'Play Street' pilot in Mangapapa a hit - and a first for Tairāwhiti

Tamariki in Edward Street in Mangapapa were free to scooter, bike and even crawl, as the Play Street pilot rolled out. Picture supplied

The Gisborne District Council in collaboration with Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti, hosted the first “Play Street” in Tairāwhiti.

Play took over Edward Street, a cul-de-sac off Mary Street in Mangapapa. The road was cordoned off so that around 20 tamariki and whānau could come together to enjoy a range of play activities including cricket, chalk drawing, bicycles, frisbees and parachute games.

“It was so cool to see tamariki and whānau playing safely together on the street, just like how many of us grew up.” Sport Gisborne Tairāwhiti regional play system lead Anna Tolich said.

Play Streets create safe spaces for play by temporarily restricting traffic to streets, so neighbours can play safely and freely outside their own front door. This allows tamariki to play, and neighbours of all ages to connect.

“Our communities have been through a lot recently,” Gisborne District Council play advocate Katie Kennedy said.

“It was amazing to see everyone coming together, in some cases meeting each other for the first time, sharing stories and creating some wonderful playful moments.

“This Play Street was a pilot for us, and we’re hoping to take learnings and develop guidelines and processes so neighbourhoods across Tairāwhiti can host their own Play Street in 2024.”