are far greater than the risks posed by Covid. Transmission from children to adults is proven to be small and the risk posed by children contracting the virus from surfaces is widely thought to be negligible.
“Without access to public playgrounds during lockdown, millions of children would effectively be placed under house arrest, particularly those from the 1 in 8 UK households with no outdoor space. The effects of this on their mental and physical health would be devastating, exacerbating an already alarming picture of childhood obesity, growing mental health problems and record levels of sleep disorders.
“Public playgrounds are powerful tools in helping to alleviate the effects of lockdown. We are glad that, given the evidence, common sense has won through as we enter this next set of restrictions.”
Anita Grant, Chair of Play England adds:
“Thanks to all the voices clearly stating the importance of play, we are glad to see that good sense has prevailed and children will be allowed, encouraged and supported to play throughout lockdown. Play is a fundamental right and is the way that children will get through this difficult time. We will continue to work with partners, lobby those in power and gather the evidence to support play being prioritised for the next generation as they face a strange and challenging future.”
Notes to Editors
The Association of Play Industries (API) www.api-play.org is the lead trade body within the play sector and campaigns at the highest levels for policy recognition for play. Its members are leading manufacturers, installers, designers and distributors of both outdoor and indoor play equipment and safety surfacing. Founded in 1984, the API represents 85% of the play industry.
The API operates under the umbrella of the Federation of Sports and Play Associations (FSPA), the national trade body responsible for representing Sports and Play Associations in the UK’s sport and play industries. www.sportsandplay.com
Media Contact
Mary Lubrano, Head of Communications. For further comment contact Mary on e: [email protected] m: 07999 550452
