New 'play policy' for Douglas Council

The authority aims to create inclusive spaces for all ages

Douglas Borough Council is introducing a new play policy for its current, and future, play areas.

A ‘risk benefit’ approach will be adopted which recognises risk as a 'fundamental component' of play to encourage children to learn about their environment and boundaries.

The council will aim to provide areas of play throughout the Island’s capital that are ‘informal’ and ‘casual’.

Spaces will be provided for children and young people ‘irrespective of their abilities’ and will create flexible areas for them to use.

During the January public meeting, Councillor Andrew Bentley said: “It keeps us absolutely in line with the best parks right across the world.

“For a generation, parks have been designed for insurers and lawyers. Play is about interacting and exploring.”

After the meeting he spoke to Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper: