The Talking-up Scotland fund raiser primarily, finishing in 14 days, to enable the recruitment of some research assistance, in order to take pressure off me [74 in June and tiring] and hopefully to further improve the blog, has made a good start. To contribute, only if you can (!) go to: Talking-up Scotland - a Politics crowdfunding project in Ayr by Professor John Robertson
By Professor John Robertson OBA, former Faculty Research Ethics Chair, UWS
Not so well known as the Scottish Government’s wider strategies to improve the experience of childhood in deprived areas and to reap future benefits, for all of us, in terms of less crime, less drug abuse, better health outcomes and better school attainment – the child payment, two child benefit cap reversal and more affordable housing – is the massive increase in their financial help to renew or improve play parks.
Research has shown that free locally-accessible playparks have major and wide-ranging benefits, including:
Physical Health and Exercise
Childhood obesity rates are on the rise, partly due to sedentary lifestyles. Parks provide a dynamic and open space for children to engage in physical activities that promote cardiovascular health, muscle development and coordination. Moreover, exposure to natural sunlight in parks helps the body synthesize vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and overall well-being.
Mental Well-Being and Stress Reduction
Nature has a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety. Parks provide a serene environment where children can connect with nature and escape the pressures of school and technology. Research has shown that exposure to green spaces can reduce symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and improve overall mental well-being.
Social Interaction and Communication Skills
Parks are bustling with children of all ages and backgrounds, providing an ideal setting for social interaction. Engaging in group-play activities fosters essential social skills, such as sharing, cooperation and conflict resolution. Children learn to communicate effectively with their peers, make friends, and develop a sense of empathy and understanding.
Creativity and Imagination
The natural world is a wellspring of inspiration for children’s creativity and imagination. Whether it’s building a fort with sticks and leaves or pretending to be explorers on a jungle expedition, outdoor play encourages unstructured, imaginative play. This imaginative freedom not only nurtures creativity, but it also enhances problem-solving skills as children find innovative ways to navigate challenges they encounter in their play scenarios.
Cognitive Development
Outdoor play provides a multisensory experience as children engage with natural elements. These experiences enhance sensory processing and cognitive development. Additionally, outdoor play encourages exploration and curiosity, fostering a love for learning.1
From Play park improvement funding: FOI release, published today:
How much money in total has the Scottish Government given out to help renew or improve play parks since 2021, with a breakdown per year and where the money went to? How many play parks have been renewed/improved in this time, and list them?
The Scottish Government has provided £35 million since May 2021: £5 million in year 2021/22, £5 million in year 2022/23, £10 million in year 2023/24 and £15 million in year 2024/25.2
Details of where the spending was allocated is at the source ref below.
Sources:
- https://www.nrpa.org/parks-recreation-magazine/2024/january/the-benefits-of-outdoor-play/#:~:text=The%20Benefits%20of%20Outdoor%20Play%201%20Physical%20Health,Stewardship%20…%207%20Risk%20Assessment%20and%20Resilience%20
- https://www.gov.scot/publications/foi-202500446526/
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Talking-up Scotland 'Albatraz' 
That said we ( the family with two youngsters) moved to Fife 37 years ago and initially the local park had trampolines, putting green, play equipment etc all supervised by a Park keeper which sadly have all now virtually disappeared. Since the ‘Parkie’ left the equipment was slowly vandalised and subsequently removed leaving very little to attract families to the park which had vast areas for other activities which have also been unattended supposedly for nature to thrive (if you believe that).
I would guess this is replicated in other towns and cities across Scotland which no doubt has discouraged kids to get the benefits of outdoors play.
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Yep, got it in one.
Concrete hippos and giant daffodils stand out in my memory on public view back in the 1970s – GRC was ever innovative even if wacky, but that was part of the charm, before the public smiles were crushed by the arrival of the “can’t afford it” fairy, and transactional economics.
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True, but curiously was listening to Lesley Riddoch’s podcast where she was supporting Liz Smith’s proposal before Parliament to enshrine the right of pupils to nature activity/play/etc., in short to make it’s provision a legal obligation for the pupils to avail of. Once you stand back from Liz’s politics and look at the issue it does make massive sense with which I’m inclined to agree.
I still have very vague memories of ‘summer-school’ somewhere south of Edinburgh (West Linton?), with everything from music to art to sport encouraged.
That was in the 1960/70s before the bean counters arrived and the “can’t afford it” fairy manifested, now celebrated as a “black hole”…
Possibly even the parsimonious and naturally sneering Lindsay Paterson explored such mind expanding pleasures of nature, art and sport before embarking on a career of by-rote Pisa-piss in the pond habits on behalf of El Suito at the BBC….
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