mayo county development board

play and recreation

county mayo

policy Mayo County Development Board April 2010

02Foreword

05Chapter 03

What is Play and

Recreation?

13Chapter 06

Strategic Objectives

and 2010-2012 Action Plan

08Chapter 04

The LocalSituation

15Reference

List

12Chapter 05

Underpinning Principles

16Appendix 01

Criteria for Further

Development

03Chapter 01

Introduction

04Chapter 02

The Policy Context

table of contents

mapsMap 1: 09Location of Existing Playgrounds

Map 2: 10Location of Youth Facilities, Multi-UseGames Areas and FAI mini-pitches

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Foreword

It gives us great pleasure to publish this important document which sets out a framework for the development of play in County Mayo. Play is extremely important from the perspective of a child’s development and it is crucial that we ensure that a co-ordinated approach is brought to bear on play and recreation facility provision in Mayo.

This plan sets out a range of roles and responsibilities for the development of play and recreation and we look forward to their continued development throughout the County. An inter-agency approach is essential to the delivery of this Policy & Implementation Plan and we wish to recognise the role that will be played by a wide variety of agencies and sectors.

It is hoped that through this play policy people will have a reference point and will find it a useful tool when looking for information on play and recreation provision and development in the County.

It is our hope that this important publication will result in further improved play and recreation provision for children and young people throughout Mayo and we wish to pay tribute to all those involved in bringing it to fruition.

..................................................................................Cllr. Eddie Staunton

CathaoirleachMayo County Development Board

..................................................................................John Coll

Director of Community & EnterpriseMayo County Council

Mayo County Development Board

COUnTY MAYO PLAY AnD RECREATIOn POLICY

Chapter 1:IntroductionPlay and recreation are an important aspect of the lives of children of all ages. They learn from these activities, make friends and develop a sense of their personal place in the world through them. Mayo County Development Board and Mayo Local Authorities recognise and value this crucial part of children and young people’s lives and this policy document has been prepared to provide a framework within which to address the play and recreation needs of children and young people in Mayo.

The national Children’s Strategy (published in 2000) specifically referred to the issue of play and recreation. Lack of play and recreation facilities was identified as a major concern, particularly by the children themselves in the Strategy consultation process. The Government committed to developing a national play policy at that time, and in 2003 the national Children’s Office published Ready, Steady, Play! A National Play Policy. This was followed in 2007 with the publication of Teenspace, a National Recreation Policy.

These policy statements have provided the bigger picture and this document now provides some local context and sets out a strategy for further prioritising and developing the play and recreational infrastructure within Mayo. The importance of play and recreation are emphasised and a series of actions are identified to further develop the necessary infrastructure.

This policy has been developed by the Community & Enterprise Directorate of Mayo County Council in consultation with the wide range of agencies represented on Mayo County Development Board, as well as other groups. The document explicitly recognises the need for an inter-agency and cross-sectoral approach to the development of play and recreation in Mayo, both in terms of infrastructural development and also in terms of efforts to promote participation and to enhance the public perception of the value and importance of play and recreation.

It is hoped that the document can act as a catalyst for the prioritisation of play and recreational activity as one of the central planks of service provision for young people. Much has been achieved in recent years in Mayo and significant progress has been recorded. This policy is now very important because it sets out the strategic approach essential to ensuring that play and recreation remain at the heart of young people’s lives in Mayo.

This policy document also contains a series of actions which have been agreed by a wide range of agencies working in Mayo. The inter-agency nature of many of these actions reflects the extent to which an integrated approach is required. The delivery of these actions will result in Mayo becoming one of the leading areas in the Country in terms of valuing the importance of play and recreation and providing the necessary supports and infrastructure to allow this aspect of children’s lives to flourish.

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Chapter 2:The Policy ContextThe development of this play and recreation policy has been undertaken with reference to a series of policy influences. These influences are set out below.

2.1 International Context Article 31 of the United nations Convention on the Right of the Child (1989) states:“We recognise the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts.”

