This paper explains how the residential street has progressively lost its function as a play space. In many cities, spontaneous informal child play on streets has been largely replaced by car-dependent, adult supervised games which are more formally organised and distant from the local neighbourhood. There is an assumption by many parents, politicians and planners that a large number of parks, playgrounds and large back yards will satisfy children's recreation needs, and there will be no requirement for children to use streets as play areas.

This paper argues a case that streets need to be reclaimed as play space. Research incorporating children's views reveals that they place a high value on streets as play space. Allowing children to play in the local streets has benefits not only for the children, but also for parents involved in their transport, for adults of the neighbourhood concerned with building a sense of community involvement, and for the community at large in terms of lowering traffic congestion and related problems. Strategies that may assist the process of reclaiming residential streets as play space for children are discussed.

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Published in International Play Journal, 1996, 4, 91-97

Paul J. Tranter and John W. Doyle
Department of Geography and Oceanography
University College, University of New South Wales
Australian Defence Force Academy
Canberra, ACT 2600.

The authors have indicated that they are interested to receive comments and suggestions.

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