Cambridge City Council has commissioned a second phase of the Cambridge Playlaws public art project to further explore the theme of playfulness.
This second phase of the project follows on from the first phase developed in 2023-24, which saw bright yellow aluminium ‘Playlaw’ plaques placed around Cambridge to encourage play and interaction, following a series of engagement events.
Playlaws draw on local memories, observations and imagined futures. Some celebrate the joy of childhood play, others encourage spontaneous acts of silliness or kindness, while others invite us to reimagine what our streets, parks and neighbourhoods could become.
The intention of the project’s second phase is to change how people see the world around them, and continue to promote physical activity by helping people to find new ways to engage with the built and natural environment.
The council has extended the commission of social enterprise Playful Anywhere, and the artists Pippa Hale and Hilary Cox Condron to develop the Cambridge Playlaws phase 2 project in Abbey and Petersfield wards. Phase 2 will work with local people to co-create six new Playlaws that reflect the distinct character, histories and aspirations of these neighbourhoods.
The project team has been making connections with local people throughout the summer. The artists have collected playful memories from people of all ages through a series of 1-2-1 conversations with local organisations such as Cambridge United Foundation and Abbey People.
During Abbey’s Big Lunch on Sunday 14 June, they collected almost 100 contributions from children, young people, adults and older residents, plus local councillors and the Mayor of Cambridge.
Attend free play events during September
Free Playlaws events are taking place this month centred around the Playbox - a 20ft shipping container out of which spill playful activities into the surrounding public space through games, conversations, making activities and opportunities for spontaneous play. The Playbox can be found at the following locations in September:
Coldham's Common
- Saturday 12 September: 9am to 3pm (all ages)
- Sunday 13 September: 11am to 3pm (all ages), 5pm to 7pm (Twilight Teen Takeover)
Thorpe Way recreation ground
- Saturday 19 September: 11am to 3pm (all ages)
- Sunday 20 September: 11am to 3pm (all ages)
Following these public events six new playlaws will be developed based on the ideas generated, and will be placed permanently in locations around Abbey and Petersfield.
Cllr Antoinette Nestor, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy and Skills, said: “Play and spontaneity are basic human instincts that can be immensely beneficial for people’s wellbeing.
“Public play opportunities have decreased dramatically around the country in the last 50 years for a number of reasons including busier schedules, easy access to screens and the internet, increased traffic, and policy and bureaucracy.
“The great thing about projects like the Cambridge Playlaws are that they can help people of all ages find new ways and places to play, meet people from around the community, and experience and interact with their surroundings from a different perspective.”
Find out more information about the Cambridge Playlaws project.