2.2 The National Children’s StrategyThe national Children’s Strategy (2000) included a commitment to develop national play and recreation policies. The subsequent Programme for Government built on that commitment, stating that: ‘We will develop a national Play and Recreation Policy which will aim to ensure that all children have access to at least a minimum standard of play and recreation facilities’.

The Strategy acknowledged play as a basic need of all children and Objective D stated that “children will have access to play, sport, recreation and cultural activities to enrich their experience of childhood.”

2.3 National Play Policy Ready, Steady, Play! A National Play Policy was published in 2003. The impetus for the development of the national Play Policy came from the children who were consulted when the national Children’s Strategy was being put together. This consultation highlighted the concern of children throughout the Country about the lack of play opportunities at local level.

The national Play Policy outlined the challenges to improving public play provision and identified specific actions to be taken. The Mayo Play Policy takes as its starting point the general thrust, aims and objectives of the national Play Policy.

2.4 National Recreation Policy The National Recreational Policy for Young People in Ireland was launched in 2007, with an objective of providing “appropriate, publically funded recreational opportunities for young people between the ages of 12 and 18”. Entitled Teenspace, this policy document built on the findings of research into young people’s views on the opportunities, barriers and supports to recreation and leisure carried out in 2004 with over 2,260 young people.

2.5 Le Chéile le Neart - Mayo County Development Board’s 10-Year Integrated Strategy Mayo County Development Board explicitly acknowledged the impor tance of play in identifying the need for the appointment of a Play & Recreation Officer. Whilst this was not possible under the staffing embargo, the development of this Play and Recreation Policy is an important milestone.

2.6 Mayo County Development Plan One of the objectives contained in Mayo County Council’s County Development Plan is to “support and encourage an enhanced range of play opportunities, particularly for marginalised or disadvantaged children or children with disabilities”.

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COUnTY MAYO PLAY AnD RECREATIOn POLICY COUnTY MAYO PLAY AnD RECREATIOn POLICY

Chapter 3: What is Play and Recreation?

3.1 Defining Play There are many definitions of play, although most definitions draw on the work of Garvey (1977). Garvey concluded that:

“Play is pleasurable, enjoyable. Even when not actually accompanied by signs of mirth, it is still positively valued by the player… Play has no extrinsic goals. Its motivations are intrinsic and serve no other objectives. In fact, it is more an enjoyment of means than an effort devoted to some particular end. In utilitarian terms, it is inherently unproductive… Play is spontaneous and voluntary. It is not obligatory but is freely chosen by the player… Play involves some active engagement on the part of the player.”

“…to the child play is serious business; it is the way children learn what they need to know in order to take their place as creative, responsible adults in our complex society” IPPA, 2006.

3.2 Where does play take place? Cole-Hamilton and Gill, 2002 reminded us that: “Children play wherever they are. This might be indoors or out. Children play in their home, at school, in childcare and play provision, and in the public and private places they visit with their friends or with adults.”

Hence there is a need to provide for a child’s need to play in a variety of settings. This requires the provision of facilities as well as an explicit recognition and understanding of the play needs of children, wherever they are.

3.3 Why play? The benefits of play and recreation The Children’s Play Council (2002) has outlined the value of play in the development of children and young people as follows:

Immediate benefits of play:

• Provides children with opportunities to enjoy freedom and exercise choice and control over their actions;

• Offers children opportunities for testing boundaries and exploring risk;• Offers a very wide range of physical, social and intellectual experiences for children.

Long-term benefits of play:

• Fosters children’s independence and self-esteem;• Develops children’s respect for others and offers opportunities for social interaction;• Supports the child’s well-being, healthy growth and development;• Increases children’s knowledge and understanding;• Promotes children’s creativity and capacity to learn.

It has also been pointed out that children who play well in creative social situations:

• Show significant gains in many cognitive and emotional-social areas, including language development, intellectual competence, curiosity, innovation and imagination;

• The good players tend to have a longer attention span and greater concentration ability;• They are less aggressive and get along better with their peers;• They show more empathy, can more easily take the perspective of others, and can

better predict other’s preferences and desires. In general, the good players are emotionally and socially better adjusted.

