# data[].attributes.body
I like the way this planting is bedded into the ground rather than raised beds

# data[].attributes.headline
Sackville Road - Clarendon Road Pocket Park location

# data[].attributes.subject
Sackville Road - Clarendon Road Pocket Park location

# data[].attributes.headline
Sackville Road - Clarendon Road Pocket Park - sketch

# data[].attributes.subject
Sackville Road - Clarendon Road Pocket Park - sketch

# data[].attributes.headline
Sackville Road - Clarendon Road Pocket Park Proposal

# data[].attributes.subject
Sackville Road - Clarendon Road Pocket Park Proposal

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
2022.01.26 Sackville Road -Clarendon Road Pocket Park Proposal

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The new mural at Wish Park. Photo by Jon Rigby

The Friends of Wish Park group said the idea for the 2021 mural came from those who created the 2020 Elephant mural. They got chatting during lockdown and hatched a plan.

A Friends spokesman said: "At 14 metres long, the wall was perfect for a long, long bench with park regulars chatting and socialising on a summer's day along with some well-known canine friends.

Sign up to our daily SussexWorld Today newsletter

The i newsletter cut through the noise

The artistic team behind the mural

"A kids' art workshop provided some additional fun images - check out the orange dragon. With permissions from the building's owner - UK Power Networks - and Brighton and Hove City Council, work started in late June.

"Over four weeks the artistic team, led by Becca Angel, worked their magic, and created a large, vibrant blast of colour and energy."

The mural was made possible by the generosity of local people and three sponsors - Estate Agency Cox & Co, Chandlers Building Supplies, and Wish Park café.

The vibrant mural up close

The 2020 Elephant mural at the park. Photo by Jon Rigby

Jeremy Wright, from UK Power Networks, said: "The community has pulled together to create a second colourful mural on the façade of our building to honour the park's regular visitors. Everyone has worked so hard on the project, and we were delighted to support them."

On July 31, the Friends of Wish Park invited the community to the park to celebrate the mural launch which included free kid's art as well as sport and music activities.

Hove and Portslade MP Peter Kyle was there to cut a golden ribbon and spoke of the joy of communities coming together to achieve good outcomes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Community effort results in a magnificent second mural for Wish Park in Hove

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The new mural at Wish Park. Photo by Jon Rigby The Friends of Wish Park group said the idea for the 2021 mural came from those who created the 2020 Elephant mural. They got chatting during lockdown and hatched a plan.

# data[].attributes.body
This funding scheme is now closed but the document has some suggestions on costs and what makes a pocket park successful.

# data[].attributes.body
In Stockwell - beautiful street conversion next to a school

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
new community street/garden near where van Gogh lived when he was in London

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The original request to the council for a low traffic neighbourhood came from local community group Hanover Action for Sustainable Living. They were concerned about the impact that the growing number of cars cutting through the area was having on the wellbeing of the community. In other parts of the country, councils have successfully introduced low traffic neighbourhoods in order to create more people-friendly streets and improve the quality of life for the people living within them. The Hanover and the Tarner scheme aims to ensure drivers from outside the area stick to major roads, while encouraging more walking and cycling within the area.

How long will the pilot last?

Low traffic neighbourhoods are usually trialled for 12-18 months. Local residents and businesses are invited to share their views and changes can be made along the way to improve the scheme. If a scheme isn't working for local people, it can be altered or removed entirely. If it is popular, it can be made permanent.

Which streets will be included in the pilot?

It will cover the area generally referred to as Hanover and Tarner, bordered by Elm Grove, Queen's Park Road, Edward Street and Richmond Terrace/Grand Parade. Improvements can be considered on these streets too.

What will happen in surrounding streets, not covered by the liveable neighbourhood scheme?

When the scheme is being designed, planners will consider the impact on nearby streets, particularly those that already have problems with traffic cutting through to get to other areas. Changes can be made in these streets too, in consultation with local residents.

Will it become permanent?

At the moment, this is a trial. The changes will be monitored and any that are popular could be made permanent.

Will traffic increase on nearby roads?

Initially, it's likely that it will but that increase will be monitored to ensure that this increase is not unmanageable and causing problems. But over time, car use from within a low traffic neighbourhood scheme tends to decrease, so the amount of overall traffic will drop.

Who gains?

Cyclists - Fewer cars mean safer cycling routes.

Disabled people - Streets are more accessible for those in mobility scooters and wheelchairs. Public transport becomes faster with fewer cars on the roads.

Drivers - It's true! By discouraging unnecessary journeys, an low traffic neighbourhood means less traffic and congestion for those who need to travel by car.

Elderly people - Quieter, safer streets make it more pleasant for older people to travel on foot. And it's healthier too, of course.

Emergency services - Response times for ambulances and the fire brigade decrease as less traffic means a faster response.

Local businesses - More pedestrians and cyclists boost footfall and trading by 40%. You're more likely to pop into a shop if you're walking or cycling than if you're in a car.

Parents and children - Fear of traffic injury is a key reason why parents and carers limit their children's independence. Safer roads mean kids are able to walk and cycle to school, breathing cleaner air as they do.

People on foot - Walking will be easier, safer, quieter and healthier.

Why is this important to our area?

More people are now working from home and spending more time in their local area. We must seize this opportunity to make Hanover and Tarner more liveable in every sense and help our community - and our local businesses - to really flourish.

How can my area become a liveable neighbourhood?

Local community groups can request the council considers a Low Traffic Neighbourhood for their area by taking a deputation - signed by six people - to the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee.

Who is representing the community?

Liveable Hanover is a group of local people working to engage local people in the liveable neighbourhood pilot. The group came together through the Hanover and Elm Grove Communities Forum, the collective of community groups representing the interests of various communities in the area. We are working to find out what residents think would benefit their street or the wider area. We are also working with community groups, representatives and councillors in Tarner area to consider the needs of the wider area too.

Will everyone have a say?

