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Navigating Neighbourhood Opposition and Climate Change: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Play Street Pilot in Sydney, Australia

Author

Listed:
  • Josephine Y. Chau

    (Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia)

  • Putu Novi Arfirsta Dharmayani

    (Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia)

  • Helen Little

    (School of Education, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia)

Abstract

Background: Play Streets are community-led initiatives that provide opportunities for outdoor play and recreation when parks or other facilities may not be easily accessible. This pragmatic evaluation aims to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a pilot Play Street in Inner West Sydney. Methods: We used a post-only mixed methods design. Brief intercept surveys with pilot Play Street visitors assessed their reasons for attending the event and perceptions thereof. Semi-structured interviews explored stakeholders’ experiences related to planning and implementing Play Streets. Results: Approximately 60 adults and children attended the pilot Play Street. The majority of survey respondents (n = 32) were female, aged 35–54, lived in the Play Street’s postcode, and visited in groups consisting of adults and children. Overall respondents rated the pilot positively in enjoyment (100%), safety (97%), and organisation (81%), although there were significant differences between certain demographic subgroups in the perception of organisation and the children’s enjoyment of the pilot Play Street. Stakeholder interviews (n = 2) highlighted the importance of community consultation and reaching compromises, noting concerns about safety and insurance costs, and emphasised the role of Council as a facilitator to help residents take ownership of Play Streets. Delays due to community concerns, poor air quality arising from bushfires, heavy rain on the event day, and COVID-19 lockdowns hindered pilot Play Street implementation and evaluation. Conclusion: This pilot demonstrated that Play Streets are a feasible and acceptable way to use streets as outdoor recreation spaces in Sydney’s Inner West. The evaluation highlights two elements for future sustainability: managing neighbourhood opposition and adapting to climate change.

Suggested Citation

  • Josephine Y. Chau & Putu Novi Arfirsta Dharmayani & Helen Little, 2023. "Navigating Neighbourhood Opposition and Climate Change: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Play Street Pilot in Sydney, Australia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-11, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:2476-:d:1051715
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mariana Brussoni & Rebecca Gibbons & Casey Gray & Takuro Ishikawa & Ellen Beate Hansen Sandseter & Adam Bienenstock & Guylaine Chabot & Pamela Fuselli & Susan Herrington & Ian Janssen & William Picket, 2015. "What is the Relationship between Risky Outdoor Play and Health in Children? A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-32, June.
    2. Zieff, Susan G. & Chaudhuri, Anoshua & Musselman, Elaine, 2016. "Creating neighborhood recreational space for youth and children in the urban environment: Play(ing in the) Streets in San Francisco," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 95-101.
    3. M. Renée Umstattd Meyer & Tyler Prochnow & Andrew C. Pickett & Cynthia K. Perry & Christina N. Bridges Hamilton & Christiaan G. Abildso & Keshia M. Pollack Porter, 2021. "The Effects of Play Streets on Social and Community Connectedness in Rural Communities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-15, September.
    4. Mark S. Tremblay & Casey Gray & Shawna Babcock & Joel Barnes & Christa Costas Bradstreet & Dawn Carr & Guylaine Chabot & Louise Choquette & David Chorney & Cam Collyer & Susan Herrington & Katherine J, 2015. "Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-31, June.
    5. Amalie Lambert & Janae Vlaar & Susan Herrington & Mariana Brussoni, 2019. "What Is the Relationship between the Neighbourhood Built Environment and Time Spent in Outdoor Play? A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-35, October.
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