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05COUnTY MAYO PLAY AnD RECREATIOn POLICY COUnTY MAYO PLAY AnD RECREATIOn POLICY

1 The Importance of Play in Promoting

Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong

Parent-Child Bonds, American Academy of

Paediatrics (AAP).

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Driver (1992) identifies six ways in which people benefit from recreation:• physiological benefits, including reduced incidence of disease and increased sense of wellness;• psycho-physiological benefits, including reduction of tension and anxiety, and improved

sense of well-being;• psychological benefits, including improved sense of self-esteem, freedom and independence,

improved problem-solving capabilities and enhanced perception of quality of life;• social/cultural benefits, including pride in one’s community, cultural and historical

awareness, and increased family bonds;• environmental benefits, including awareness of the need to protect the environment and to

maintain outdoor recreational sites, as well as protecting cultural, historical and heritage sites;• economic benefits, including opportunities for employment in the leisure industry, which is

one of the largest industries in the world in terms of employment and income generation.

Leisure and recreational activities can also facilitate a number of developmental processes in adolescence (Dworkin et al, 2003). These include the development of identity, self-concept and self-knowledge, the development of initiative, the development of emotional competencies, the formation of new connections with peers and knowledge of peers, the development of social skills, learning to work with others, leadership skills and the acquirement of social capital.

There are also benefits for communities from the provision of play & recreation facilities. These benefits include opportunities for integration, the prevention of anti-social behaviour and the promotion of community spirit.

3.4 From play to recreational activity Smilansky (1968) and others recognise the evolving nature of play for a young child. As the child gets older and grows into a young adult the nature of their play further evolves significantly. Although young children can be observed ‘playing’, it may not be appropriate to say that teenagers ‘play’. Instead, they may be said to be engaging in ‘recreation’ type activities. Crucially, their participation in these activities is acknowledged as being as important to their development as play is to a child’s development. The national Recreation Policy states that “how young people spend their free time has a major impact on their development, socialisation and future life”. The World Health Organisation (2002) emphasises the importance of leisure-time activities: it sees participation in varied forms of activity as giving young people opportunities for self-expression, feelings of autonomy and achievement. These positive effects can also help to counteract risks and harm caused by demanding, competitive, stressful and sedentary lifestyles. Involvement in activities such as sport, arts, music and hobbies can foster the adoption of other healthy behaviour, including the avoidance of tobacco, alcohol, drugs and aggression.

It is obvious that there is an evolution in the play and recreational requirements in the transition from childhood to adulthood. In this context it is imperative that this policy seek to make provision for these evolving needs.

3.5 The changing nature of playThe way children play is constantly changing and evolving. Most adults perceive a significant contrast between the way they played when they were young, and the way children play today. Today’s children, in general, have more money, toys and accessories but they also have less freedom. Changes in the natural and built environment have resulted in a decreasingly child friendly environment, with less open spaces in which to play and explore. Increased traffic and real or perceived ‘stranger danger’ have resulted in parents becoming increasingly reluctant to allow children to play without supervision outside their own homes. Changing work patterns have led to more formal structuring of children’s out-of-school hours and an increase in the number of children spending time in formal and informal childcare. Technological changes have resulted in more sedentary play in the form of computer and video games, the internet and mobile phones (Ready, Steady, Play! 2003).

Despite these concerns, however, international research1 points to the benefits of ‘unstructured play’ - i.e. play that is free and unsupervised. This type of play has been shown to increase children’s problem solving capacity and assists in the development of their creativity and decision making ability. It is also considered important from the perspective of developing an understanding of nature, and helps children learn how to work collaboratively, to share, to negotiate and to resolve conflicts.