Yes. The local group is engaging with residents via a mailing list, social media and printed materials to find out what changes residents believe would improve their street or area. We'll be sharing our findings with the council transport team. The council has arranged a consultation - both digitally and non-digitally - asking residents what they would like the liveable neighbourhood to look like. Access the council's website engagement events calendar.

Where have schemes been successfully introduced?

Low traffic neighbours have been implemented successfully in a number of other parts of the UK, mainly in London. The most established is Waltham Forest, and this gallery of before-and-after photos of the borough gives some ideas of what we could have in our area. And the benefits to the community are shared in this video.

Latest blog posts

If you have any questions
or would like to be added to our mailing list,
please contact us: liveablehanover@gmail.com.
We'd ❤ to hear from you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hanover and Tarner Liveable Neighbourhood

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The original request to the council for a low traffic neighbourhood came from local community group Hanover Action for Sustainable Living. They were concerned about the impact that the growing number of cars cutting through the area was having on the wellbeing of the community.

# data[].attributes.body
Next to Aldrington Station

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
These 10m by 2.5m Parklets are designed to encourage cycling, improve air quality and make the street greener for residents, shoppers and businesses. They're also part of a borough-wide plan to support and encourage biodiversity in the area.

As well as the 4 Parklets, we also installed a 5th Dockless Bike Parklet surrounded by planters to encourage the use of Ofo and Mobike dockless bike hire.

The Hammersmith Grove Parklets also incorporates new electric vehicle charging points.

Leader of H&F Council, Cllr Stephen Cowan, said at the opening that they are "working to make H&F the greenest borough in the country " and "these parklets not only offer green respite for workers and shoppers, but also provide vital food and homes for wildlife; so it's great to see people, bees and butterflies are already using them.

"By providing better facilities for cyclists, and making it more pleasant to be out on foot in our town centres, the Parklets are also helping to improve our air quality, so everyone stands to benefit."

Patricia Bench, Hammersmith BID Director, said 'From discussions with businesses in the area, we know how important they feel it is to tackle London's air quality problems. We think, therefore, that it is extremely important for us all to address the poor air quality in this very busy part of Hammersmith and play our role in improving the area. We are delighted that the Parklets have been so well received and look forward to working with our local partners on making the Hammersmith Low Emission Neighbourhood a success as a whole.'

Christian Hebenstreit, Medidata General Manager & Senior Vice President EMEA, said "The parklets project is a great opportunity to make our office surroundings greener and to give back to the H&F community,"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Meristem Design | Hammersmith & Fulham Parklets

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
These 10m by 2.5m Parklets are designed to encourage cycling, improve air quality and make the street greener for residents, shoppers and businesses. They're also part of a borough-wide plan to support and encourage biodiversity in the area.

# data[].attributes.body
Words set into paving

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Jul 1, 2015 - A Flock of Words – Morecambe, 2003 — Gordon Young

# data[].attributes.body
Inspiration!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Be inspired by these totally amazing ideas for outdoor play spaces, with dens, nooks, climbing structures, mud kitchens, imaginative small world play and more! The one-stop shop for finding play space inspiration for your backyard, garden or outdoor classroom!

Over on my Imagination Tree FB page I often share inspirational images and ideas for outdoor play and learning, as nature play and creativity is one of my biggest passions as both a teacher and educator. Not surprisingly, these ideas are so popular with all my readers and I've decided to round up the best ones into visual collections so that you can find them all in one places and refer back to them frequently when you need more ideas!

They're being featured in photo collages with the links to the actual projects below each one.

Firstly, let's get inspired by these gorgeous outdoor cooking areas and mud kitchens! There are SO many of these around to be inspired by at the moment, but these particular ones caught my eye for being child-sized and natural in their set up. There are also some lovely storage baskets for displaying loose materials in easy distance.
Clockwise: Pallet kitchen and sink Hanging Baskets Mud Pie Station Cooking in the woods
Next let's look at these amazing play structures! If only I had the space for some of these!
Clockwise: Climbing Wall Play House Tree stump table and chairs Amazing tree house
Dens, forts and nooks are amongst my absolute favourite type of outdoor playspace for kids! These are all wonderful and use a great range of materials. The sandpit in a boat is simply genius too, as is the natural climbing and sliding structure- perfect!
Clockwise: Sand Pit Boat Bean teepee Natural climbing frame Den Building Natural Reading Nook Living Willow Den
Here are some more, similarly inspiring large play structures and dens.
Clockwise: Metal bridge Willow teepee Outdoor learning area Natural puppet theatre
More wonderful features to add to the outdoor play and learning environments! How incredible is that boat and the puddle jumping! Perfection.
Clockwise: Hobbit play structure (amazing!) Bridge for wheeled toys Giant puddle jumping play
I would love to see every one of these in every outdoor classroom! Shallow streams are my kids absolute favourite place to play!
Clockwise: House divider Shallow stream and bridge Natural play structure Natural loose parts and a mirror
And these are just irresistible little seating and small world play areas!
Clockwise: Tyre small worlds Cable reel small worlds Planter small world Logs for cooking play Toadstool seats Log table and chairs
And these are some of the most inspiring ideas for diverse small world play I've seen! The ball chutes wall is awesome too for so many motor skills.
Clockwise: Car tunnels Train tracks in planters Dinosaur shelves Tree stumps and animals Ball chute wall Nature small world tray
And here are yet more fantastic mud kitchens, car ramps and free play spaces! Inspiring.
Clockwise: Upcycled spool table Outdoor kitchen space Guttering play Loose parts in construction play
Lastly, how wonderful are these DIY additions to the backyard playspace?! Brilliant.
Clockwise: Shower curtain reading nooks DIY chalkboard Up-cycled chairs for imaginative play Construction site digging pit
And here are some fun ideas for outdoor play and learning from my own site right here too!
Construction site gravel pit Dinosaur Sensory Garden Make a play garden Plant a vegetable garden together DIY concoctions kitchen
Still not enough ideas?! Come and follow my Outdoor Play and Learning Pinterest Board too!

