Nature-based play can be a powerful unifying agenda and we recognize the need to provide tangible, worked recommendations backed by real-world experience. With this publication, we aim to inspire playmakers to implement nature-based play in their communities, meeting both the needs of children and a more resilient climate.

In conflict or crisis situations, a focus on physical survival needs in refugee camps or informal urban settlements, means that children’s psychological needs are often neglected. Such stressful situations force adults to prioritize meeting other basic needs like food, shelter, and safety over creating a more nurturing environment, leading to limited opportunities for play.

Urban consumption, production and lifestyle habits have all contributed to the looming global climate crisis because of the pressure they place on ecosystems. However, encouraging cities to become more climate resilient can prove beneficial to climate change mitigation efforts. One way to contribute to climate resilience, is to intentionally design public play spaces that can adapt to the realities of climate change.

When thinking about the most fundamental rights for children, you’d be forgiven for jumping to headline needs—nutrition, healthcare, education. But, while these necessities are fundamental, they’re about surviving, not thriving. In a society that values academic achievement and business acumen, it’s very easy to forget another vital ingredient to a child’s development; the ability to play.

Play is an essential part of childhood and a basic human need, yet it is often overlooked in urban planning. In this session of Cities on the Frontline webinar, speakers discuss the importance of financing placemaking in cities by sharing innovative approaches to finance projects and initiatives that encourage play.

In many cities, play has been relegated to the margins and squeezed out by other priorities such as housing and transport infrastructure. It’s now something we now have to do with what little space remains. With this session of Cities on the Frontline webinar, speakers called on cities to recognize the benefits of play and commit to building back better so that children can play better.

This report by the Resilient Cities Network and Arup, reinforces the Real Play Coalition’s aim to inspire and connect a network of the people and organisations that have the power to create playful and more resilient cities. By building a pro-play movement that shares knowledge, inspires and supports each other, we can create more open, inclusive and resilient cities.

Nature-based play can be a powerful unifying agenda and we recognise the need to provide tangible, worked recommendations backed by real-world experience. With this publication, we aim to inspire playmakers to implement nature-based play in their communities, meeting both the needs of children and a more resilient climate.