The Association of Play Industries is launching its new election manifesto calling on the next government to provide urgent and sustained funding for public playgrounds to reverse their alarming decline in recent years.
API Chair Mark Hardy, says: “The general election on 12 December represents a chance to demand far-reaching changes in policies affecting children and a long overdue opportunity to place children at the heart of politics. Childhood inactivity is one of the chief causes of spiralling childhood obesity and poor mental health among children.”
The API are asking the next government to fund and empower local authorities to:
“This new manifesto intends to restore outdoor play as children’s default leisure activity before it is too late,” says Mark. “The overwhelming majority of children live in urban areas where community playgrounds are their only opportunity for free, outdoor play.”
Please share this manifesto on your social media channels using #Election2019 and #PlayMustStay #ChildrenAtTheHeart. You can also download and print a copy to give to election candidates in your area.
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 Contacts
Mary Lubrano, Head of Communications. For further comment on the Play Must Stay campaign contact Mary on e: [email protected] m: 07999 550452
