Free Family Event at Living Space Invites Local Families to Help Shape the Future of the Adventure Playground
Families across South London are invited to join a free session of activities, games and community consultation at Living Space Community Centre this Saturday.
The event brings together local residents, children and families for a fun and welcoming session that combines adventure play with an opportunity to help discuss the future of the playground.
Visitors can drop in between 12 midday and 2pm. You can enjoy sports, games, creative activities and refreshments while sharing ideas about the space with adventure play experts, London Play Design.
At Bankside Open Spaces Trust (BOST), we believe that the best community spaces are shaped by the people who use them.
Therefore, this event is designed to give local people a genuine opportunity to influence any future improvements and changes and for London Play Design to hear directly from the people who use the playground.
A Day of Outdoor Play and Community Fun
There will be plenty for families to enjoy throughout the session.
Children can take part in activities including Tug of War, the Crossbar Challenge and a range of outdoor games led by experienced adventure play practitioners. Meanwhile, families can relax, meet neighbours and spend time together.
Whether you stay for 5 minutes for the full 2 hours, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Importantly, the event is completely free and open to all.
As warmer weather arrives, opportunities for outdoor play become even more valuable. Research continues to highlight the benefits of children spending time outdoors. Studies show that outdoor play can support physical activity, social development, confidence and emotional wellbeing. Researchers have also found that children are generally more active when playing outdoors and that access to quality play spaces can positively influence both physical and mental health.
Why Your Views Matter
Alongside the activities, BOST will be gathering feedback from families about the playground and surrounding space.
We know that local people are experts in their own communities. Parents, carers and children use these facilities every day and often have valuable insights.
As a result, we want to hear directly from the people who know Living Space best.
Families will have opportunities to share ideas, discuss priorities and help identify future improvements that could make the playground more welcoming and inclusive.
Community consultation plays an important role in creating successful public spaces. When local people are involved in decision making, projects are more likely to reflect the needs and aspirations of community.
Therefore, every comment, suggestion and idea shared during the event will help inform future discussions about the playground.
Supporting Children Through Adventure Play
Adventure play remains one of the simplest and most effective ways for children to stay active, build friendships and explore their environment. It helps to build confidence and social skills and it is something that everyone can do.
The need for play doesn’t stop when we are children, it continues throughout our lives. The more we play the better our mental and physical health is.
Play is fundamental to children’s development and it is a crucial fator in determining academic outcomes for children. It is not just physical. It involves cognitive, imaginative, creative, emotional, communicative, and social aspects. It is one of the main ways that children explore, experiment, and understand the world around them.
That is why maintaining high quality community play spaces remains so important.
Events such as this help bring families together, encourage outdoor activity and ensure that local voices are included in decisions about shared community assets.
Join Us This Saturday
We would love to welcome local families to Living Space for a couple of hours of sunshine, activities and community conversation.
Bring your children, invite your neighbours and enjoy relaxed time outdoors while helping to shape the future of the playground.
Together, we can ensure that Living Space continues to be a welcoming, inclusive and vibrant place for local families for years to come.
Event Information
When: Saturday 13th June, 12 midday – 2pm
Location: Living Space, 1 Coral Street, Waterloo, London SE1 7BE
Cost: Free
Who can attend: Families with children, local residents and community members
Please note: All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout the session.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Can’t attend? Give us your feedback at this link.