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What is a Play Street?
Play Streets temporarily restrict vehicle traffic on quiet local streets, so that tamariki, whānau and other residents can be active, socially connect, and play in their neighbourhood.
They are small, resident-led, local gatherings, held on quiet neighbourhood streets during daylight hours only. They are not a publicly promoted event.
Play Streets are about making connections – tamariki, rangatahi, whānau, and neighbours getting to know each other better.
Why Play Streets?
Play Streets is a great way of ensuring play keeps happening in our communities.
Neighbourhoods don’t get together and play like they like they used to – some people worry about safety, some think that playing outside comes with big risks, and some people feel disconnected from their neighbours. Technology has also impacted how we play, and families have competing priorities that take them away from playing.
Play Streets are a fun way for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau to play outside, be active, get to know each other, and change the way we experience our neighbourhoods. There are lots of benefits for everyone taking part – whether you’re a parent or caregiver, neighbour or tamariki.
Play Streets Aotearoa Toolkit
Want to learn more about Play Streets?
This toolkit supports communities to bring Play Streets to life. It has everything you need to know about how to run a play street successfully.
Download the Sport NZ Play Streets Aotearoa Toolkit:
To get started
If you’re thinking about getting your neighbourhood involved to make a Play Street happen, start by talking to your local council or your local Regional Play Systems Lead, based in your nearest Regional Sports Trust.
FAQs
Have a read of our commonly asked questions from community organisers when it comes to running their Play Street.
Waka Kotahi Reshaping Streets
Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) Reshaping Streets initiative will enable communities and local authorities to work together to modify their existing streets to provide more space for people. The ‘Community Streets’ part of Reshaping Streets, will make it easier for councils to implement and approve Play Streets in their regions.
“I was new to the community, and this has fast tracked my connection to the people in the street. As a single parent that is gold! My daughter feels connected with the children and we both feel safe.”
Play Street stories
If you require an accessible version of any content on the site please contact us at info@sportnz.org.nz and we will be happy to assist.
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