Ever wondered what holding a street gathering would be like on your street? Our survey this winter has captured the changes that real people have made on their St Albans district streets. All simply by using the Playing Out scheme to close their road on a few occasions a year.
It’s now 5 years since the Playing Out scheme started in St Albans district with a handful of trial streets – read our full story here on the national Playing Out site. Over 35 local streets have now used the scheme to close their road for low-key community gatherings, play and neighbourly chat.
For our Meet Your Neighbours survey in the winter of 2023, we spoke to people who had used the Playing Out scheme to hold some road closures on their St Albans district streets. We asked them to tell us what they had done on their street, how Playing Out had affected them personally and how it had changed their street. Their responses have been full of joy.
“I know more people on my street”
93% of our respondents said they knew more people on their street because of closing their road for street gatherings.
“People know more of their neighbours and friendships have developed.”
“We’ve now got a street WhatsApp group, and have organised a number of playdates for the children at neighbours’ houses, given the stronger friendships made. Also great for the adults!”
“It’s sparked a few ideas for other play sessions, Christmas drinks etc”
The children have so much fun at Playing Out sessions!
“The most memorable or enjoyable thing that happened during a play street session was…
“…children of all ages doing races together.”
“…all the children wanting a ‘group’ photo at the end of one of the sessions, so they could have a picture of all their new friends”
“..children selling lemonade, making lavender bags, playing with large skipping rope”
“..cheese rolling.”
“…the kids love the street races, marking out a start and finish line in chalk. They also love the chalk pavement drawing.”
“..watching my children develop confidence riding and scooting.”
“..just the fun and laughter of the children.”
“I love it all! Halloween Playing Out was the best.”
The adults have fun at Playing Out sessions too too!
“[At] our Christmas Playing Out, neighbours turned on their lights & decorations and we all wore Christmas hats! “
“[I love the] adults joining in games.”
“The adults love the coffee and cake!”
“The most memorable or enjoyable thing that happened during a play street session was…
…a neighbour bringing out a box of apples from their tree and everyone enjoying them together. “
Playing Out grows community for everyone of all ages and abilities
“The elderly people go on to have tea after playing out.”
“Older people [are] volunteering, even though they don’t have small children. “
“The most memorable or enjoyable thing that happened during a play street session was…
….a child with a serious Illness coming out to play.”
….seeing kids of all ages on our road interacting. The older ones helping the littles, and just seeing neighbours come together like family.
“…sharing lovely cakes and drinks. Meeting new families [who] are so delighted to get to know many people on their street in one afternoon. “
Playing Out changes how we see our streets
“Playing Out has made the neighbours more aware of the problem of speeding on our road and has prompted several residents to take action to address this issue. “
Playing Out ignites a passion for community
Here are just some of the projects that streets and residents said they have gone on to get involved with after starting Playing Out:
- “Neighbourhood watch”
- “Local plan discussions”
- “Charity activities”
- “We organised a 2x street parties and helped with a big objection.”
- “Became a charity trustee.”
- “Street WhatsApp group has been used to discuss local planning issue re 55 new houses proposed further down the road.”
- “Safe streets initiative”
- “Hedgehog highway”
Playing Out brings magic and joy to a neighbourhood
“As a result of the sessions, I know other local parents enough to stop and have a chat when we pass them in the street / in town which is really lovely and helps us feel more settled here in our community.”
Find out more
Read our full Sustainable St Albans 2023 Meet Your Neighbours report here.
Find ideas on how to build the community where you live on the Meet Your Neighbours page here. Their next events in early March are free information sessions in person or on zoom. Find details of this and other events here.
- Friday 1st March 10am – Free in-person information session about how to organise a street party, with our sister organisation, Our Street Party. At the Bennet’s Cafe, The British Legion, Leyton Road, Harpenden. Booking via Eventbrite recommended.
- Friday 1st March 11am – Free in-person information session about how to start Playing Out on your street. At the Bennet’s Cafe, The British Legion, Leyton Road, Harpenden. Booking via Eventbrite recommended
- Wednesday 6th March 7pm – Free online information session about how to organise a street party, with our sister organisation, Our Street Party. Book via Eventbrite for link.
- Wednesday 6th March 8pm – Free online information session about how to start Playing Out on your street. Book via Eventbrite for link.
- Sunday 17th March 10am-12 noon – drop in at the Sustainability Market, Harpenden and chat with the team