Timberplay Ltd reposted this
Today I've had a bit of time to reflect on my own feelings about the #onthewayplay pilot projects that went from idea to action in all of 6 months! March this year feels like yonks ago now but both 'A Child's Eye View' and ' Portable Playtime' projects now feel bedded in and the output is still being actively enjoyed...I can finally say I'm pretty chuffed with the impact both on the physical possibilities of place they seem to support and particularly their influence on other people's sense of wonder, 'can do' and ' why not?' in public spaces. I'm feeling good about it. I'm pleased that I have felt confident enough to share some of the activation and community engagement methods I have been developing and explain a little bit of the detail along the way to anyone who will listen about the logistics of putting a range of play equipment (some big and wooden no less) on a district centre high street/adopted highway. Also the challenges and some surprising conflicts/blocks to installing artwork decals across a range of street furniture and their infrastructure suppliers 'boring b's- bins, bus stops, bollards and boxes)...were very interesting! ( more on that in a future case study) I've really enjoyed sharing my work with professionals who took an interest and show people around Stockport on mini #walkingaudits and tours of #achildseyeview' and let them have a go on the #portableplaytime' fun on Castle Street in #Edgeley. A big crew from Sustrans visiting from that there London to find out how we did it, Eve Holt stroking a stroking bear in her role with GM Moving, and a great bunch from Future of Greater Manchester who got involved in the fun 'on the way' too. Some of my professional highlights have been seeing suited and booted council executives and distinguished guests of Stockport council, chalking up #Edgeley high street. Another good memory was watching on at a highways engineer (there to ensure installation safety) posing with a giant snail in a picture as it was delivered to site. Another joyful moment was a highways engineer this week imagining what a grit bin could be saying to them as they walk past it as part of a workshop. Hee hee, what a fun outcome to have adults connect with the streets so playfully and with new found wonder again. I also really like just watching people of all ages taking a moment to perch on the wooden snail or read what a sausage roll has to say to them whilst standing outside the Greggs. Makes my day to think they're thinking and seeing and hopefully feeling like a child for a passing moment! Here's a video of some of the fun we had this Spring and Summer! Thanks to Stockport Council , the schools and Timberplay Ltd for helping to get it on the ground with me and to #UKSPF for funding the pilot.