If you enjoyed this outdoor play spaces post please pin it for easy reference in future!

See all our other outdoor play ideas here in the archives!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Inspiring Outdoor Play Spaces - The Imagination Tree

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Be inspired by these totally amazing ideas for outdoor play spaces , with dens, nooks, climbing structures, mud kitchens, imaginative small world play and more! The one-stop shop for finding play space inspiration for your backyard, garden or outdoor classroom!

# data[].attributes.body
Not all relevant to our potential space but some great inspiration here

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Welcome to my new series celebrating and offering inspiration for all things outdoor play and learning! Each month I am going to share a post that will hopefully inspire you to reflect on your outdoor play with children and make you want to get out there and try something new!

In this first topic in the series I am going to be sharing some tips for creating engaging outdoor play spaces even if you only have a small area to work with. Many educators and parents tell me they love my outdoor area but aren't lucky enough to have as much space and get frustrated with what they can offer to the children. I must admit we love having our huge backyard but I have also lived in many rentals with small yards and worked in daycare centres that had tiny and less than inspiring outdoor areas to work with so I have picked up a few tricks along the way...and now so can you!

Outdoor play doesn't need to just be about the sandpit, swings and cubby so no more excuses - let's get inspired about outdoor play in small yards!!

A mud or sand kitchen is one of my favourite additions to any outdoor play space and you seriously do not need much room especially if you build your own and therefore customise your measurements.

If you don't have the space for a large sandpit or digging area then a few large tubs or buckets with some sand, dirt and water will still provide hours of enjoyment and creative experimenting! If you don't want to provide a large tub of water you could try using a modified bulk water container with tap on the bottom. We simply cut a hole in the top of the plastic so we could refill easily and then the children practised using the tap to turn on and off the water. It's also a good lesson in water conservation because when it's gone it's gone - I only refilled once a day!

Click on the photos below to read more about some of the mud and sand kitchens we have created for our own yard. I've also included some inspiration from around the web for you to discover.

1. Why not create with crates? Found on Pinterest

2. Tyres and a tray -what could be more simple? Found on Pinterest

3. Interesting use of wooden boxes from Garden Gate Child Development Center

4. Keep it simple with planks and bricks from Learn with Play at Home

5. A child size mud kitchen for a small corner space from Adventures of Adam

6. Simple, sweet and low to the ground from Create with your Hands

7. Boxes upon boxes - inspiration from Growing a Jeweled Rose

It's so important for children to have some spaces in their outdoor environment where they can retreat for privacy or for some time on their own to help regulate their feelings. Secret spaces also encourage dramatic play, investigation and free conversations.

You can set them up so that you can still supervise play but it's not obvious to the children and they can let down their guard a little and express themselves freely. For many sensory challenged children an enclosed, quieter space can also help them to feel safe and not overwhelmed with all the stimulus that occurs outdoors.

If you have a large yard like ours it's a good idea to try to introduce a few 'secret spaces' to break up the environment a little but even with a small area you can still easily incorporate 1 or 2 little areas that will meet this purpose. Use your garden areas as boundaries or if you don't have gardens incorporate a few strategically placed pots to provide some privacy. I also like to use bush rocks and boulders to create defined spaces for children to use as they wish.

A secret space does not need to be entirely hidden from view, try to see through the child's eyes rather than your own, sometimes just being in a spot away from the main area of play and partially out of view is enough. Try using some pavers, planks or stones to make small pathways through garden areas or behind sheds and other larger structures. If you have some large trees in your yard why not nail some boards to the trunk to form a ladder and create a secret space using plants, flowers or garden edging around the tree.

I've included some photos below for a few ideas to get you thinking. Remember to modify on a larger or smaller scale to suit your space and the ages of your children.

1. Make a hideout using hula hoops & a sheet - Visit Alannah George

2. Use wooden pallets to make a pathway for exploring - Funky Junk Interiors provides the inspiration!

3. Make a living teepee to hide in - Better Homes & Gardens shows you how.

4. This Bean house provides privacy as well as the opportunity for children to grow their own beans - Found on Pinterest here

5. Get busy with natural materials & bamboo screening to create this space - Inspiration via Pinterest here

Wooden planks, offcuts and stumps are one of my absolute favourite materials in the backyard no matter how much space you have. Don't worry about how pretty your planks are - we often just use offcuts we find in Daddy's shed but we have also brought pine planks quite cheaply from the local hardware store and given them a coat of lacquer to help them last longer outdoors.

You can lay them flat on the grass or prop them on tyres, garden edges, rocks or even some small DIY trestles like the ones we made below from old school chairs. They can form the basis for trains and buses (with or without the addition of chairs!) and can be walked on, jumped over, painted or hauled all around the yard by children excited to create their own play.

And if you are short on space then you just lean them upright against the fence or wall at the end of the day ready to rearrange into a new challenge the next day.

Stumps can be used in similar ways but if you are short on space why not try using them as garden edging that can also act as stepping stones and a path for little feet?

1. Sweet table and chairs - found on Pinterest here

2. Sticks outside - the original wooden toy from Fireflies & Mudpies

3. Lovely use of logs - found on Pinterest here

4. Logs and stumps in the backyard - explore more at Happy Hooligans

5. A stick tunnel - soon to be covered in vines from Simple & Joyful

6. Creating with scrap wood from Teach Preschool

Want more ideas, inspiration and support from other early childhood professionals just like you?

There's not much I can say about loose parts except that I feel they are a must in any outdoor play space. If you are clever you can find many ways to store these materials that don't require you to pack them away at the end of the day constantly. Let them be moved and the play will evolve daily.

You don't need to go overboard but even the smallest space can squeeze in a little access to loose parts outdoors. I've used pot saucers, plant pots, old baskets and wall hangers to store our loose parts. Keep them low and accessible to the children so they can also add to collections as the days go by.

