Available data suggests that playgrounds are comparatively safe places – yet, in many countries, concerns about potential liability for injury have led to bureaucratic risk reduction initiatives that might not do a good job of weighing the risks against the benefits of encouraging more adventurous outdoor play.
The Bernard van Leer Foundation commissioned independent researcher Tim Gill to write Playing it Safe? A global white paper on risk, liability and children’s play in public pace. Drawing on research across a number of disciplines, it asks what lessons rapidly urbanising low- and middle-income countries can learn from the experiences and mistakes made in cities in high-income countries.
The white paper sets out 10 recommendations for action by agencies taking forward playground and public space initiatives.
