Childhood Development & Health Concerns - Globally, 400 million children are overweight or obese, with 40% of urban 10-year-olds in the speaker's island community facing the same issue [6] - Teenagers are significantly lacking in daily activity, with 82% not meeting the recommended one hour quota [6] - Mental health issues are escalating, affecting one in seven 10 to 19-year-olds globally, and one in four older teens report feeling lonely [7] - In the UK, 16 million children require additional support in the classroom, indicating a rise in special educational needs and sensory dysregulation [8] The Role of Play - Play is essential for human flourishing, serving as a means of connection and communication throughout life, not just in childhood [11] - Play spaces should encourage movement, social interaction, and engagement in real life (IRL), helping to reduce screen time [11] - Play mitigates childhood issues and is a key part of human flourishing [10] - Overcoming risk through play is crucial for developing competence and resilience [13] Urban Planning & Community - By 2050, 70% of the global population will reside in cities, emphasizing the need for improved urban environment planning [6] - Play spaces foster community connection and therapeutic family time [18] - Communities that play and plan together can co-design and co-produce for a better future [25]