Play facilities: 'Parks do not have to cost the Earth'

A major survey released to mark the occasion suggest that 60 per cent of parents want their offspring to play outdoors more often than they do.

That is no surprise given the widespread concern just now about so-called "cotton wool kids" - the idea that over-protective parents are not giving their children enough freedom to take risks and stretch themselves.

It would seem that this is exactly what the youngsters themselves want.

New research from Bristol and Loughborough universities suggests that the idea of modern children preferring electronic entertainment to more traditional, "real world" play is simply a myth. When asked about their favourite places to play, 88 per cent chose the beach or a river, and 79 per cent said the park. Ball games, bike riding and tree climbing were all overwhelmingly more popular than playing computer games.

But playing outdoors, especially in a city, is not always straightforward.

We are blessed in the Capital with many green spaces. There is, of course, a lot to be said for some good old-fashioned playing with a ball around the park.

But we need to do more than that for modern children to make sure they have the best chance to grow, to test themselves, develop their skills and personalities, and get a taste for physical activity.

We need to create environments where parents can be confident that their children are safe and where, in the words of David Cameron, "children can play and explore the boundaries".

That often means good-quality play parks. They do not have to cost the Earth but, given the rundown state of many in the Capital, a substantial investment is needed to bring these important facilities up to scratch.

The 1.6 million promised by the city council to upgrade 35 playgrounds across the Capital is a very welcome and much-needed first step.