Tackling health through play

Durham County Council’s Leisure Transformation Programme is modernising leisure provision across the county and creating affordable, inclusive spaces that bring families together and encourage active play

Active play can instil lifelong habits for a healthier, happier society

There’s an abundance of evidence that demonstrates the positive impact of active play on children’s mental, physical and social development,” says Councillor James Rowlandson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for resources, investment and assets. “Yet, active play is becoming less prevalent in their daily lives. Rowlandson has a point. A recent national study of 1,000 children aged 11-14 – commissioned by ukactive and conducted by children and family insights agency Beano Brain – reported that just over half of children surveyed (53 per cent) spend more than six hours a day on a device. This leaves very little time for other forms of play. Sport England’s recent ‘Active Lives Children and Young People’ survey backs this up, reporting less than half (47.8 per cent) of children in England are achieving the government’s recommended 60 minutes of activity per day.

Despite screens currently dominating children’s play time, only 26 per cent of children surveyed said they would prefer to be on a device than being physically active. In other words – a huge majority would prefer exercise-based play.

Rowlandson says that the council has recognised the issue and is now taking action. “Across County Durham we are tackling these issues head on by creating engaging, safe and inclusive environments where children and families can enjoy being physically active together in a non- competitive way,” he reveals. “By investing in active play we have a chance to turn the tide on inactivity and instil lifelong habits that lead to a healthier, happier and more prosperous society.”

Investment in county-wide high-impact play facilities

To date, the council has invested more than £1.75million in play-focused facilities as part of a wider investment in its leisure centre modernisation programme, part of its Leisure Transformation Programme.

“The Leisure Transformation Programme has, so far, delivered extensive active play provision at four key leisure venues: Abbey Leisure Centre, Peterlee Leisure Centre, The Louisa Centre and Spennymoor Leisure Centre,” Rowlandson explains.

Places

Most kids prefer exercise-based play over screens

Drawing on the expertise of Alliance Leisure, employed through the UK Leisure Framework, owned by Denbighshire Leisure, the council now offers a range of active play spaces that combine imaginative design with technology to balance fun, physical activity and entertainment. The result? Destination venues offering services and programs tailored to target age groups where families are choosing to spend their leisure time.

For example, Abbey Adventure at Abbey Leisure Centre combines zones for under-8s featuring multi-storey soft play with areas for older children like trampolines, parkour blocks and interactive TAGactive challenges. Peterlee’s Play Zone, the county’s largest soft play space built over three tiers, includes a spacious toddler area and is designed to meet the needs of the community.

In Stanley, The Louisa Centre offers a mix of soft play, a TAGactive Arena featuring multi- level interactive challenges, and an auto-belay climbing experience with late-night sessions catering specifically to older children and teens. In addition, Spennymoor Leisure Centre integrates a two-story Play Zone with a beach-style pool.

By offering accessible pricing and features that appeal to diverse communities, these facilities are reshaping family recreation while promoting physical activity and addressing health inequalities.

A broader strategy for community wellbeing

To complement its dedicated play facilities, the council has also developed a range of new services housed under its county-wide ‘Thrive’ brand. Thrive Kitchen cafés serve affordable, healthy food options alongside traditional treats, with menus designed to suit a range of dietary preferences. Redesigned family changing villages and accessible amenities add to an environment where families can spend quality time together whilst being encouraged to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Early analysis of the council’s investment in play is promising. “Across Abbey Leisure Centre, Peterlee Leisure Centre and The Louisa Centre, more than 39,000 children have visited our soft play, with over 6,000 children using the facility at The Louisa Centre in the first three months of opening,” Rowlandson says.

“This is a mix of existing visitors using the facilities more and, encouragingly, families that had not previously visited one of our leisure centres. Families are also travelling from further afield.

Traditionally, our leisure centres have attracted families from a 10-minute drive time. The new play facilities, especially those like TAGactive, have extended our catchment to a 20-minute drive time.”

The council has also addressed and extended its programming to include SEND-friendly sessions and a Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAFF). This is increasing engagement, with feedback highlighting improvements in children’s confidence, social skills and physical health.

“We are also seeing a positive ripple effect beyond play. Fitness memberships have risen at the centres with soft play, indicating that the investment is tempting families to explore other physical activity options,” says Cllr Rowlandson.

“This is promising not only in terms of engagement but also in enhancing the commercial performance of the centres, creating a more financially sustainable future for the facilities.”

A vision for the future

Looking ahead, the council plans to extend its investment in play with a new build leisure centre in Bishop Auckland. This site will feature a large soft play zone and Thrive Kitchen facilities, broadening access to high-quality, affordable activity options for more people.

As the transformation programme progresses, the council is not simply modernising facilities, it is building healthier, more connected communities. For public sector leisure officers and professionals, this story demonstrates the power of thoughtful investment in play to deliver lasting social and economic benefits.

We want to provide play areanclusive, & welcoming to all families