Play Street in Stroud Green?

trainspotter · July 2014

Hello, I have been to a play street in Avondale Road in Harringay and it was really nice. The road is more-or-less closed off to cars for 2 hours a month (they can get in and out at walking pace with an escort but are encouraged to avoid it if possible) and volunteers act as wardens. Then children come out on bikes and scooters and adults stand around with mugs of tea and get to know their neighbours. I live on Dagmar Road, off Oakfield Road, which could easily be closed off without causing disruption, either on its own or together with the adjoining Beatrice Road. Would there be any appetite for this? I have spoken to the organiser of the Avondale Road play street and it's quite simple (and free) to apply for the road closure if there is local support. I know I should do some door-knocking to see what people think but I taking the lazy and wimpy option of posting on here first to test the waters. Please let me know your thoughts - good or bad - and if there is interest I will take the next step of asking my neighbours.

Duncan · July 2014

<font face="Arial, Verdana" size="2"><span style="line-height: normal;">I have a friend in Enfield who's been doing this, sounds amazing:</span></font><br><br><font face="Arial, Verdana" size="2"><span style="line-height: normal;">http://subversivesuburbanite.wordpress.com/2014/06/29/what-the-heck-has-our-play-street-done-to-the-kids/<br></span></font><br>She has quite a lot of blogs which are both inspiring and helpful - so for example it's worth pointing out that you can get your car in and out of your own street when it's closed - you just have to wait for a marshal make sure the way is clear.<br><br>I'd certainly support this if someone wanted to do it on Ossian Rd., though that's probably too far away to count as support for Dagmar - though might come over with my son if he has school-friends on your road. What would be even better would be a regular road closure for a couple of hours after school finishes (St. Aidan's in our case) - but of course it's summer holidays now.<br><br>It's a shame, really, that bikes, scooters and footballs don't have priority over cars the whole time on little roads that don't go anywhere much.

trainspotter · July 2014

<p>Thanks Duncan. Yes, it wasn't until I went to the play street in Avondale Road that I realised how much of our public realm we give over unnecessarily to cars. Doesn't look like this idea is a massive hit though, with yours being the only response! I might still try a bit of door-knocking if I pluck up the courage - or maybe a leaflet drop. Ossian Road isn't too far - you'd be very welcome to bring your son to play in our street! </p>

miss annie · July 2014

A lot of people only check in now and again, lots don't have kids or not the right age kids, don't be disheartened. At my end of Moray Rd we have locked gates at Hornsey Rd end and blocking the entrance from Seven Sisters Rd. This means that only people who live here, and the odd lost person, comes in. Children play out constantly especially in this weather. They whizz up and down and bikes and scooters and play ball games. It's great. We also know lots of the neighbours as the road is peaceful so people do stuff outside and people tend to chat. Strong contender for friendliest street in Stroud Green. Several people locally have posted this play streets thing on twitter too, so no doubt it will become a thing. It's popular in the US, they do it in San Francisco.

trainspotter · July 2014

<p>Thanks Miss Annie - I'd be interested in what people with no children think of the idea too as I don't want to create a nuisance of myself. The people in Avondale Road said they'd had the support of nearly everyone though as people without children still liked the idea of getting to know their neighbours better. There is a page on the Haringey Council website about them:</p><p><a href="http://www.haringey.gov.uk/playstreets">http://www.haringey.gov.uk/playstreets</a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>;

mikestroudgreen · July 2014

Hi trainspotter<div><br></div><div>I live on Beatrice Rd and have no children. I think it's a great idea if that's worth anything!</div><div><br></div><div>Great community idea and can't see why people wouldn't object</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>

NorthNineteen · July 2014

Great idea and I firmly support them. I previously worked at another London council (in transport policy/sustainable transport) and I helped push through similar - Harringey actually gave me a bit of support and they have quite bit of experience. They can be a bit of a pain to do and some councils put up a lot of red-tape, plus you will find some of your neighbours very anti them, but if you can get a group that are supportive then it has every chance of working.<br><br>there are so many resources out there, Living Streets are a strong national advocate. Hackney have some excellent resources (http://www.hackney.gov.uk/play-streets.htm#.U9IxnqxAPQg) and I also suspect Harringey has similar advice. Good luck!<br>

trainspotter · July 2014

Thanks everyone. I will do the leaflet drop then. Mike - I look forward to seeing you at our first play street!

JamieJamie · July 2014

This is a great idea. We're on Oakfield Road near Beatrice Road. Our baby is not quite running about yet but it won't be too long. Would love to be involved.

Tordie · July 2014

I think it is a great idea too, seen the facebook page 'playing out' too. Unfortunately I am on Ashley Rd off Crouch Hill which is used as a cut through to Archway so doubt it would work. There are lots of people without young children who like having families on their road and would probably be up for it.

timgallagher · August 2014

@trainspotter Let me know if you'd like any help with this, I think it's a great idea. Have to admit I was a bit skeptical at first when the play streets idea was mentioned in another thread as I thought it referred to a slightly busier part of the ward. But I agree that Dagmar would be perfect for it.

naomi · November 2014

Hi, I don't know how far you've got with this but we have a very successful Playing Out on Dickenson Road off Crouch Hill. You'd be welcome to drop in to the next one (although depends on the December weather!). We dealt with Wendy Thorogood at Haringey Council and she was very helpful.<br><br>

odd stewart · November 2014

This sounds cool. How can I get more info about the Dickenson Road one Naomi? <br>

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