Bradford’s co‑designed play improves physical activity
How co-designed, health-focused places and community spaces can encourage children to be more physically active and improve overall wellbeing.
A major study (Join Us: Move Play) in Bradford found that when young people co-designed neighbourhood play spaces and physical activity was embedded in community and faith settings, children's physical activity increased by more than 70 minutes per week.
The findings reinforce a simple lesson: health outcomes are shaped not only by individual choices, but by the places we create together.
One of the most effective ways to improve health is not a new app, gym membership or prescription, but designing places to support wellness.
Too often, health interventions focus on individual behaviour while overlooking the environments that shape daily choices.
The streets we walk, the quality of public spaces, access to nature, play opportunities, perceptions of safety and community connections all influence how active and healthy people can be.
At Saluura, we help communities, developers, BIDs, investors, local authorities and place managers understand how effectively places support health and wellbeing across multiple dimensions, from movement and nature to social connection and mental wellbeing. Our evidence-based assessment, with a co-design option, identifies local opportunities to create environments where healthier choices become easier, more attractive and part of everyday life.
