Streets in Hull will shut to through traffic and open up to play on Sunday as Hull hosts its first ever Playing Out Day.
The Playing Out project, a locally organised arm of a national scheme, launched last year and has proved a huge success.
Designed to give children the freedom to safely play out on their own streets without fear of traffic, Playing Out sees residential roads closed to cars for up to three hours at a time. Simple equipment such as skipping ropes and chalks are provided – and everyone from the community is invited.
Playing Out events are organised by residents with support from Hull City Council to apply for a road closure, provide signage and supply the play equipment. On Sunday, six sessions will take place in total – five of which are new to the project.
Playing Out sees residential roads closed to cars for up to three hours.
Emma Kelly, health improvement officer at Hull City Council, said: “The interest in Playing Out has been fantastic and the scheme has grown phenomenally since launching last year. Both enquiries and events have more than doubled and more residents are making contact all the time.
“We provide all the necessary support for people to make Playing Out happen on their street, but understand that the planning can still be a bit daunting. We decided to host the Playing Out Day to make it a bit easier for people by providing a ready date they could just opt into.
“The beauty of Playing Out is that it is something residents take on themselves. They are making something great happen right on their own doorsteps. Children benefit from the chance to play, but it is an opportunity for adults on the street to meet too.”
Playing Out sessions can be held on streets that are not a main road or bus route. Residents can still use their vehicles to get in and out, with support of organisers, but streets are closed to through traffic throughout. The organisation process is simple and support and advice is provided. Participating streets receive all necessary signs and play equipment.
Find more information, or apply to host a session on your street, click here.
