Parents in Southampton are to be asked their views on outside play to help develop play areas in the city.
The research has come about as a result of a successful bid for a Ł1 million grant from the Department for Children, School’s and Families (DCSF). The money will be used to develop 20 to 25 new play areas in the city.
Play Services Manager Sean Holehouse said: “We believe this grant is a fantastic opportunity to develop facilities for children in Southampton. We have already asked children what they want from outside play — now we need to find out what their parents think.”
The research has been designed to explore attitudes towards play in a hope to gain an insight into the 21st Century parent’s perspective.
Children’s Information Service Manager Lin Clark said: “Attitudes towards outdoor play have changed dramatically over the last few years. We get the impression that parents are becoming increasingly cautious about letting their children play too far away from the house.
“We see the survey as a chance to explore attitudes towards outdoor play areas and learn what parents want for their children.”
The survey is to commence on May 24 and will see 516 parents interviewed face to face. It will cover a wide range of play issues but will specifically focus on outdoor play for 8 to 13-year-olds.
The results of the survey will be available in July on the Children’s Information Service website. The council hope it will provide valuable information that can be used to develop the new play areas.