7 September 2021

For generations, local streets have been places where children and families could gather, talk, play and make memories. But in recent years, this has been happening less and less.

The Play Streets initiative, launched in Auckland in 2020, aims to reverse this trend and make streets more sociable by encouraging neighbours to come together for fun, family-friendly activities.

Young children playing with balls in the middle of a street

Play Streets events are simple, low cost and low stress. They’re designed and planned by neighbours to meet their needs and often include a mix of activities like:

  • chalk drawing on the street
  • playing games and sports together
  • riding bikes and go carts
  • playing with toys, like oversized building blocks
  • having BBQs.

To help build relationships, events can also include members of local community groups, such as Police officers, Māori wardens and local council members.

Events always take place on quiet streets with no shops and where it’s easy to temporarily limit vehicle access to enable people to gather together safely.

Funding and support are provided through a cross-agency partnership formed by Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, Healthy Families South Auckland and Healthy Families Waitākere, and Waka Kotahi as part of the Innovating Streets Programme.

Between December 2020 and June 2021, seven Play Streets took place in five West Auckland suburbs. An average of 50 to 60 people attended each event and the response was positive.

“It was one of the most incredible days ever because it provided a fun and safe place for our families to play and connect with one another” says Patricia Body, Rānui community champion. “It’s been a few weeks now, but people are still talking about the play street, and the neighbours are still playing every day since then.”

The initiative has also helped test Auckland Transport’s current street closure guidance process. Insights gained will be used to streamline the process, making it easier for people to plan and deliver local, community-focused events.

As part of the 2021–24 National Land Transport Programme, $30 million will be invested on a range of new Innovating Streets community projects around the country.

Innovating Streets Programme
2021–24 NLTP Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland regional summary

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