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Play Streets

By closing a city street to traffic at certain times, there is an opportunity to use the free space for play and movement. This concept, which originated in Bristol in 2009 and has since been used in hundreds of cities, is also being implemented in Bratislava on the streets in front of primary schools.

Play streets aim to create a safe space for children to play freely together in their neighbourhood, be active and make friends. Some activities that children will find on the relaxed street include educational and movement activities, chalk drawing on the road or performances by local artists.

The concept of play streets contributes to the adoption of the space by the community, which starts to use it differently. Finding a new use brings a better understanding of the space and helps to name possible problems. At the same time, the concept brings back to the city what was once familiar – streets full of children.

Research has also suggested the positive impacts of play streets. There have been reports of improved traffic conditions, increased community cohesion, and a greater sense of social connectedness among residents in areas with play streets.

Play streets in Bratislava are conceived as one-day neighbourhood festivals. The events include many activities for children and adults. We involve school pupils, active residents of the immediate neighbourhood and various local associations, thus connecting individual members of the community who may not have known each other before.

Watch the video of the first play street we organized at Tbiliská Primary School in September 2022.