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3.6 The changing nature of recreation The national Recreation Policy highlights a number of ways in which recreation is changing which are relevant to young people in Mayo today. These include:

• Recreation has become increasingly based on technology (watching television, playing computer games and surfing the internet). This presents a series of challenges to health, but also offers enormous opportunities in terms of widening a young persons’ social network;

• Having ‘places to go’ is considered extremely important by young people, and the environment is very important for them in terms of the time they spend ‘hanging out’ with their friends. Many young people have highlighted the lack of suitable environments for this activity as a real issue, while on the other hand they often have to contend with the fact that many adults perceive teenagers hanging out on the streets or in public spaces as a potential threat to public order. Suitable and safe environments are increasingly highlighted by young people as a major issue;

• For some young people alcohol and drug use form a significant aspect of their leisure-time activity. Irish students drink more alcohol than the European average2 and are more likely to get drunk, which often leads to anti-social behaviour. Providing attractive alcohol-free and drug-free alternative venues for young people can form part of the solution to underage drinking and drug-taking when combined with other measures. Young people have identified that having somewhere safe to go at night and at weekends can reduce the amount of anti-social behaviour;

• Research has shown that there has been a significant decline in physical activity. The 2005 report entitled Take Part (Physical Activity Research for Teenagers) found that 56% of participants were not involved in moderate or vigorous physical exercise for more than four days a week or at least 60 minutes per day, while some 80% were not regularly active for more than five days. Girls are significantly less likely to be physically active.

It is acknowledged, however, that young people in Ireland are still engaged in traditional recreational activities including sports, clubs, reading, volunteering and taking care of pets. The national Recreational Policy (page 20) points out that “positive recreational opportunities can make an important contribution to young people’s development and can help to counteract the risks and harm associated with sedentary lifestyles and risky behaviour”.

3.7 Why does Mayo need a Play and Recreation Policy? Children have a drive to play, not to gain rewards or to reach goals, but because they enjoy it - it makes them happy. There is a growing awareness that play and recreation are some of the most important learning tools for children. They are an integral part of development, creativity and independence. Play keeps children healthy and active and helps them interact with others and the environment. Research shows that early positive play experiences have a positive impact on the child’s development as he/she grows older. It is important to note that all children have a right to play and that good quality play and recreation facilities should be provided to guarantee this right. It is our responsibility as adults to understand and ensure that children’s play needs are realised.

The national Play Policy (2003) pointed out that “in Ireland play has been seriously neglected at policy level. There is a shortage of safe public play spaces, no ring-fenced Government funding for play and poorly developed public awareness of the value of play”. It is at the local level that these deficits are most keenly felt, as this is where the needs of local children often remain unmet. Locally, the consultation process undertaken in preparing Le Chéile le Neart identified the lack of play facilities as a real concern for many people and communities.

The national Recreation Policy recognises that although there has been significant public investment in programmes and facilities, the feedback from young people is that existing provision is not meeting their needs. It acknowledges that many young people want an alternative to traditional recreation such as sport and pointed out that “young people identified, in particular, the need for casual recreational opportunities, such as drop-in centres and youth cafés”.

It goes on to acknowledge that “while there has been substantial investment in facilities in recent years, this is not meeting the needs of all young people, particularly those who do not participate in sport”. This Play and Recreation Policy for Mayo seeks to ensue that the commitments contained in the national Play Policy and the national Recreation Policy are made real at the local level and in doing so identifies what needs to be done and by whom.

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2 http://www.dohc.ie/press/releases/pdfs/espad_summary.pdf?direct=1


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Chapter 4:The Local Situation

4.2.1 Outdoor Play Facilities

Town Location

1. Kiltimagh Town Centre (Aiden St.)2. newport Beside river 3. Ballina Town Park 4. Castlebar Lough Lannagh5. Castlebar Knockthomas6. Castlebar Milebush/Saleen 7. Westport Leisure Centre 8. Ballyhaunis Friary Grounds9. Claremorris McMahon Park 10. Crossmolina St. Jude’s Avenue11. Ballycroy Village12. Belmullet next to civic amenity centre13. Foxford Chapel Road 14. Swinford Brabazon Park 15. Ballinrobe Fairgreen 16. Knock Main Car Park 17. Ballindine Village 18. Louisburgh The Crannogs19. Killala Town Park 20. Keel Village 21. Charlestown Town Park 22. Balla Fairgreen 23. Irishtown Village

Plans are also underway for facilities in Mercy Park, Ballina and in the village of Bonniconlon.

