The state of play in Wales: Data shows unfair ‘postcode lottery’ of play opportunities
Last month, the Association of Play Industries (API) launched its Equal Play campaign based on new research which showed that access to public play spaces in the UK is unfair and unequal. A Freedom of Information survey revealed that some UK regions have almost five times the free-to-access play provision of others. Given the enormous variation in play provision across the UK, the API has since been inundated with requests for more localised data. In response to these queries, we are sharing maps outlining the state of play in each of the four nations, the second of which is Wales. API Chair, Mark Hardy says:“Public playgrounds are the number one location for children’s play* and overall, Welsh children have access to over twice the number of playgrounds than children in London. However, the devil is in the detail and a closer look at the data reveals just how patchy play provision in Wales is. “Some areas such as Monmouthshire, Ceredigion and Conwy enjoy some of the best play provision in the UK, with 149, 157 and 172 children per playground respectively. At the other extreme, children in Denbighshire endure rates – 876 children per playground – in line with the very worst areas of the UK. Children in Neath Port Talbot and Cardiff are also at a huge disadvantage with rates around 600 children per playground. “Outdoor play is essential for children’s normal physical, mental, social and emotional development. Millions of children, particularly those without their own private outdoor space, are being disadvantaged by the ‘postcode lottery’ in play and it has to stop. “We are asking the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities for ring-fenced funding for play, to enable local authorities to provide every child in the UK with a safe, local and high-quality playground nearby.”*away from the home setting