Bradford project produces ‘outstanding’ rise in children’s physical activity

JU:MP programme included co-design of play spaces, exercise in faith settings and interventions in schools

A project in the UK which included young people designing their own play spaces has led to what researchers say is the highest increase in children's physical activity ever recorded by an intervention of its kind.

The JU:MP programme (Join Us: Move Play) in Bradford, West Yorkshire, recruited children and young people to design play spaces on neglected land near their homes, choosing plants, balance beams, and nature play features, such as stone stacks and earth mounds which encourage imaginative games while keeping maintenance costs down.