Anne O'Brien, Play Development Officer
Dublin's Play Day 2005 takes place tomorrow, with games in Merrion Square in the afternoon, including relays, skipping, penalty shoot-outs, an obstacle course, playing with dough and gloop, and a pillow fight. "No queuing for face painting, no sitting staring at clowns," says Anne O'Brien, Play Development Officer with Dublin City Council. What a great job. "Yes it is!" she agrees. "My first task was to organise council policy on children's play. That was adopted last year and included aspiration towards a child-friendly city, neighbourhoods, playgrounds, and safe spaces for children. This year, we grant-aided more than 60 summer projects around the city." The aim of tomorrow's event is to promote "general, ordinary play" for children. "Because there are too many cars and buildings now, because there is no wasteground or wildness, play is restricted. We want discussion around that." O'Brien also highlights that most of the games being promoted involve very limited costs. If the Merrion Square event is full (ask at your local library for family tickets), organise a play day in your own neighbourhood. See www.dublincity.ie for ideas.