Children are at risk of losing out on essential life experiences that outdoor play brings
Mitcham Fun Day aims to reverse decline of children playing outside
10:02am Friday 12th August 2011
More than a thousand children, parents and carers enjoyed a sun-soaked play day last week as part of a campaign to get more young people playing outside.
New research has revealed that, while 72 per cent of parents regularly played outside, only 40 per cent of children today play outside to the same extent.
Savlon and Play England, the groups behind the findings, are worried children are at risk of losing out on essential life experiences that outdoor play brings.
A the Fun Day on August 3, at Acacia Intergenerational Centre in Mitcham Eastfields, children got to spin around and fly up and down on funfair rides, exercise and dance with Zumba and street dance.
The event, which Merton Council said was attended by 1,600 parents and young people, saw the a multitude of outdoor adventures such as trampoline bounching, scooter and trike racing and multi-sports challenges.
Merton Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, Councillor Maxi Martin, said: “Play is a very important part of growing up in Merton.
“It is wonderful to see so many children enjoying playing outside and having fun times with their parents and carers.”
Are you worried children are not playing outside enough? Do you think there are enough outdoor facilities in Merton?
