What is PopUp Play?
Pop-Up Play is quite literally that, a play space that “pops up” , that wasn’t there before and it gets brought to life. Usually in public spaces like a town plaza or library lawn or community garden. It is a play movement around the world that brings free and accessible open ended and creative play spaces to children in diverse areas and communities. Here are a few descriptions of what the Pop-Up Play movement is.
“These free, public celebrations of child-directed play, filled with loose parts and guided by playworkers, bring communities together for a unique play experience. Whether at a local park or dedicated adventure playground site, these events encourage creative and collaborative play among children and adults.” Pop-Up Adventure Play website
“Pop-up play installations can offer communities the ability to think outside-the-box when it comes to how and where play is provided. Both flexible and nimble, these playspaces can move about the city and aren’t tied to a specific location. Because of this flexibility, moveable and pop-up play offers the ability to respond to unique opportunities, such as setting up a play installation at a festival or other special event. Moveable and pop-up play reduces the need to pick winners and losers when designing and locating a play installation, so that all kids have access to meaningful and active play.” - Kaboom website
PopUp Play as a form of activism
Here at Iyari Play, we believe deeply that children have the right to unstructured free play and safe spaces to play. We try to bring PopUp Play experiences to our communities and beyond as often as we can. We see the impact these creative community experiences have on the participants and we know it is important work. We created a presentation that discusses Play initiatives as tools of community outreach and a strategy to increase access to outdoor learning for more children. You can find it here and an accompanying resource list here.
Do you have a request for a PopUp Play event in your area? Reach out and we can make it happen!
