The Dublin Docklands Development Authority has published a report on Play Space Guidelines intended to be used by developers, architects and landscape architects, and by those involved in the marketing and management of new developments in the Docklands area.

The guidelines are specifically intended to describe the minimum standards required for the provision of semi-private play spaces within all new housing developments in Docklands.

The comprehensive report, commissioned by the Docklands Authority and prepared by Mitchell & Associates, includes background information on relevant legislation and best practice together with detailed practical advice regarding the design of play spaces for developers.

Paul Maloney, Chief Executive, Docklands Authority said that the publication of the Play Space Guidelines was in keeping with the Docklands Authority's commitment to make Docklands a quality family-friendly quarter of Dublin city. "By family-friendly, we mean the provision of spaces that accommodate a related group of people of different abilities, desires and needs. For example a park can provide places for children to play and spaces for adults to sit, talk and think" he said.

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The need to develop family friendly living areas in Dublin's Docklands is highlighted by an analysis of the demographics in the area. In 2002 almost 14 per cent of the 19,704 Docklands population was under 15 years old. Given that the overall population is projected to increase to 42,500 by 2012, this means that there will be almost 6,000 children under the age of 15 living in the area in five years time.

The Play Space Guidelines were developed following widespread consultation with the local community, including 55 children (5 -13 years); 25 adolescents (14 -20 years); 31 adults; 15 older people; eight community workers; three developers and a management agent.

According to the authors, throughout observations and consultation, it was clear that current play practice is limited for many children and the way they play appears to cause conflict with other users of the spaces. A detailed analysis of public play spaces available in Docklands recommended strategic actions needed to develop play spaces. These included improving connectivity between public spaces and residential areas and fully exploiting the potential for play in and around water, together with maximising the multi-functional uses for squares, small 'left-over' paces and courtyards.

The authors of the guide note that many of the developers promoting city living in Docklands do not promote the concept of family friendly living in the area and instead target their marketing materials at young professional people. This report presents practical advice on how to change this and illustrates how the developers can incorporate 'Play Plans' into their planning schemes. This will now be required by the Docklands Authority as part of a Section 25 planning submission.

(GK/JM)