How do Play Streets impact the psychosocial health of participants, organisers and communities? A mixed-methods evaluation of Play Streets held in South Australia

Australian adults are experiencing a reduction in community connectedness, and loneliness across all age groups is increasing. A Play Street is a simple concept whereby quiet residential streets are temporarily opened primarily to promote play among children, but they also provide an opportunity for parents and adult community members to connect and socialise. This study aimed to explore the use of Play Streets in generating social connectedness among parents and adult community members, and explore the experience of organiser stress during the organisational process of Play Streets held in South Australia, Australia. Survey responses (N = 24) from volunteer Play Street organisers were analysed, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with Play Street organisers (n = 12), participants (n = 2), and local government staff (n = 2) responsible for the intervention. Play Streets were found to offer numerous psychological and social benefits to adult community members, particularly those who were disconnected or predisposed to psychological strain. Organisers were more likely to experience stress during the organisational process if they felt unsupported or uncertain, but this could be mitigated through local government support or neighbour collaboration. This research has implications for using and implementing play based, local neighbourhood interventions to improve community wellbeing and connection.