NEWSROOM

The six-week consultation on the Council’s draft Play For All Strategy 2026-2036 closes on Monday 26 October, and residents are encouraged to share their views before the strategy is finalised.

The reminder comes just weeks after Telford and Wrekin was named the best place in England to raise a family in a national study, which also found the area has the best access to outdoor play anywhere in the UK. Researchers highlighted the Borough’s abundance of parks and playing fields, with an average of more than six within a kilometre of home.

The draft strategy sets out a ten-year vision for creating inclusive, accessible and high-quality opportunities for outdoor play and recreation across the Borough, recognising that play and recreation are important for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

The proposals have been shaped by feedback gathered over the past two years from children, young people, families, residents, community groups and other stakeholders, who highlighted the need for more varied and inclusive play opportunities, natural and sensory play, safe social spaces and facilities that better meet the needs of disabled people, women and girls and older children.

Councillor Carolyn Healy, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Sustainability, said:

"We want as many people as possible to have their say before the consultation closes.

"Being recognised as the best place in England to raise a family and the best place in the UK for access to outdoor play is fantastic news for our Borough, but we want to go further and make sure our play spaces continue to meet the needs of residents now and in the future.

"Play is an important part of healthy, happy communities and this strategy sets out how we can create more inclusive and welcoming opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to play, be active and enjoy the outdoors.

"We've already had some valuable feedback, but there is still time for residents, families, community groups and young people to tell us what matters most to them. Every response will help shape the final strategy and our future approach to play and recreation across the Borough."

The draft strategy proposes a Borough-wide approach to play, including a wider variety of formal and informal opportunities, accessible and inclusive spaces, opportunities for different generations to use spaces together and greater community involvement in the design of local play spaces. The strategy also supports the Council’s work to create a Child Friendly Borough where children and young people are heard, supported and given opportunities to thrive.

Feedback received during the consultation will be used to help shape the final Play For All Strategy, which is due to be considered by the Council’s Cabinet in the New Year.

Residents can view the draft strategy and complete the online survey here.

The consultation closes on Monday 26 October 2026.