B3.1.2 Creating fun, safe and inclusive play

The design of play areas must consider how play opportunities connect smoothly across all elements, offering an enjoyable and inclusive experience for users of all ages and abilities. Applicants must provide sample play journeys for different types of children, illustrating how the various play options link together. This can be demonstrated within the Design and Access Statement (DAS), or via a separate plan.

Please review the following publications for more information:

• Design for play: A guide to creating successful play spaces (Play England, 2008)

• Public space lessons: designing and planning for play (CABE space, 2008)

The design of equipped play areas should:

• provide opportunities for both side-by-side play and solo play

• include comfortable, durable seating that allows good natural surveillance of all play elements

• feature appropriate and clear signage and wayfinding

• provide litter bins which are strategically placed, and are in sufficient numbers in relation to the proposals

• where fencing is required to protect safety of users (such as roads or water courses) it should be provided as a 0.9-metre-high fence with at least 2 access and egress points (gates) and a minimum of one bin per entrance/exit to the play area

To support active travel, ‘play along the way’ features should be integrated along key routes to and from schools to encourage children’s engagement and make journeys more attractive, stimulating, and child-friendly. Examples should include informal or natural play areas, interactive floor markings (such as footprint trails, hopscotch, or number games), stepping stones, balance beams, sensory planting, or playful public art that invites climbing, touching, or exploring.