What 'playlaw' would you introduce?
- Published
'Every puddle must be jumped in' and 'salute the first bird you see' are among a set of new playlaws introduced in Cambridge.
The set of rules are displayed as plaques across the city centre to encourage children and grown-ups to do something playful or silly.
The suggestions for each plaque came from children's ideas and adults' memories of playing.
We want to know what YOU would suggest for a playlaw. Let us know your ideas in the comments below - the sillier the better.
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What are the playlaws?
Googly eyes - Eight-year-old Sophie inspired this one after adding googly eyes, colourful materials and a sign saying 'hug me' to the Turntable Pivot Cone which is a piece of industrial heritage in the area. This plaque described as a "spot of silliness in a serious civic space".
Wiggle Bottom Park - Ella, aged four and her Dad suggested this as a name while they were at a playing session at a green space that still hadn't been given a name. They suggested it be called Wiggle Bottom Park and even came up with a dance to go with it.
Mary played here on haybales in 1959 - Mary is an adult now but she played in the area this plaque can be found when she was a child in 1959 when it used to be the Cattle Market. It highlights a National Turst report from 2012 which says playing out has reduced by 90% since the 1970s.
Loiter Well - Loitering is a word to describe waiting in a place without a purpose but it's often associated with anti-social behaviour. This sign encourages loitering to be lovely.
Salute the first bird you see - Some people who are superstitious (believing things based on old ideas about luck and magic) salute magpies to ward off bad luck. But this encourages people to greet all first birds as "a way of respect and friendship".
Champion beers and bottle top bling - This plaque is found where a brewery used to operate. Robin, who is now an adult, used to play with his friends on the streets there riding their bikes and making fun things out of beer and milk bottle tops including putting them on their clothes to make a 'classy and colourful look'.
Can you do a 360 flip? - This one is found at a skatepark and a 360 is one of the most recognisable tricks involving flipping the board all the way around.
Make big strides - This one can be interpreted in loads of different ways. Maybe you walk nearby this one taking huge steps like a giant or maybe it's one to make you think. What can you do to take big strides and make a change?
Jumpers for goalposts - This plaque gives a nod to Cambridge's long footballing history, the laws of which are said to have been established here in 1848 by students at the University of Cambridge. Popping jumpers down on the ground as goalposts works just as well for a quick game when you don't have an actual goal.
Every puddle must be jumped in - Well this one speaks for itself doesn't it. two-year-old Harry inspired this one and it's hoped more adults will stop being so embarrassed about being silly and jump in too.
Don't forget to let us know what playlaws you would introduce in your area if you had the chance. Give us your idea in the comments below.
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