Games we (might) play in the street

In 2001 YoCo’s very own Phil Bixby was involved in developing proposals for a Home Zone in Leeman Road – one of a number around York discussed at that time. To give the formal definition, Home Zones are ‘residential streets where people and vehicles share the whole of the street space safely, and on equal terms, where quality of life takes precedence over the ease of traffic movement’. They were inspired by the Dutch Woonerfs – a successful and often-used design approach there, but one which was found more challenging in the UK context.

A Woonerfs. Photo by Phil Bixby.

As part of this work Phil went into St Barnabas School (back when located off Bright Street) to chat to children about what they like to play outside as well as what gets in the way of playing.

All the games St Barnabas School children were playing in 2002 - as well as some of the barriers, namly traffic, dog poo and broken glass.

As you can see in 2002 children in Leeman Road were skipping, cycling, playing British Bull Dog and marbles amongst other things (Kerbie or Time Bomb anyone?).

Phil went back to St Barnabas School in 2018 and a much less rich range of games were generated. It is difficult to say why precisely but the decline resonates with a wider sense that kids are not outside as much, whether due to concerns for safety or the dominance of screens in all our lives. 

Games St Barnabas School children were playing in 2018.

One of YoCo’s intentions is to create a neighbourhood where children play in the streets. We used our Community Plan for York Central to map out all of things that would make children playing in the street possible – from removal of cars to having eyes on the street from known adults through a mixture of economic activity and places to sit and spend time. 

But in order for children and adults to play out in the streets, we also need some games to play!

At the Table Top sales YoCo is co-organising with St Barnabas Church – and in collaboration with Heidi Moon – we’ll be asking any and all to delve back into memories (whether 50 years ago or last week) to share games and to play them live in the church grounds.

What games did you love? What games would you like to pass on?