Be creative, use small, shallow containers but incorporate them into many little areas. And please let the children move them as they wish around the yard. There is not much point in having loose parts to stimulate imagination and investigation if you never let them experiment and move their 'tools' to use in different ways. Some yellow pebbles, shells or feathers in the sandpit or garden is not going to be the end of the world and the rewards far outweigh any inconvenience. You can of course involve them and expect help to pack up ready for play the next day though.

1. Pallets & baskets make an easy storage option - DIY Pallet Ideas

2. Stomping in the Mud uses wooden bowls outdoors to present loose parts for discovery.

3. Pre-School Play turns hanging baskets into the perfect storage solution for their natural materials.

5. Small World & Sensory Gardens

You can create a small sensory, fairy, dinosaur (or anything your imagination wants) garden in the smallest of spaces. Why not use a wooden barrel or large pot? An old sand table or tray? A rickety wheelbarrow? A little shaded spot in the garden bed? So many possibilities!

The best gardens are the ones you involve the children in creating. Gather some herbs and talk about how they smell, feel and taste as you plant and nurture them. Let them add some small figurines or special natural treasures from around the garden. Use props from inside that you are happy to let get dirty and be used outdoors for your small world gardens. Use these sort of gardens as lovely simple way to further explore children's current interests and encourage imagination and conversation. They can be just as much fun as a large sandpit or climbing frame I promise!!
Garden Bed Fairy Garden Sensory Herb Fairy Garden Dinosaur Land
If you don't have a lot of space on the ground or want to keep the areas you have free for large muscle play and running around then go up! Use your walls and fences. obviously you need to be aware of any safety issues and we don't want to provide any footholds for children to scale fences but I'm sure there will be a few spaces you can utilise.
Fence Blackboard Wall Storage Pots Pallet Fence Planters
Wall space is fantastic for storage or shelves to keep your art materials out of reach of little hands if need be. I use old freezer baskets on our retainer wall to store water play equipment and sand tools/kitchen items because they provide easy access but don't take up room in my small storage area. When it rains they get a wash and the water drains through so it's an added bonus!

We hang our watering cans, teapots and are essentials on our wall to and everyone helps to find them in the garden and pack them up at the end of the day. Adding hooks and rails to your walls can provide many opportunities for storage and for easy access and self selection to play equipment by the children.

You can also use them as makeshift easels - these clipboards work so well and are still hanging in there after 2 years of use!

7. Baskets /Cushions/Blankets

Creating reading nooks and soft areas for children to sit and play in a different way when outdoors can be very valuable. I often use our outdoor stage and teepee areas to create these sort of spaces. They also work well as portable versions of the 'secret spaces' I listed earlier.

Instead of always taking out your cushions and blankets from indoors though why not invest in a few weatherproof outdoor cushions and a few mats or blankets just for your outdoor play. They don't take long to pack onto the verandah or inside the back door at the end of the day (especially if you have little helpers) and you won't need to worry so much about them getting a little dirty. I keep a little basket of books and other play props to use just for outdoors in these areas each week. Change it around at the end of the week and watch how the children choose to use them during their play in the spaces you have created.

Water and sensory tubs, trays & tables can be such a valuable resource in the smaller yard. You can move them around to suit your space each day or week and use them for absolutely anything. If you don't want the expense of purchasing a dedicated table (and let's face it those things are for some reason very expensive!)why not get a few shallow tubs from the $2 shop like I did and then place on a stable table at child height. Easily emptied or stored at the end of the day and they take up very little room. I just take a little off the bottom of each table leg to bring them down to child height without the expense of specialised furniture!

I use tubs for so many different experiences. Water play, small worlds, messy play, sensory activities, investigating natural materials and bugs we find and so much more. You don't need to be limited to just sand or water! Here's a little more inspiration for you...

1. Dinosaur Small World - Visit Nurtured Learning on Facebook here

2. Bowls for water play and so much more - be inspired by Stomping in the Mud

3. Build a mini water wheel - Find out how on Facebook here

4. Garden & pond in a tub - Explore the process at Frugal Fun for Boys

9. Blocks, Boulders & Construction

I love my outdoor blocks! Occasionally I bring out some of our indoor blocks but I prefer to have a selection that are always ready for outdoor play and can be left outside if you don't have the room to store them. The large plastic storage tubs with lids are handy though if you prefer to pull them in undercover if you need to.

Have them available alongside some boulders, bricks, sticks or other materials children might like to construct with and watch the play unfold. I often set up some simple invitations to play using blocks or other construction materials but it always amazes me the way children engineer and build of their own accord.

If you have a small area to work with then don't overwhelm them, just bring out a small tub of blocks or perhaps only bring them out a few days a week to leave space for other investigations on different days. Observe the children and see if the play is evolving and they are engaged - let them be your guide as to how often you provide blocks and construction materials in your space. Simply putting out some blocks on a blanket each and every day is not that interesting so try and be a little creative!

10. Movable Pots and Plants

In previous points of this list I've talked about how useful pots and plants can be in the outdoor area but I just wanted to reaffirm as they are just such a budget friendly and essential resource for any outdoor play space but especially those working with small areas. Even if you aren't fond of gardening it's pretty simple to plant a tub or pot of flowers or herbs with the children or a mini fruit tree.

They make fantastic portable storage options (especially for loose parts & gravel) and usually hold up well if left outside in the elements. If you don't have room for garden beds then use a few together with palms or quick growing grasses to form boundaries and create different areas to explore and hide. Build your collection up over time - there's no rule that says you must have your outdoor area finished before play can begin - it should be an always evolving process!

Oh how I love gravel and small pebbles! Many readers have asked me if it bothers me when children cart the pebbles all over the yard or I find them scattered in the sandpit. The simple answer is no. If it bothers you though please don't introduce it! Why? Because the true magic of providing this resource in the outdoor play environment is its ability to be used in many different and creative ways in various areas and forms of play by the children.

