#15 Eugene Minogue. The Right to Play: Childhood, Risk, and the Public Space

In this conversation, Andrew Telfer (WildStrong) speaks with Eugene Minogue, Executive Director of Play England, about the state of play in the UK and beyond. From free-range childhoods to the rise of 'No Ball Games' signs, they explore how societal shifts and adult fears have squeezed play out of children's lives. Eugene shares personal insights, policy changes, and practical actions we can all take to restore play as a right for both children and adults. Expect reflections on parkour, digital play, physical literacy, public policy, and why your childhood memories might be the key to fixing the future.Themes:The shrinking free-range of children’s movementBuilt environment vs play opportunityThe “Know Ball Games” campaign and public spaceParkour and adult playRisk, fear, and liabilityISO standards on risk–benefit assessmentsDigital play and its limitsWhy physical literacy begins with unstructured playHow we design for children… and forget adultsLinks Mentioned:Play EnglandNo Ball Games / #MoreBallGames campaignThe Anxious Generation by Jonathan HaidtTaming Gaming by Andy RobertsonStolen Focus by Johann HariISO 45003: Benefit–Risk Assessment in PlayWildStrong🎵 Music: Exercise by Mary Erskine (aka Me for Queen) – used with permission.