Designing cities for play: Why child-friendly spaces matter

By Nick Watson 2025-10-30T07:00:00

Nick Watson, Project Lead, Elephant Park

Children are the benchmark of an area’s liveability. They tell us whether it is healthy and inclusive. If it does not work for them, it is failing, writes Lendlease’s Nick Watson

Looking out over Elephant Park this summer, the sight of children playing at the Springs water fountains was a reminder that child-friendly public spaces are not a nice-to-have – they are a litmus test of whether a city is healthy and inclusive.

From my office overlooking the park and the Springs, the laughter and energy of children are ever-present and uplifting. A mix of doorstep play, pocket parks and central park areas invites them to test their imagination, agility and balance.

As external pressures continue to challenge our sector and scheme delivery, we must not lose sight of the importance of designing with children in mind. If our towns and cities do not work for them, they are failing.

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