Ghost Playgrounds

An arts-led community research project exploring the potential of Ghost Playgrounds (former small scale playgrounds) in Bretton, Peterborough.

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Foregrounded in extensive archival, community, and interview-based research including the design of the playgrounds (Donne Buck) the project sought to explore with the community if and how we restore life into them.

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Project resulted in a series of playing out sessions that included den making, chalk and parachute based games and lots more.

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Artist Shaun Badham was commissioned to creatively respond to and extend the project, which included the production of a booklet 'The Children of Bretton Propose' and three realised art works coming of the booklet.

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An exhibition was hosted at longstanding community-minded fish and chip shop Fryz to present research and hear from community and expert voices on the playgrounds. 

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The project successfully worked to catalyse action around the playgrounds, including council-led intiatives to reclaim spaces for bee friendly gardens.

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