Map 1 shows the location of playgrounds in Mayo. A 5-mile radius from each of these facilities is shown on the map to more fully demonstrate the spatial distribution of existing playgrounds.

4.2.2 Indoor Play FacilitiesThere are also a series of indoor play facilities in Mayo which play a significant role in providing wet-weather opportunities for play. Usage of these facilities has increased significantly in recent years.

Town Location

Kiltimagh Town Centre (Aiden St.)

Ballina Bunree Rd.

Claremorris Old Ballindine Rd.

Westport Westport House

Castlebar Roller Bowl, Moneen Breaffy Rd Industrial Estate

4.1 Population Profile The population of Mayo has increased from 111,524 in 1996 to 123,839 in 2006. Table 1 below shows the population of the Mayo towns.

Table 1: Population of Mayo towns 2002 & 2006

Town Pop 2002 2006

Castlebar 11,371 11,891

Ballina 9,647 10,409

Westport 5,634 5,475

Claremorris 2,101 2,595

Ballinrobe 1,626 2,098

Swinford 1,497 1,502

Ballyhaunis 1,381 1,708

Kiltimagh 1000 1096

Belmullet 952 1,074

Crossmolina 935 930

County total 117,446 123,839

Source: Census of Population 2006

It is impor tant to point out that these population figures do not take into account the population of the surrounding areas and hinterlands. In the case of the three main towns in the County (Ballina, Castlebar & Westport) the numbers of people in the DEDs surrounding the Urban DEDs is very significant. It is also impor tant to point out that Mayo has a strong small town and village structure.

4.2 Current Local Provision Currently there are playgrounds in Mayo at a range of locations. The majority of these facilities are state-of-the-ar t and have been designed and built to the highest of accepted standards using modern equipment. All of the facilities constructed in recent years fully conform to the highest safety regulations (En1176 relates to safety sur facing and En 1177 relates to play equipment).

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4.2.3 Other play facilities

In addition to the facilities detailed above, there are also a number of facilities that are exclusively for the use of crèches and other childcare providers. There are also other specific-service related facilities which serve to facilitate a broader usage of a wide range of services. Play facilities provided in public libraries, for example, which are for use by children whose parents or guardians are using the library are a good example of this type of provision.

Cole-Hamilton and Gill, 2002 reminded us that: “Children play wherever they are. This might be indoors or out. Children play in their home, at school, in childcare and play provision, and in the public and private places they visit with their friends or with adults.” It is therefore essential that recognition be given to the spectrum of facilities that are relevant from a play and recreation perspective in the County. These are many and varied and include:

• Indoor swimming pools - located at Ballina, Castlebar, Claremorris, and Westport. There are also a number of fee paying private swimming pools located in hotels throughout the County;

• Outdoor swimming pools - located at Ballyhaunis, Kilmovee and Charlestown;

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Map 1Playgrounds in Mayo [with 5 mile radius]


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• Public parks / green areas (for example in Ballina, Westpor t, Kiltimagh, Claremorris, Ballyhaunis and Castlebar);

• School playgrounds / play spaces. Major improvements have been made in recent years in the standard of school playgrounds. This has been facilitated by the Clár School Playground Improvement Scheme. Additional funding has recently been made available to schools for small works. Whilst the usage of these facilities outside school hours varies from place to place, it is Department of Education & Science policy that school Boards of Management make facilities more widely available to local communities. There is, however, a need to address insurance issues in relation to usage of these facilities.

