Local Play Every Day

Local Play Every Day
Image credit: Australian Institute of Play

Summary

Healing a community that is classified as vulnerable through the power of play in the nexus of community development and place-making.

Target Community

children, families

Equity Challenge

Health and wellbeing concerns of children aged 0 to 8 children in high risk of poor development outcomes and low access to parks and leisure facilities in Logan, Australia, city with high percentage of social economic disadvantages.

Approach

With the purpose to promote, enable and protect children's right to play and to support children to have a voice for their play, especially where they live, Logan Together’s place- based initiative, based on a Collective Impact Community Development model, co- creates solutions with the community and support community to take the lead in addressing the health concerns for their children by securing child- led free play, where play is not a privilege.

Scale

Three neighbourhood play networks every 6 months (potential of 20-30 children within each neighbourhood). One neighbourhood play network in key each area. 15 neighbourhood play networks across 3 years involving 500 Logan children and their families, with potential long- term sustainable neighbourhood play narratives.

Equity building blocks

identify
Recognition + Representation
Communities were chosen based on existing data showing high levels of socio- economic disadvantage. Residents of the community identified key issues facing their community, rather than external individuals identifying issues for them. Children were respected and viewed as valued citizens and social actors throughout the project to reduce power disparities.
strengthen voices
Participation + Power
local community, government departments, activity providers, etc. Local and Indigenous Elders were involved and became champions for the cause.
share
Fair Resources + Burdens
Children and the communities received free physical activity in the form of sports engagement
analyze barriers
Fair Systems + Structures
Local, state, and federal politicians supported the project by closing down streets or reducing speeding to promote play.
plan
Providing for Future Generations
Children experienced increase participation, parents learned about physical literacy development and engagement, elders became champions for the cause.

Overview

Region:
Oceania
City:
Eagleby, Logan City, Brisbane
Country:
Australia
Start Date:
2022
End Date:
present
Leading Organization:
Logan Together
Contact:
Gregor Mews

More Information

More information is available here