Working as a play space development officer for Children's Links, a children's charity in Horncastle, Lincoln, I realised there were few facilities for safe play in the area. So, with the help of Sure Start Birchwood, we approached the local council to develop the first 'play route'.
A pathway had been newly laid alongside Lancaster First School and leading to the local library, Paper Moon day nursery and local shops. The idea behind the project was to stimulate the children as they walked along this path by creating interesting play features.
I worked with ten children aged six and seven from Lancaster First School on the theme of footprints. Once they decided what animal footprints they would like to see along the path, a company specialising in playground markings recreated their designs. Products can be tailor-made and prices start from 3 a piece.
There are 188 footprints in total, laid out in groups of 12 prints of different animals. Footprints from dogs, cats, cows, horses and elephants have all been used and we even had the strange request of using those of a tree frog! The path also incorporates colours, numbers and letters to develop early numeracy and literacy skills.
The nursery has changed its route to the library and now walks along the path. I gave the nursery staff a list of the animals and the children enjoy trying to identify the footprints.
At the end of the pathway, which joins the school car park, a round logo depicting a boy and girl has been designed with the words, 'Stop, Look and Listen'. This was done to remind children that there are cars nearby.
I think the path is an excellent idea because it makes everyday outings into an adventure. We have found that children also prefer walking along the path instead of driving to and from their destination and parents are happy because it is safe and well away from the road.
As the footprints run in both directions, they encourage the children to stay on the right side of the path. The children also develop their own games as they walk along the path, for example, spelling their names as there are letters next to some of the footprints. The prints have definitely brightened the place up.
Tracy Parr spoke to Mahrukh Choughtai
More information
For more information on road markings contact Magical Marking, Yorkshire on 01977662500
