PLAY PROVISION ASSESSMENTS

Being essential for the development and well-being of children and young people, play allows individuals to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive and emotional strength. In recognition of this, Bespoke were engaged by Auckland Council to prepare play provision network assessments for several local board areas to assess playspace provision. This included building on existing experience in developing assessment parameters and a methodology to assess play at a network and individual playspace scale; and establishing a holistic understanding of relationships between type, distribution, associated catchment level of service, play value, age and population dynamics. Information was then mapped, analysed and presented in a manner that enables authorities to clearly understand their network and make informed decisions on playspace renewal priority, required nature of investment and relevance of provision from a network perspective.