Play streets
Children in Hackney are set to reclaim the streets, thanks to a groundbreaking scheme that closes selected streets to through traffic, turning them into play streets.
Apply now for a temporary play street order, which allows you to close your street for up three hours per week or month.
Playing out workshops
Hackney Playing Out, a resident-led support and advice service for street play, is offering workshops in various neighbourhoods to explain the playing out model and application process, discuss concerns and ideas, and motivate people to start the process on their street. Tea and coffee will be served and younger children/babies are welcome. The following dates have so far been confirmed:
- Wednesday 15 May, 6.30-8pm at The Trinity Centre, Beechwood Rd, Dalston, E8 3DY (2 minutes walk from Dalston Junction).
If you would like to attend either workshop please email hackney@playingout.net
Applying for a temporary play street order
Talk to your neighbours and explain what you want to do. Our application pack (Word, 53KB) includes a template letter you could use to send to them. The street won't be closed completely; people living on the street can still drive to and from their homes. You will need to recruit friends or neighbours to help on the day; there has to be someone at each end of the street to warn cars.
Complete the application form (Word, 53KB) and email it to streetworks@hackney.gov.uk.
If your application is approved, we will give you road closure signs to put up on the day.
Stoke Newington resident Claudia Draper runs a monthly play street on Oldfield Road. If you have any questions on setting up a play street, from convincing your neighbours to the practicalities on the day email hackney@playingout.net or join the Hackney playing out Facebook group. You should also take a look at Playing Out; the not-for-profit information and advice resource for street play.
Benefits of play streets
See Playing Out for lots of information about street play and why playing in streets can be good for children. Play streets:
- allow children to play near home
- give children the space to play energetically
- increase sense of community by bringing neighbours together.
Play streets in Hackney
Click on the map to see where play streets are already in action.
View Play streets in Hackney in a larger map
Page updated: 26 Apr 2013
