Gerben Helleman
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gerbenhelleman.bsky.social
Gerben Helleman
@gerbenhelleman.bsky.social
200 followers 210 following 880 posts
Posts about the connections between the Planned and the Lived City #playfriendlycities #childfriendlycities #publicspace #cities #outdoorplay #play #childhood #geographer #playspaces #childrensgeographies #urbanism #urbanplanning #citylife #citiesforpeople
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gerbenhelleman.bsky.social
Gerben Helleman @gerbenhelleman.bsky.social · Dec 30
Let’s make more #childfriendly and #playfriendly districts! This model will give you guidance and inspiration. With 💯measures for stimulating active free play in #cities around the world:
urbanspringtime.blogspot.com/playablecities
#publicspaces #outdoorplay #kids #childfriendlycities #playspaces
Children's daily lives are affected mostly by decisions made by parents, teachers and urban planners. Together they influence where, how and how long children play. In recent years, children's outdoor play has declined. For health and pedagogical reasons, it is important that we stimulate outdoor playing. To realize this we need a new approach on public spaces for kids. This approach doesn't start with picking some elements from catalogues of play equipment companies or landscape architects. We should start at the other end by taking into account the bigger picture: the purpose (WHY) and the conditions (HOW) to realize playable cities. Only then, do we know which actions (WHAT) have to be carried out. The purpose is to stimulate outside playing, because it improves the health of kids, enriches their skills and most of all it gives them pleasure (WHY). These higher goals can only be achieved when the right conditions are created (HOW). For example public spaces should be accessible, attractive, challenging, divers and inviting. The different actions and efforts (WHAT) such as design, programming and ordering equipment are a result of these sub goals and not the other way around. In total, I come to 100 measures. Examples of these actions are broad sidewalks, climbing structures, greenery, ground markings, shared spaces and bike racks for kids. The moral of this story: if we want to realize playable cities we have to consider these three aspects (WHY, HOW, WHAT) continuously and collectively.
Reposted by Gerben Helleman
matttomic.bsky.social
Add another one to the great big board of "Urban Planning Debates: Academic Research vs. Some Guy"
A board of Peer-Reviewed Academic Research vs. Some Guy, whose generic white businessman avatar is taken from the classic Onion article of the guy who says "no it won't" in response to critique of the Iraq War. Supervised consumption sites can reduce local crime, while improving health outcomes VS. No they don't Building more highways will keep traffic congestion levels the same VS. No it won't Speed cameras lead to a reduction in speeds and fewer deaths VS. No they don't Increasing the police budget will not have a measurable impact on lowering crime rates VS. Yes it will
January 8, 2026 at 7:36 PM
Reposted by Gerben Helleman
alisonstenning.bsky.social
Two very helpful reviews of two recent urbanism books - Dinah Bornat's All to Play For and the edited collection Messy Cities - with links to more ideas and reading, from @gerbenhelleman.bsky.social.

urbanspringtime.blogspot.com/2025/12/how-...

urbanspringtime.blogspot.com/2026/01/mess...
January 7, 2026 at 11:10 AM
Reposted by Gerben Helleman
notalegalrecord.net
*taps the @tomflood.bsky.social t-shirt*
Wearing a black T-shirt with a design featuring two columns. On the left: Things Kids Have Sacrificed For Drivers -Playing on their street -Safe school streets -Walking to school -Bking/Rolling to school -Random play -Crossing the street -Playing outside at night -Independence -Freedom -Quality street life -Air quality -A planet -Their lives On the right: Things Drivers Have Sacrificed For Kids
January 6, 2026 at 11:53 AM
gerbenhelleman.bsky.social
The city of #Delft in the #Netherlands once had a city wall with eight city gates, only one of which remains: 'Oostpoort' (East gate). Built around 1400.
#streetphotography #urbanphotography #publicspace #humansofbluesky #heritage
January 5, 2026 at 8:14 PM
Reposted by Gerben Helleman
cole1.bsky.social
someone posted a picture of the park on their newbuild housing estate and what on earth are we doing
August 5, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Reposted by Gerben Helleman
planningshit.bsky.social
Heads Up!
November 17, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Reposted by Gerben Helleman
streetartutopia.com
Happy New Year 🍾🥂

New Year, New Me (10 Photos): streetartutopia.com/2025/12/31/n...
A red “Do Not Enter” traffic sign has been altered with black stick-figure drawings, turning the white horizontal bar into a bar counter. Three figures lean and sit as if socializing at a bar, one perched on a stool holding a cocktail glass, creating a playful street art intervention that transforms a prohibition sign into a scene of nightlife humor. Artist unknown, location unknown.
December 31, 2025 at 9:28 PM
gerbenhelleman.bsky.social
'Out of the Cage' by Studio Giftig in #Hasselt ( #Belgium) The double #mural symbolizes breaking free from captivity and gaining inner freedom.
#streetart #Belgie #streetphotography #humansofbluesky #urbanphotography #publicspace
December 31, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Reposted by Gerben Helleman
nature.com
"The benefits [of risky play for children] are so broad in terms of social, physical, mental development and mental health, I don’t think we can underestimate the value"

