Play, Learn, Grow: Why playgrounds are vital to childhood development
Between 2011 and 2023, public playground budgets fell by more than £350m. As a result, between 2013 and 2023, almost 800 public-use playgrounds across the UK closed, with budget constraints commonly cited as the driving force. Although public-use playgrounds have suffered as a result of budgetary concerns, outdoor play remains vitally important to childhood development. […]