Study Maps England’s 34,000 Playgrounds, Revealing Stark Inequalities
A recent study, To Play or Not to Play: Mapping Unequal Provision of Children’s Playgrounds, conducted by the University of Sheffield has unveiled significant disparities in the availability of children's playgrounds across England. With nearly 34,000 playgrounds mapped across the country, this comprehensive research provides the most detailed picture of playground provision to date.
The findings highlight stark inequalities in access to play spaces and propose a framework to address them, aligning with Play England's ongoing advocacy for Play Sufficiency legislation and a new National Play Strategy—cornerstones of our manifesto.
Key Findings
The study reveals that in some regions, there are five times more children per playground than others, with deprived communities often having fewer, smaller, and more distant play spaces. Specific disparities include:
Leicester dedicates four times more of its area to playgrounds compared to Leeds.
Norwich offers nearly five times more playgrounds per child than Liverpool.
In London, Islington provides five times the playground space per area compared to Barnet.
A Framework for Targeted Action
To address these disparities, the study suggests:
Strategic Expansion – Enhancing existing playgrounds that are well-situated but too small.
New Site Identification – Establishing playgrounds in places facing significant shortages.
Optimised Placement – Relocating large playgrounds that are currently in less accessible areas to more suitable locations.
Implications for Policy and Practice
These findings underscore the necessity for systemic change in play provision across England. Play England has consistently championed:
✅ Play Sufficiency Legislation – Ensuring local authorities plan for and secure equitable play opportunities.
✅ A new National Play Strategy – Implementing a coordinated approach to address play inequalities and guarantee every child has the right to play.
✅ Investment in Play Infrastructure – Directing resources to underserved areas, guided by an evidence-based framework.
✅ Integration of Play in Urban Planning – Embedding play into planning and placemaking to ensure children and play are at the heart of urban and community design.
The Importance of Play
Play is fundamental to children’s health, well-being, and social development. However, access remains deeply unequal, often dictated by geography and deprivation. Without a strategic, national approach, these inequalities will persist.
Play England's Commitment
This study further strengthens the case for a bold, national approach to play provision. The evidence is clear: we must act now to ensure all children, regardless of postcode, have access to high-quality, inclusive play spaces.
As we approach the release of the Play Commission’s full report on 11 June, the International Day of Play, we expect even greater momentum for policy change. This is a pivotal moment for play—one that requires collective action.
We call on policymakers, planners, local authorities, and communities to engage with these findings and push for real change. Together, we can turn this evidence into action and create a nation where play is protected, supported, and embedded in every child’s daily life.
Stay connected with Play England as we continue this crucial campaign. The time for action is now. Join the movement for play equity.