A gravel pit or digging area with pebbles and dirt can be a fantastic resource and needn't take up much room so is perfect for the smaller space but let's be realistic, it's not fair to a child or you as parent or educator to be standing over this space directing them to 'keep it in the gravel area' every day. Be flexible, if you are going to introduce pebbles/gravel/gems /treasures then expect them to be transported in trucks to the other side of the yard or used as food or decoration in the mud kitchen - that's the true value in offering this sort of material to children outdoors.

This is something I hear often - "Where do I store it all though?" If you have a small play area outdoors then this is probably a concern for you to. My answer is to get creative and think outside the box a little.

Use your wall space like I discussed earlier. Use pots, tubs and trays to store loose parts and other materials that can withstand being left out in the elements. Natural materials shouldn't need to be packed away each day! Hang baskets that allow water to drain through. Utilise storage containers to make the most of any undercover storage space you might have.

Introduce a 'pack up for tomorrow's play' routine at the end of the day. This means that rather than packing every single thing away you only pack away the essentials and the items that absolutely need to be undercover (and really if you are smart that should be very little!)Ask the children to help you 'set up for tomorrow's play' rather than just 'packing up'.

Our packing up routine mainly consists of putting tools from the sandpit into the baskets on the wall, bringing in cushions and books, hanging watering cans back up and ensuring any 'special creations' from the day's play are in a safe spot to revisit again. We set up for the next day's play and then I add a few elements each morning. Everything doesn't need to be stored away in a shed!

1. Turn a seat into storage - Inspiration via Pinterest here

2. Hooks can be placed anywhere! - Read more about this lovely space here

3. Want the cars out of sight at the end of the day? Check out this clever solution at Mom Endeavors

4. Tubs and shelving - an easy spacesaver - See more here

If however, you like your yard back at the end of the day then you need to think about what you want to set up each day and how you might store it a little more creatively. Storage and packing up shouldn't be an excuse not to put thought and time into setting up your spaces for outdoor play.
I hope you have found some of these ideas helpful - remember that is about balance and your own environment and children. There is no need to try to incorporate everything listed above, just take what might work for you! Do you have more ideas or strategies not covered here? Share them in the comments below or post a pic to my Facebook Page

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Outdoor Play Series - #1 Working with Small Spaces - The Empowered Educator

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to my new series celebrating and offering inspiration for all things outdoor play and learning! Each month I am going to share a post that will hopefully inspire you to reflect on your outdoor play with children and make you want to get out there and try something new!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Please click here if you are not redirected within a few seconds.

Images
The benefit of parklets is more than meets the eye - Groundwork

www.groundwork.org.uk

Images may be subject to copyright.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Please click here if you are not redirected within a few seconds. Images The benefit of parklets is more than meets the eye - Groundwork www.groundwork.org.uk Images may be subject to copyright.

# data[].attributes.headline
S106 Agreement - see P90 - 91 for some of the sustainable transport options

# data[].attributes.subject
S106 Agreement - see P90 - 91 for some of the sustainable transport options

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
20.08.05 S106 - Sackville Trading Estate_redacted

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Published on: 6 November 2017

Researchers have used workshops and street trials to increase residents' engagement in redesigning their neighbourhood, leading to the launch of a mini-sized 'pocket park'.

Studies on community engagement and socially engaged design was used to involve Newcastle residents in thinking beyond preconceived ideas and to transform their perception of the area.

Dr Daniel Mallo, Armelle Tardiveau and colleagues at Newcastle University arranged a series of design workshops and street trials to help people imagine how they could improve Fenham Hall Drive, a street in the Newcastle ward of Fenham.

Pocket Park

The pocket park concept sprang from a co-production project between sustainable transport charity Sustrans and Newcastle University social scientists entitled DIY Streets, which involves local people in making design and facility improvements in their neighbourhoods. Sustrans contacted the researchers at the university's ESRC Impact Acceleration Account launch in September 2014.

During one of the workshops, the research team provided a scale model of the street that gave residents a chance to picture what might be possible.

People sketched on large photographs of the street and expressed their ideas for changes, and in a short trial, full-sized temporary wooden seats were placed along the street instead of parked cars. This allowed residents to try out different changes and assess the impact, triggering community discussion about additional improvements in their surroundings.

Daniel Mallo, Lecturer in Architecture at Newcastle University, said: "By engaging residents and stakeholders in a series of innovative design workshops - including sensory mapping, modelling and street trials - Newcastle University enabled the local community to imagine how their main street could be transformed.

"This participatory approach aimed to stimulate residents and stakeholders' imagination to go beyond their preconceived views and perceived restrictions as well as trigger visions into the future."

Focus groups

During focus groups residents identified that a little-used pocket of public land between the buildings could be the site of a small park. In response, the researchers set up a public/play space on the land for four days, giving passers-by and residents the opportunity to experience the impact of a public space in the area.

As a result of the research project and increased community engagement, residents and local stakeholders worked together to apply for a government grant to establish a pocket park. They were granted £15,000, and the pocket park was built and opened.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Published on: 6 November 2017 Researchers have used workshops and street trials to increase residents' engagement in redesigning their neighbourhood, leading to the launch of a mini-sized 'pocket park'. Studies on community engagement and socially engaged design was used to involve Newcastle residents in thinking beyond preconceived ideas and to transform their perception of the area.

# data[].attributes.body
Lots to think about here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If well-planned, a community garden can offer people a place to relax, a way to engage with nature, meet others and get active outdoors.

First things first

Identify a location for the garden. Contact the local council, or search the UK Government website to find out who the landowner is to then seek permission for your project.

