Longformacus Community Park

The Longformacus Community Park is a project working toward developing the current park space to provide more options for outdoor play and socialising to all ages. A word from our expert adviser, Pauline Homer:

LONGFORMACUS PLAY PARK - RE-DESIGN

Hello, in working to support the regeneration of the play park at Longformacus I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself. I currently wo

rk with the East Lothian Council education department where my main focus is early years. However, in saying that, I do on occasions work across ages which includes children of primary school age. Whilst not claiming to be an expert in the design of play parks, children’s play is a key part of opportunities and experiences for pre-school children and as we move to a play-based curriculum for children in P1 and P2, in line with the Scottish Government’s Play Strategy. The Play Strategy’s vision is:

“We want Scotland to be the best place to grow up. A nation which values play as a life–enhancing daily experience for all our children and young people; in their homes, nurseries, schools and communities.”

Whilst my life has moved on taking me into the realms of grandchildren I still know and appreciate the benefits and opportunities that play contributes to children's development and wellbeing. Let’s look at a few:

• The building of imagination and creativity
• An essential of healthy brain development
• Emotional and behavioural benefits
• Supports the development and improvement of Literacy
• Encourages children to become independent
• Supports Physical Activity
• Supports and promotes wellbeing and resilience
• Provides opportunities to develop social interactions with others

I can hear some of you saying “What’s this to do with the play park? Children can play at home.” Whilst play can take place anywhere, playing outdoors adds a different dimension. Being in an environment other than home encourages an interest in the natural world that surrounds them, whilst testing new or established skills required in navigating play equipment and the risks that play parks present. All good for developing an assessment of risk and resilience for the future. A well designed and maintained green space, especially one that can be easily accessed, provides something for everyone, even if you do have your own space at home in the form of a garden. It can and does provide an opportunity to get away from home for a few minutes in what may be a busy day, time to sit and reflect, to meet friends, picnic, explore the flora and fauna, or supervise and encourage the children whilst they play and explore the environment. As said by George Bernard Shaw –

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing”