Mobile play vans are free services offered by local councils. They are targeted at children ages six and under (the preschool population). They offer a regular schedule of safe and creative play and socialisation space, and a chance for families with pre-school aged children to meet and socialise, most often in local parks. These services will be important when parks or other amenities are not yet completed or have not yet matured. They are of great value in communities where residents with young children have limited capacity to travel to community centres or other facilities.
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Mobile Play Van
Mobile play vans are free services offered by local councils. They are targeted at children ages six and under (the preschool population). They offer a regular schedule of safe and creative play and socialisation space, and a chance for families with pre-school aged children to meet and socialise, most often in local parks. These services will be important when parks or other amenities are not yet completed or have not yet matured. They are of great value in communities where residents with young children have limited capacity to travel to community centres or other facilities.
About this pattern
Commoning Concerns
Ownership
Local Government; the community of users should also be encouraged to have a sense of ownership.
Access
Children under age six and their family.
Use
Active and passive play by children; socialisation opportunity for caregivers of young children.
Benefit
Gives children access to space to play; inclusion of movable and adaptable resources encourages creative play; play outdoors has health benefits and lessens the use of air conditioning for indoor play.
Care
Local Government generally has formal authority; local communities, however, play an important role in ongoing careful use. Programs like this should also make accommodations for the comfort of care-providers during play activities. If the goal is community belonging and cohesion, a chance for meaningful interaction among care providers of young children is of equal importance. Programs could be improved through incorporation of volunteer help, and with that comes the need to ensure child-safety through background checks.
References
- Municipality of Burwood, Mobile Play Van, https://www.instagram.com/burwoodmobileplayvan/?hl=ur
- Municipality of Penrith, Mobile Play Van, https://www.penrithcitychildcare.com.au/images/Mobile_Playvan_Term1_2020_Schedule.pdf
- Sofoulis, Z. Armstrong, H., Bounds, M., Mellick Lopes, A., Andrews, T. (2008). Out and About in Penrith. Universal design and cultural context: accessibility, diversity and recreational space in Penrith. Centre for Cultural Research, University of Western Sydney and Penrith City Council
