Nottingham City Council is yet to confirm which and how many play areas will be closed but attributes the move to financial losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The API is calling for a specific funding stream for outdoor play and fitness facilities to stop this from happening in more areas but states that the Government response is that the funding already provided to local authorities is ‘sufficient for them to determine the best local provision’.
The play sector trade body warns that there will be a negative impact on children’s mental and physical health if play areas continue to ‘disappear’ and the cost to society will be ‘significant’. Billions of pounds have been committed by the Government during the crisis to support the economy and the API argue that, in comparison, the amount required to reverse the decline in public play provision is minimal.
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