Map 2Location of Youth Facilities, Multi-Use Games Areas and FAI Mini-Pitches


4.2.2 Recreational facility provision

• Some of the playgrounds in the County also have Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) (Map 2) nearby. Others have what might be termed ‘kick-about’ facilities attached. Whilst these facilities vary in size they are particularly important as they broaden the age range of users and significantly increase their recreational value;

• There are a small number of youth centres / facilities in the County (Map 2), although some of these are inadequately resourced;

• Mayo VEC’s Achill Outdoor International Education and Activity Centre;

• Mayo’s extensive walking infrastructure3 (new combined walking and cycling routes are also planned);

• Coillte recreational facilities4 located throughout Mayo;

• There are a series of FAI-funded mini-pitches located throughout Mayo (Map 2);

• There are a wide range of community halls, playing pitches and other community facilities in Mayo that have significant potential as venues for recreational activity. It is important to acknowledge that this potential is not necessarily specifically associated with organised sport taking place in these venues. Instead the recreational activity can take many other forms, both organised and informal.

Work done by both Mayo Sports Partnership5, and as part of Mayo CDB’s Facilities Audit6, in researching the availability of facilities in other clubs, public and community settings gives a good indication of the range of other types of play and recreational facilities currently existing in Mayo.

4.3 Play and Recreation Facility Provision: Identified Gaps in Service

From an analysis of play and recreation facility provision in the County it is apparent that there are some gaps in service provision. These include:

• There is a need to further develop the range of youth spaces / teen spaces in the County. It may be difficult to secure funding for stand-alone youth centres, and in this context it is important to explore ways of identifying defined spaces within existing and new community facilities which are for exclusive use by teenagers;

• Additional Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) are required to complement existing play facilities;

• As highlighted by the 5 mile radius map, there are some geographical gaps in service provision;

• There is a need to provide a broader range of play and recreation opportunities for different age groups throughout the County;

• The National Recreation Policy recognises that although there has been significant public investment in programmes and facilities, the feedback from young people is that existing provision is not meeting their needs. It acknowledges that many young people want an alternative to traditional recreation such as sport. It pointed out that “young people identified, in par ticular, the need for casual recreational oppor tunities, such as drop-in centres and youth cafés”.

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3 www.mayowalks.ie4 www.coillteoutdoors.ie5 http://www.mayocdb.ie/media/Media,2768,en.pdf6 www.mayocdb.ie


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Chapter 5:Principles Underpinning Mayo Play and Recreation Policy

A series of principles have guided the development of the Play and Recreation Policy for Mayo. These are as follows:

} Child CentredIn planning a child-friendly environment and public facilities, the best interests of the child will be a primary consideration and children’s wishes and feelings will be given due regard.

} Family OrientedPublicly funded play and recreation policies and facilities will be established in a manner which supports and empowers families within the community.

} EquitableAll children should have equality of opportunity, access, and participation in publicly-funded play, irrespective of background, ability, religion, race or culture. A key priority in promoting a more equitable society for children is to target investment in public play and recreation at those most in need.

} InclusiveThe diversity of children’s experiences, cultures and lifestyles and levels of ability (physical and otherwise) must be recognised in the design and implementation of play and recreation policies and facilities.

} Action Oriented The planning and construction of public play and recreation facilities must be clearly focussed on achieving specified results to agreed standards in a targeted and cost-effective manner.

} IntegratedPlay and recreation policies and facilities should be delivered in a co-ordinated manner through integrated analysis and policy planning.

} Quality StandardsWe are committed to providing a high quality play and recreation infrastructure in compliance with recommended national and European standards and legislation.


Chapter 6: Strategic Objectives and2010-2012 Action Plan

6.1 Mayo Play & Recreation Vision The vision statement of Mayo Local Authorities in relation to play and recreation is:

To promote the importance of and opportunities for play and recreation within Mayo so that young people experience a range of quality opportunities to enrich their lives and to promote physical, cultural, mental and social well-being.

