Play streets is a resident-led activity that enables children to play freely, outdoors and close to home. Cardiff residents are able to apply for a ‘Temporary Street Play Order’ to close their street for two hours a month, creating a space for children to play out under the supervision of their parent.
Streets can be closed to through traffic at a specific time and day each month. Residents are not prevented from parking, arriving or leaving the street whilst street play is underway, residents moving vehicles will be marshalled in or out of the street by stewards.
We have a limited number of play kits available, however as this scheme is gaining in popularity we are working on increasing the availability of our kits.
Why is play important?
Play is important for children’s health and wellbeing. Play streets enable children to enjoy free play, close to home without having to be transported by adults. The scheme provides space for children to play energetically and creates new opportunities for socialising and friendships. Neighbours can work together and be-proactive in setting up a play street, creating community cohesion. ‘Playing in the street allows for semi-supervised play while parents and residents get to know one another’ –
Play Wales.Link opens in a new window
To make it easy for you and your neighbours to set up a Play Street, we will provide the following support:
- Assist with application
- A guide to risk assessment, recruiting stewards, dealing with drivers and answering questions about the scheme.
- Visit your first session, to ensure it runs smoothly.
- Provide Street Play Kit including: signage, cones, hi-vis jackets, whistles and information for stewards and organisers.
- Reminders to re-apply.
We will host Street Play Network Meetings for organisers to discuss issues and find resolutions, answer any new questions, and bring forward suggestions.- Check if your street is suitable to apply for a ‘Temporary Street Play Order’. Some streets can’t be closed because they are on a main road or bus route. More information on which streets would be considered suitable is available below.#160;
- It is important you consult with your neighbours to gather support for street play sessions prior to making a formal ‘Temporary Street Play Order’ application. This gives residents an opportunity to ask any questions and resolve any queries they may have, meaning the application process can run smoothly.
- You should consider the best time and day for your street closure to happen. It will need to be the same time and day each month.
- Ask if any residents would like to be involved to help organise on-going sessions, or to become a steward for the play street sessions.
- Make sure you have enough stewards to operate the street play closure safely. Two stewards are required at each closure point. Additional stewards may be required depending on the street layout.
- Make sure to include a map of your street with closure points marked in your application.
- A risk assessment for your street will need to be carried out, we will provide support to complete this.
- Make sure to use the street play kit, provided by our Children’s Play Services, at all sessions.
How to apply for a ‘Temporary Street Play Order’
Some streets will not be suitable for this scheme, such as main roads and bus routes. Side streets and cul-de-sacs are usually the most appropriate. Impact on the surrounding area will always have to be taken into account. We reserve the right to refuse a ‘Temporary Street Play Order’ if streets are deemed unsuitable or unacceptable levels of disruption would occur to the surrounding area.
If you are interested in applying for a ‘Temporary Street Play Order’ please complete the contact form below to express an interest for your street.
You should include details about the street you are looking to close in the message section of the form.
On receipt of your form we will be in contact to let you know if your street is suitable and what to do next.
Express your interest using this form
Contact us