Children, Nature & Play

Introduction

Whether by necessity or choice, more children around the world are living in urban areas. For the first time in human history we are now  more urban than rural society, with 55% of the global population now living in cities and growing rapidly. 

In just a few generations, access to play opportunities and nature-rich experiences for children have decreased significantly. This global deficit of play and nature has negative impacts for children's healthy development. There is a growing body of research that highlights the many benefits of play and nature experience on children's physical, mental, social cognitive, and emotional health.

Purpose

Recognizing that all children have a right to play and connect with nature, CPN is a global voice supporting the value and benefits of urban parks and green-spaces to children's health and wellbeing.

A child's access to urban parks and green-space can foster:

  • Improved physical health (increased physical activity, reduced risk of obesity, increased vitamin D levels, reduce nearsightedness, imporve cholesterol levels, blood pressure, bone density, musculoskeletal and cardio respiratory fitness)
  • Social- emotional wellbeing (reduced stress, anger and aggression, improved relationship skills, ability to better cope with stress)
  • Improved Cognitive abilities (learning in natural environments can boost performance in reading, writing, math, science and social studies, enhance creativity and problem solving, improve focus and attention, increase enthusiasm and level of engagement, improves behaviour and reduces ADD symptoms)

Current Projects

  • Launched a Children, Play, & Nature 2018 World Parks Statement - Read Here>>
  • Launch a webinar series

Past Projects 

  • Salzburg Global Statement on the Child in the City in 2017
  • Published Children, Play and Nature Policy Statement
  • Attended International Conferences
  • Launched Children, Play and Nature Webinar

Join

To join please contact Children, Play, and Nature Committee Co-Chairs' Amanda O'Rourke, or Helena Bjarnegard at office@worldurbanparks.org