Play
Child aged 10.Play is what I do when everyone stops telling me what to do.
Play provision
Play is an essential aspect of children’s development, culture and quality of life. It can take place anywhere: at home; in a park or playground; at school; in a playgroup; or simply enjoying a game of avoiding the cracks in the pavement whilst walking to school! Children can and do seek out opportunities to play and are endlessly inventive.
Our aim is to make sure that all children who play in the borough have access to quality play opportunities.
To support this, the borough has:
- 42 outdoor children’s playgrounds
- 4 paddling pools
- Indoor and outdoor play facilities at Marble Hill Playcentres (Marble Hill One O'clock Club & Toy Library and the Adventure Playground are run by the voluntary sector).
- A skate-park for young people at King’s Field in Hampton Wick.
Our parks and open spaces page shows the locations.
- Play Rangers are located in some of our parks to help children make the most of our parks.
Best places to play
Tell us where you think the best places to play, picnic, ride a bike, anything are in Richmond upon Thames and we'll put your ideas up here!
Submit your ideas by completing the best places to play form as completely as you can.
Play Strategy Review 2011-14
We carried out a survey in 2011 where you told us about what you think about play and play provision in the borough. This was part of a review of our play strategy, and as a result we have identified four main areas which will shape our play pledges for 2011-12.
Download the Play Strategy Review 2011-14
(pdf, 613KB)