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Play streets - connecting our community

About

This project oversaw the delivery of a number of street events within the City of Port Adelaide Enfield. Play Street events were held each month from October 2022 – April 2023. The events were delivered in streets where vulnerable families lived, who have not accessed early childhood services, such as playgroups, kindergartens and libraries. The program delivered a suite of events within the streets of these areas to engage with families directly.

Events were provided as an opportunity for children to play freely in the street, and for neighbours to get to know each other.

"It was wonderful, I loved seeing the street closed off so the kids could play! I would love for council to do this more often especially for kids that live on busy roads" Playstreet event participant

Background

The program responded to the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) data, which showed 24% of children in Port Adelaide Enfield are vulnerable in one or more areas. The program encouraged and promoted intergenerational connections, helping to increases a sense of community, safety and social wellbeing. The project’s success to date can be measured by the contribution and collaboration by the local community groups who have partnered into this project.

Outcomes

A series of nine community events were held across the council. A total of 280 people participated in the events, including 80 children between 0-5 years old.

The project was successfully able to provide opportunities for young children to engage through play. The Play Street events were an opportunity for local families and children to come together in a safe, fun, inclusive environment to connect and play with other local children and families.

The events allowed families to connect with local services and to learn more about what is available to support their young children in their development. This information was especially valuable for new parents and those from CALD backgrounds.

Families participating in these events gained:

  • a sense of community
  • an increased feeling of safety
  • connectedness within their neighbours
  • awareness of local services like the library.

It is anticipated that the stakeholders involved in this project will continue to work collaboratively to provide programs, projects, services and events to the City of Port Adelaide Enfield community.

Image gallery

Two children playing with wooden blocks on the street
Children playing on a hopscotch mat on the street
General image of children playing on a empty street.
4 people sitting on a rug on a street doing colouring in.
A boy with a bubble machine on the street
Children working at a trestle table on the street
Children playing soccer on the street
Children walking on bucket stilts on the street
Community centre with stalls out the front, along the street
Children on the street playing drums and blowing bubbles
4 adults sitting in a park playing drums
A table with fruit, bubbles and other giveaways
Two children playing with wooden blocks on the street
Children playing on a hopscotch mat on the street
General image of children playing on a empty street.
4 people sitting on a rug on a street doing colouring in.
A boy with a bubble machine on the street
Children working at a trestle table on the street
Children playing soccer on the street
Children walking on bucket stilts on the street
Community centre with stalls out the front, along the street
Children on the street playing drums and blowing bubbles
4 adults sitting in a park playing drums
A table with fruit, bubbles and other giveaways