Designing Joy, Health and Belonging: Why Investment in Children’s Play Spaces Matters More Than Ever.

Play is not a luxury. It is fundamental to childhood, community life and long-term health.

Across the UK, too many children grow up without access to safe, inspiring places to play. In some communities, playgrounds are outdated, inaccessible or simply no longer fit for purpose. In others, they are missing altogether. For years, this quiet crisis has limited opportunities for movement, connection and creativity — particularly in areas experiencing the greatest deprivation.

That’s why the recent £18 million government investment into children’s play spaces represents more than just funding. It marks a turning point — and a recognition that play is a vital part of building healthier, happier communities.

At Why Sports 2026, we’re delighted to welcome Eugene Minogue, who will share the latest updates on this investment and what it means for children, families and neighbourhoods across the country.

A Campaign Years in the Making.

This investment didn’t happen overnight.

It is the result of tireless advocacy by Play England, Eugene Minogue and partners across the play, sport and community sectors — working closely with government to highlight the importance of play, particularly in places where facilities have fallen into disrepair or where children have been historically overlooked.

The focus has been clear: prioritise areas of deprivation, renew play spaces that are no longer safe or usable, and ensure future investment creates environments that genuinely serve local people.

Over the years, Eugene has also used the Why Sports platform to openly share progress on the campaign — engaging delegates, gathering insight and amplifying voices from across the sector. Those conversations helped shape thinking, challenge assumptions and strengthen the case for investment, demonstrating the power of collaboration when sectors come together around a shared purpose.

Pride in Place: Designing for People, Not Just Projects.

The £18m investment aligns with the government’s wider Pride in Place Programme, which aims to create community spaces that people feel proud of — places that bring neighbours together, improve wellbeing and strengthen local identity.

For children’s play, this means moving beyond standardised playgrounds and towards thoughtfully designed spaces that reflect the needs, wishes and character of each community.

To truly deliver impact, designers and planners will engage directly with children and families, listening carefully to how spaces are used and what matters most locally. This co-design approach ensures play areas are not imposed on communities, but created with them.

The ambition is clear:

• Inclusive play spaces with access for all abilities.

• Meaningful connection to nature and green space.

• Areas that encourage movement, imagination and social interaction.

• Welcoming community hubs where parents, carers and neighbours naturally come together.

  
  

These are not just playgrounds — they are foundations for lifelong wellbeing.

Why Play Matters for Health and the Future.

Play is one of the earliest ways children experience physical activity. It builds strength, coordination and confidence. But its benefits go far deeper.

High-quality play spaces support:

• Physical health and motor development.

• Mental well-being and emotional resilience.

• Social skills and community connection.

• Creativity, independence and problem-solving.

They also help establish positive relationships with movement at a young age — shaping habits that last into adulthood.

In a time when childhood inactivity, screen time and mental health challenges are rising, investing in play is a powerful act of prevention. It’s also an investment in equity. Accessible, inclusive play spaces ensure that every child — regardless of postcode or background — has the opportunity to thrive.

Leadership, Partnership and Long-Term Thinking.

This moment highlights what’s possible when leadership is combined with persistence, partnership and evidence-based advocacy.

Play England’s work demonstrates the importance of staying focused on long-term outcomes, not short-term wins. It shows how listening to communities, elevating children’s voices and aligning with broader strategies like Pride of Place can deliver meaningful system change.

At Why Sports 2026, Eugene Minogue will reflect on this journey — sharing insights into the campaign, the investment, and what comes next. His session will explore how thoughtful design, community engagement and cross-sector collaboration can turn funding into lasting impact.

Building Spaces That Shape Generations.

This £18m investment is a significant step forward — but it’s also just the beginning.

What matters now is how it’s delivered.

By engaging children and communities, embedding inclusivity, embracing nature, and creating social spaces that bring people together, this funding can help shape environments that support health, happiness and belonging for generations to come.

At Why Sports, we’re proud to have played a small part in amplifying this journey — and we look forward to continuing the conversation as play takes its rightful place at the heart of community wellbeing.