6.2 Mayo Play & Recreation Plan Objective 1: Give children and young people a voice in local issues that affect them

Action Co-ordinated by

1 Support & resource Comhairle na n-Óg Mhaigh Eo. Mayo County Council (MCC)

2 Actively consult with children in County Development Board (CDB); relation to relevant local issues. Mayo County Childcare Committee (MCCC); MCC

3 Proof all County and Local Area Development Plans MCC against the Mayo Play & Recreation Policy.

Objective 2:Raise awareness of the importance of play and recreation activity


4 All agencies will, through their own work, seek to All relevant agencies promote public awareness of the value of (structured and unstructured) play in child development.

5 Organise annual festival of play & recreation. MCC; MSP

Objective 3:Ensure that children’s play needs are met through the development of a child-friendly environment


6 Integrate relevant Best Practice guidelines from: MCC • national Children’s Strategy (2001); • national Play Policy (2004); • national Recreational Strategy (2007) to ensure that children’s play needs are addressed in an integrated manner.

7 Work with Mayo County Childcare Committee to MCC; MCCC; MSP promote and facilitate the provision of age-appropriate play facilities and opportunities in the County.

8 Work with Mayo County Council’s Arts Office and CDB; MCC the Inspiration Station Working Group to promote the development of creative play opportunities in the County. 6


7 There is an increasing need for multi-use game

areas to be developed adjacent to existing

playgrounds in the county. Many teenagers tend to

gather at playgrounds and there is a need to

create a suitable outdoor space for them to use.

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6

Objective 4: Maximise the quantity, range and quality of public play opportunities


9 Develop further the play infrastructure in Mayo MCC; Local Development Sector; over the lifetime of this Plan. Local Communities;

10 Maintain high quality of standards through regular MCC inspection of facilities and conduct user surveys of existing facilities to identify areas for improvement.

11 In conjunction with Department of Education & MCC; Science, schools and local community Department of Education & Science organisations, to promote and improve the use of school play facilities outside of school hours.

12 Promote and maximise the use of local community Mayo Sports Partnership (MSP); facilities as venues for both indoor and outdoor MCC; Local Communities play & recreation.

13 Explore the feasibility of providing multi-use game MCC; areas7 adjacent to current and proposed new Local Development Sector play facilities.

14 Ensure that all play facilities are fully accessible to MCC children with disabilities.

15 Ensure that play development is inclusive of the needs SIMWG; MCCC of children that may experience disadvantage or exclusion.

Objective 5:Develop appropriate recreational facilities and opportunities for older children


16 Identify opportunities for suitable indoor and outdoor MCC; MSP recreational facility provision for teenagers.

17 Provide additional Multi-Use Games Areas MCC; MSP; Local Dev sector throughout the County.

18 Further develop ‘Youth Café’ type MCC; Health Service Executive (HSE); facilities throughout the County. MCDB; Comhairle na nÓg Mhaigh Eo; local development sector; C&V sector

19 Work to increase the opportunities for teenager / MSP; CDB; VEC youth participation in outdoor education activities and other activities (walking, cycling, etc) which utilise Mayo’s unique natural environment.

Objective 6:Develop a partnership approach to funding and developing play and recreational opportunities


20 Explore the possibility of creating a fund to cover MCC the costs associated with the maintenance and upkeep of existing and new play facilities.

21 Establish a Mayo Play Advisory Committee (PAC) made CDB up of representatives of relevant agencies and sectors (to include MCDB, MCC, HSE, CCF, MCCC, etc) to advise on suitable opportunities and on implementation

22 Identify suitable funding partnership opportunities CDB that may be advanced with the local development sector (e.g. with Rural Development & LEADER programme funding) and with the private sector.


Reference List

Central Statistics Office (2007) Census 2006: Principal Demographic Results. Dublin: The Stationery Office.

Children’s Play Council (2002) More than Swings and Roundabouts: Planning for Outdoor Play. London: national Children’s Bureau Enterprise Ltd.

Cole-Hamilton, I. and Gill, T. (2002) Making the Case for Play: Building Policies and Strategies for School-Aged Children. London: national Children’s Bureau Enterprise Ltd.