You or the group will need to have public liability insurance to protect it against the risk of public injuries and unforeseen issues. If you're part of Britain in Bloom, It's Your Neighbourhood or an Affiliated Society, you can access affordable insurance for your group

Engage as many people as you can, and find out what sort of garden people would like and how they'll use it. You could contact local groups, schools or businesses to get people involved and talk about the potential benefits of a community garden project or space

Consider a timescale for the garden to be completed and agree a simple plan

Set yourself a budget and have a think about ways to fundraise

Set up a volunteer led community organising group to manage the project

Find out if any local gardeners, landscapers or builders would be interested in lending a hand

Work-out the orientation of your site (N, S, E or W) - this will influence what you can grow

Survey the site - walk around it and make a list of all the features or objects. Are there paths or sheds you would like to keep? Are there any plants that could still be used? What trees do you have? Check to see if any are protected by preservation orders or are in a conservation area, and look to keep habitats that already support wildlife, if you can. Perhaps there are materials that can be salvaged and repurposed?

Complete risk assessments before any work is started

Visit other community groups or sites that have done similar projects to gain ideas

Not the resource you need after all?Explore the rest of our community gardening resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If well-planned, a community garden can offer people a place to relax, a way to engage with nature, meet others and get active outdoors. Identify a location for the garden. Contact the local council, or search the UK Government website to find out who the landowner is to then seek permission for your project.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Games are a fundamental aspect of a child's development. It's not just pure entertainment, playground games also offer children an opportunity for social interaction. It's also possible for certain types of game to be both fun and educational at the same time. Our own playground markings featuring games include classic favourites such as piggy in the middle or twister. These are strictly fun and social activities, but some of our markings also incorporate aspects of learning.

For example, adding markings for games such as noughts and crosses to a play area can teach young people spatial logic, hopscotch may also help them with this. Hopscotch can also help promote numeracy and physical activity. We design our non-toxic games markings to last and they carry a 4-year warranty. There are many benefits to painting different types of games on a playground.

What are the best types of game markings for a playground?

Parents and teachers may have strong feelings about different types of games. However, there is no best game to add to a playground design. Each type of playground game adds something different, and each has its own benefit. Some the more popular playground game markings, and their benefits for children, include the following:

Sports courts and game area lines

An extremely beneficial feature of sports courts is that it provides a method of combining a game and rigorous physical activity. Children can still be active in more traditional games such as hopscotch, especially markings featuring larger patterns such as '4 way hopscotch'. However, sports courts provide further benefits.

Additional benefits of a sports court marking include:

Moderate to vigorous exercise: Sports such as netball and football provide the opportunity for moderate to vigorous exercise, from which many children can benefit. Sufficient exercise at a young age helps provide the child with the habits they require to remain healthy as they grow.

Team interaction: Sports court lines provide the chance for children to interact in a team environment. This enhances the social element of their play, which is a strong advantage. Healthy competition and learning about cooperation and team spirit can help children develop character.

Scalable skills: Learning and practising a sport from a young age can cultivate an interest in that activity. Establishing and maintaining these skills can serve children as they grow and play more sports outside of the playground. Such skills are appealing to schools looking for pupils with the potential for extra-curricular contributions.

By using our markings it is possible for people to maximise space in their playground design. We provide several multi-use courts, which can add the ability for children to play 2 or 3 sports on one marking at a similar cost to a single-use marking. Sports markings also add the ability for children to enjoy games in schools and community playgrounds in urban environments. Sports-specific areas may be less common or in these settings, so multi-use courts can encourage a lot of use in a small area.

Our game line paint is also resistant to weather or heavy use, so multi-use courts will last a long time.

Dance markings

Markings to encourage dancing provide a fun and social way of inspiring children to come up with their own games. Imaginative play is a constantly fluid aspect of the playground and children may express themselves and interact through dance - as well as enjoy the benefits of it being a physical activity.

Other benefits of incorporating dancing markings in a playground design include:

Social skills: The interaction and communication that is necessary for a dancing game, such as when children copy each other's dance, is something this type of marking can nurture. Cooperation and mimicry are vital skills that serve growing minds in all sorts of learning, through their education and beyond.

Exercise: The reality is that not every child enjoys playing sports. However, dancing markings provide an alternative to sports that still offers a lot of physical exercise. While team games may require larger groups, dancing is possible with a smaller group - or possibly alone.

Creativity: While a sport will have rules that are not particularly flexible, an imaginative and expressive activity such as a dancing game is ripe for potential adaptation. The nature of sports markings also means colours are relatively uniform, whereas dancing markings add a variety of vibrant tones that can stimulate a child's mind.

The markings that we install for dancing games include a ' Copy Me' product, for groups of two, and a ' Dance With Me ' product for bigger groups.

We can add these to the design of tarmac or concrete playgrounds in many different configurations. Dancing is a fun and healthy activity for a child and will make for an interactive experience. This makes it one of the more enjoyable playground games. Our markings are also non-slip, which can be important for dancing.

Games markings on a playground for sustainable fun

It can be frustrating for people to add markings for games to a playground only for children to wear them out over time. This is why one of our aims is to deliver and install thermoplastic markings that last longer than regular paint. All our markings are also under warranty for 4 years.

For the best results people can contact us to create dynamic designs with environmentally-friendly markings that last. People can explore our brochure for more inspiration on playground games.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Painted games on a playground for fun and social learning Games are a fundamental aspect of a child's development. It's not just pure entertainment, playground games also offer children an opportunity for social interaction. It's also possible for certain types of game to be both fun and educational at the same time.

# data[].attributes.body
Lots of examples of micro-parks

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
© 2009 - 2022 Landezine
+386 40 81 40 04
info (at) landezine.com

All rights reserved. All photos, plans and renders of projects on Landezine are property of a photographer or landscape architects mentioned within a specific project presentation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Pocket Parks " Landscape Architecture Platform | Landezine

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
© 2009 - 2022 Landezine +386 40 81 40 04 info (at) landezine.com All rights reserved. All photos, plans and renders of projects on Landezine are property of a photographer or landscape architects mentioned within a specific project presentation.

# data[].attributes.body
Tips on how to design a parklet (concentrating on very small spaces, i.e., a single parking space). Good for seeing what can be done on a small scale.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A parklet is an old parking space that has been transformed into something for people to enjoy. There's no such thing as a typical parklet; they can take many forms. They are great for bringing communities together, and providing some much-needed local green space.