Driver, B.L. (1992) ‘The Benefits of Leisure’, Parks and Recreation, no. 27, pp. 16-23.

Dworkin, J., Larson, R. and Hansen, D. (2003) ‘Adolescents’ accounts of growth experiences in youth activities’, Journal of Youth and Adolescence, Vol. 32, no. 1, pp.17-27.

Garvey, C. (1977) Play: The Developing Child. Glasgow: A. William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd.

Mayo County Council (2003) County Development Plan 2003-2009. Mayo County Council.

Mayo County Development Board (2002) Le Chéile le Neart: 10 Year Integrated Strategy. Mayo County Development Board.

National Children’s Office (2000) National Children’s Strategy: Our Children - Their Lives. Dublin: The Stationery Office.

National Children’s Office (2004) Ready, Steady, Play! National Play Policy. Dublin: The Stationery Office.

Office of the Minister for Children (2007) national Recreation Policy for Young People in Ireland. Dublin: The Stationery Office.

Smilansky, S. (1968) The effects of sociodramatic play on disadvantaged preschool children. new York: Wiley.

WHO (2002) The World Health Report 2002: Reducing Risks, promoting health. Geneva, World Health Organisation.

Woods, C., Foley, E., O’Gorman, J., Kearney, J. and Moyna, N. (2005) The Take Part Study: Physical Activity Research for Teenagers. Report for the Irish Heart Foundation, the Health Service Executive and Fingal Sports Partnership by School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University. Dublin: Dublin City University.


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Appendix 1: Criteria for Further Development In terms of the further development of the physical play and recreational infrastructure in the County it is necessary to identify criteria which will be used to determine which areas of the county are designated as priority areas for playground and recreational facility development.

It is acknowledged that it is essential to continue to invest in the play and recreation infrastructure in the County. There is an ongoing need to facilitate the development of additional playgrounds, multi-use games areas, Youth Cafés and other facilities that provide play and recreational opportunities. However, it is also important to recognise that significant resources are required to provide, maintain and inspect these facilities. In this context it is necessary to be strategic about where new facilities are located.

In order to assist with deciding on the locations for future facility development the following criteria will be used:

Assessment Criteria

1. A spatial analysis of geographic location and geographic access;

2. Assessment of need, local population & tourism demand;

3. Site availability, suitability & ownership;

4. Availability of funding and identification of agreement of funding bodies.

5. Complementarity (identification of appropriate type of facility required in a particular area and achieving a balanced mix of provision)

An application process will be initiated for communities seeking play & recreation facilities, to include an expression of interest form and an application procedure to be jointly assessed by the various funding, regulatory and insuring bodies involved.

The adoption of these criteria means that it is possible to designate certain parts of the county as being priority areas for facility development. Areas which are designated as priority areas may, for example, be areas which are currently under-served in terms of the location of nearby facilities or may be areas where recent concentrated population increases merit consideration of additional facility provision. They might also include areas where there is a defined demand from tourists. Areas with priority designation must also comply with the other criteria (site & funding availability, etc) so as to be considered for further support. These criteria facilitate further development in areas currently underserved, but do not preclude further development in any part of the County.

Funding models

Although various funding models have been used in the past for playground provision, it was often the Local Authority which provided most of the funding and associated maintenance. Recent advances in facility planning and design and equipment quality, however, significantly reduces the levels of maintenance required. However, funding for small scale maintenance and regular inspection is an issue that needs to be addressed. In addition, there are now a range of funding models that reflect a more integrated approach to the development of community infrastructure.

In the context of the new Rural Development Programme, it is envisaged that LEADER Partnership companies will play a key role in providing funding for play and recreation facility provision in their local areas. It is likely that a partnership approach to funding will result in optimum levels of provision.

county mayo play and recreation policy county mayo play and recreation policy

mayo county councilmayo county development Board

t: +353 (0) 9490 47549m: +353 (0) 8727 93092

www.mayocdb.ie

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