The current way our cities are structured means that we accept the harm that comes with cars. As part of our Car Free Cities campaign we want to help people reimagine their streets as places free from the harms of car dominance. Parklets are a great way to do this by giving space back to people and nature.

Parklets can be unique to your neighbourhood; with residents co-designing and maintaining them, they can increase peoples' sense of belonging whilst meeting local needs. Parklets offer a place for children and adults to play outside and develop their independence. They can provide a space for those with mobility needs to rest, improve people's access to greenery and public space, foster a stronger sense of community, whilst also being a place to learn new things. You can grow fruit and veg on them, use them as performance spaces or areas for outdoor learning, or even just have them as a simple patch of grass.

In a world recovering from a global health crisis whilst also tackling the climate crisis; green space, and access to it, has never been more important. Green spaces help clean our air and cool us down. Being outside in nature fosters happiness and social connection, and can improve our health and wellbeing. But not everyone has the same access to adequate green space.

These graphics show publicly accessible green space in our four Car Free Cities: Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, and London. Tap or click to make them bigger. As you can see, access to green space is not always fairly distributed.

Parklets are a great way to transform our streets and bring people closer to nature. They provide the opportunity for communities to engage with nature and each other, whilst also helping residents reimagine their street space.

Parklet Plotter

Use our parklet plotter to find a spot you think would be ideal for a new parklet. We've created an interactive map to help people learn more about the areas they live in - from which communities have the least access to green space to how different areas measure up against the multiple deprivation index. Where could parklets be installed to best help improve access to green space and give streets back to people and nature?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A parklet is an old parking space that has been transformed into something for people to enjoy. There's no such thing as a typical parklet; they can take many forms. They are great for bringing communities together, and providing some much-needed local green space.

# data[].attributes.body
Includes a micro-park design guide!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Micro Parks

Project Details

DATE

2018-2019

TITLE

Micro Parks Design Guideline and Concept

SERVICE

Landscape Architecture and Design Guideline

CLIENT

Transport Canberra City Services

LOCATION

Canberra

Approximately 50% of the ACT is nature reserve and 70% open space, however, these green spaces are often out of reach of city workers and residents. While the city has abundant open space, many of them are under-utilised, if used at all. Micro parks are a small scale intervention of landscape, furniture and amenity, bringing immediate benefits to the community without excessive expenditure or a long approval process.

We were engaged by Transport Canberra City Services to develop a feasibility study and concept designs for a series of micro parks across seven neighbourhoods in Canberra. A design guide was also prepared to illustrate the place assessment methods, community engagement process, design requirement, application and so on. The local communities and stakeholders were engagement since the early phase of the project.

The key project objectives include:

The key objectives of the micro park program are:

Foster community interaction.

Support local businesses and promote economic vitality.

Encourage active travelling and active living.

Explore new models of improving and managing public space.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Approximately 50% of the ACT is nature reserve and 70% open space, however, these green spaces are often out of reach of city workers and residents. While the city has abundant open space, many of them are under-utilised, if used at all. Micro parks are...

# data[].attributes.body
Temporary "pop-up" park designed for community gathering during COVID

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A MINI park was created on a patch of land in a busy residential area.

Councillors joined residents at the "pop-up parklet" - a temporary mini outdoor space with chairs, cushions, a rug and decorations.

Residents in the Hanover and Elm Grove area of Brighton sketched suggestions as to what they would like to see there and ideas included a vegetable garden, an outdoor gymnasium and a performance space.

The parklet, at the back of Lewes Street, was created by laying out a large piece of AstroTurf, borrowed from the nearby Hanover Community Association.

Councillor Elaine Hills, who organised the event and convenes the Hanover Liveable Neighbourhood group, said: "It was a lovely way for people to get together to design and enjoy an outdoor space. There's a limited amount of green and outdoor communal space in Hanover and Elm Grove, so we need to use our space more imaginatively rather than setting so much of it aside car storage.

"Parklets are an ideal way to increase the number of welcoming outdoor spaces at which neighbours can gather.

"And with people being less able to gather indoors due to Covid-19 restrictions, we need to look for more ways in which we can socialise safely. I helped carry out a survey of people in our ward doing lockdown and found a worryingly high level of respondents - 89 per cent - thought Covid measures had affected their mental health in some way.

"Parklets could reduce the risk of social isolation and of developing mental health problems."

Cllr Hills added: ""The group has a lot of flair and tenacity, and we're planning further pop-up parklets in other locations in the ward, with more flowers and greenery - and hopefully even music too."

Cllr Hills said there were opportunities to look at how businesses and residents throughout the city can repurpose kerbside and under-used outdoor space as parklets.

Green councillors now want to explore how parklets can be included in the Hanover "Liveable Neighbourhood" scheme, the first pilot low traffic neighbourhood initiative designed to curb residential traffic to be given the go-ahead by the city council.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Group create a pop-up park in middle of bustling residential area

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A MINI park was created on a patch of land in a busy residential area. Councillors joined residents at the "pop-up parklet" - a temporary mini outdoor space with chairs, cushions, a rug and decorations.

# data[].attributes.body
A description of how a parklet was set up in Hackney (only 3 minute read) and a link to a Parklets Toolkit

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
THE TIME FOR Parklets has arrived.

Small parts of residential streets reclaimed by the community for people to stop, rest and enjoy.

Here we look at the part parklets can play in transforming our streets through the lens of a truly inspirational community campaign.

Parklets are what happens when parking spaces are transformed into a community space - eg with benches, seats, planters, etc

They challenge the idea that kerbside space is only for car storage

A residential parklet can be used both as a resting point for people, and a play area for children

How a London campaigner blazed a trail for parklets in London

Space is the place

Brenda Puech, who chairs the Living Streets group in Hackney, had campaigned for parklets in her East London borough for years. She applied for a permit to use the parking space outside her home as one, but she was refused.

So she took matters into her own hands - and set one up anyway in May 2017.

Within days Brenda's parklet had taken the neighbourhood by storm. Seven visitor books filled up. It received widespread attention on social media and news coverage.

Children were its biggest fans, and a petition to allow the parklet to remain received over a thousand signatures.

Read Brenda's blog post about this

The power of persuasion

Alas, Brenda's direct action was short-lived, with the council insisting the parklet be removed as it didn't meet existing criteria for a parking space.

However, as a direct result of Brenda's tenacious and inspirational activity, the council have changed their policy on the use of parking spaces.

There are now 15 residential parklets planned by the Council within this year, and this may increase depending on the success of the initial pilot scheme.

Sealing the deal

This is the first ever such scheme in the UK and to our knowledge only the second such scheme in Europe.

Hackney and London Living Streets groups campaigned for about six to ten months and spoke to about 10 Councillors and council officers.

There were many more local people that they communicated with and hundreds of these communicated with the Council via social media regarding the parklet idea.

It demonstrates the power not only of a great idea, but also of how far an idea can travel with a community behind it.

Walking champion

Brenda was crowned Living Streets' Charles Maher Award - Walking Champion 2019 at this year's National Walking Summit in Birmingham.

The annual prize recognises the efforts of individuals and groups whose efforts get more people walking and cherishing their streets and public space.

Charles Maher Award

This is how we can transform our streets

Residential parklets are not just symbolic reclamations of space. They offer solutions to identifiable issues when it comes to the way our streets are designed.

Providing rest points make it possible for people to walk double the distance they would normally do. There is evidence in the DfT document Inclusive Mobility (2002) that 50m is the maximum distance many mobility impaired people can walk before they need to rest, so having more rest points on residential streets (via parklets) should lead to more people being able to walk longer distances.

There have been many books written on the issue of walking that say that the following make a better walking environment

having points of interest along the route

having greenery and planting along a route

rest points including shelter from weather

chance of social encounter along the route

Tick, tick, tick, tick!

As part of International Car Free Day we will be seeing parklets come to life up and down the country

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Parklets are an idea whose time has arrived - small parts of residential streets reclaimed by the community for people to stop, rest and enjoy. Here we look at the part parklets can play in transforming our streets through the lens of a truly inspirational community campaign

# data[].attributes.body
A community "pocket park" developed in Islington. Includes some design ideas

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
After taking on board all the design submissions, comments and even emails we have received from the local community, Freeling Street Pocket Park is coming together.

We are now entering the digging and decorating phase of the project, and we'd love people from the area to get involved in the next activities to turn Freeling Street into a green space. Get Digging
Get Decorating

Cultivating Cally began at the Cally Festival in 2019, when Freeling Street was transformed for the day into a pop up pocket park. Thanks to funding from the GLAs' Greener City Fund, we can now make the pop up a permanent feature of the Cally AND green the walkways to it. Now it just needs you, the Cally Community, to tell us what it should look like and help create this brand new green space. Learn More

Freeling Street is just the start! We want to secure extra funding to create a new 350 metre greenway across Caledonian Road, along Bridgeman Road and the Bemerton Estate Walk. Share your ideas for how to green the streets that connect the new park to both Thornhill Square and Bingfield Park. Share your ideas

How would you design the pocket park? You can turn the tarmac into a flowerbed, plant a tree, add cycle docks, lay paths and drop in planters. Send us your ideas for the layout, planting and furniture and in the comments box you can tell us the details, such as the type of plants and trees. We'll display the best ones here and on our social media.
Get Started

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
After taking on board all the design submissions, comments and even emails we have received from the local community, Freeling Street Pocket Park is coming together. We are now entering the digging and decorating phase of the project, and we'd love people from the area to get involved in the next activities to turn Freeling Street into a green space.

# data[].attributes.body
Brighton and Hove Council have plans to install on-road cycle hangars

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
As part of our ongoing work to support active and sustainable travel , Brighton & Hove City Council will be rolling out a programme of installing on-road cycle hangars for residents to park their bikes securely near their homes.

The cycle hangars are the size of approximately one parking space, and they can store six standard sized bicycles. Some car parking spaces may be repurposed to accommodate the cycle hangars.

With many residents living in shared accommodation, flats or houses where storage space is at a premium, it can be difficult to find secure cycle storage. This can be a major barrier to those wishing to travel by bike. Storage can be especially challenging if you use an adapted cycle. People can also face difficulties manoeuvring their cycles from inside their home onto the street outside.

Some cycle hangars installed may have the option of storing large, adapted bicycles or cargo bikes. The below picture is an example of a what the cycle hangars look like, however the design may differ slightly.

Costs

There is likely to be a yearly cost for a space in a cycle hangar. The exact details are yet to be confirmed.

Locations

Following our recent survey asking residents to request specific locations for the cycle hangars, each road requested has been scored against a set criteria which includes the suitability of sites, current facilities in the area, levels of reported bike thefts and the level of demand.

We are now compiling a list of suitable locations, subject to site assessment for the first 101 hangars due to be rolled out in batches from March 2022.

At this stage, we are not asking people to apply for a space, this will come at a later stage.

This survey was designed to assess demand for secure on-street cycle parking that will be solely reserved for residents. Due to the huge amount of requests received, we are not accepting further location requests at this stage. Requests for hangars at workplaces, education settings and local shopping centres are not being considered at this time.

If you have any further questions regarding cycle hangars, please email the team on: Cycle.Hangars@brighton-hove.gov.uk

The cycle hangar scheme will be rolled out in stages following further consultation through a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). This will give all affected residents and businesses a chance to have their say on the proposals.

Once suitable sites have been identified, there will be a formal application process for space within each hangar.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As part of our ongoing work to support active and sustainable travel , Brighton & Hove City Council will be rolling out a programme of installing on-road cycle hangars for residents to park their bikes securely near their homes. The cycle hangars are the size of approximately one parking space, and they can store six standard sized bicycles.