go.nature.com/3Yfyv9r
Why kids need to take more risks: science reveals the benefits of wild, free play
Studies reveal how risky play can benefit child development. But encouraging it can be a challenge for parents.
go.nature.com
December 24, 2025 at 11:08 AM
gerbenhelleman.bsky.social
In the book ‘All to play for' several ingredients are presented to help create a more #playfriendly and #childfriendly environment near residential complexes. A summary/review: urbanspringtime.blogspot.com/2025/12/how-...
#outdoorplay #publicspace #architecture #cities #urbanism #placemaking #play
How to design a play-friendly living environment
Civil servants, project developers, and urban planners involved in housing construction often find themselves embroiled in debates about bal...
urbanspringtime.blogspot.com
December 23, 2025 at 10:35 AM
gerbenhelleman.bsky.social
Seating in #Hasselt (Belgium). With and without back support.
#publicspace #urbanism
#urbanphotography #streetphotography
#realhumansofbluesky
December 21, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Reposted by Gerben Helleman
outsideplayubc.bsky.social
Is your neighbourhood playable? New website breaks it down news.ubc.ca/2025/12/is-y... | Interview with Dr. Emily Gemmell @ubcpublichealth.bsky.social via UBC News
Is your neighbourhood playable? New website breaks it down - UBC News
UBC researchers have created Canada’s first playability index, revealing how neighbourhoods support—or hinder—children’s outdoor play. Explore what makes a city playable and why urban planners need to...
news.ubc.ca
December 19, 2025 at 5:54 PM
gerbenhelleman.bsky.social
Children are the best test of liveability. Their visibility in #publicspaces signals not only their own wellbeing but the health of the wider environment. They bring vibrancy and life to our streets and squares, writes Nick Watson.
#outdoorplay
www.bdonline.co.uk/opinion/desi...
Designing cities for play: Why child-friendly spaces matter
Children are the benchmark of an area's liveability. They tell us whether it is healthy and inclusive. If it does not work for them, it is failing, writes Lendlease's Nick Watson
www.bdonline.co.uk
December 16, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Reposted by Gerben Helleman
wwww.org
The perils of a car-centric design. Cars stay dry but pedestrians get wet.

#dohamall #qatar
December 16, 2025 at 10:01 AM
gerbenhelleman.bsky.social
'The Gilded Lady' by Tristan Eaton in #NewYork. It pays tribute to the history of the NoMad neighborhood, esp. the Gilded Age(1880-1920). The face is that of Evelyn Nesbit;a famous model and chorus girl of the era. The longer you look, the more you see #streetart #urbanphotography #streetphotography
December 14, 2025 at 7:37 PM
gerbenhelleman.bsky.social
Great article from @jonathanhaidt.bsky.social in @theatlantic.com: "Children want to meet up in person, no screens or supervision. But because so many parents restrict their ability to socialize in the real world on their own, #kids resort to [...] their phones."
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
December 13, 2025 at 9:12 PM
gerbenhelleman.bsky.social
More than 1 in 3 children in #Bradford ( #UK) do not #play outdoors after school and 1 in 5 do not at weekends. Lead researcher Ferguson: "[This] decline is worrying because it is linked to various health issues, including #obesity, #anxiety and #depression."
www.bbc.com/news/article...
#outdoorplay
A third of children in Bradford do not play outside after school
New research shines a light on the physical activity habits of schoolchildren in Bradford.
www.bbc.com
December 13, 2025 at 8:59 PM
gerbenhelleman.bsky.social
Inside, but also outside.
Perfect place for a break.
#Delft #streetphotography
#urbanphotography
#humansofbluesky
#urbanism #publicspace
December 13, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Reposted by Gerben Helleman
tomflood.bsky.social
Get outside kids, enjoy the fresh air with your friends!
Just kidding, stay the F inside.
a newspaper headline Mississauga upholds ban on street sports, including hockey and basketball from Nov 2024
November 27, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Reposted by Gerben Helleman
briancutts.bsky.social
Making parks and similiar public spaces safer and more inclusive for women and girls @makespaceforgirls.bsky.social www.greenflagaward.org/resources/sa...
Safer Parks for Women and Girls
Safer Parks for Women and Girls
www.greenflagaward.org
October 25, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Reposted by Gerben Helleman
outsideplayubc.bsky.social
[Ipswich, Australia:] New playground equipment encourages children to learn through 'risky play' www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
Adventurous play the new normal as kids take to 'risky' new equipment
'Cliff riders' have sparked concern among some community members, but 20 have been installed across the country in an effort to help children learn through risk-taking.
www.abc.net.au
November 12, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Reposted by Gerben Helleman
kardonsch.bsky.social
Waarom kinderen in de modder mogen spelen: "Een té steriele omgeving is slecht voor het immuunsysteem"

Buitenspelen is cruciaal voor het immuunsysteem van jonge kinderen. In aanraking komen met modder, wilde planten en mos heeft positieve effecten op de gezondheid.
www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/20...
Waarom kinderen in de modder mogen spelen: "Een té steriele omgeving is slecht voor het immuunsysteem" | VRT NWS: nieuws
Buitenspelen is cruciaal voor het immuunsysteem van jonge kinderen. In aanraking komen met modder, wilde planten en mos heeft positieve effecten op de gezondheid. Dat vertelt Irina Spacova, onderzoeks...
www.vrt.be
November 14, 2025 at 7:05 AM
Reposted by Gerben Helleman
nantanreikan.bsky.social
The resident saw on their security camera that a bear was trying to play on the outdoor swing every day, but was unable to climb in. So they built a bigger swing.
October 12, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Reposted by Gerben Helleman
houseofcommons.parliament.uk
Unsupervised outdoor play is proven to benefit children's wellbeing, but research shows that the number of children playing outside is declining.

Find out more with the Commons Library's new briefing on children, young people and the built environment: commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri...
House of Commons Library graphic promoting new research. Search engine bar containing: “Why is the number of children who play outside declining?” Green text boxes: “There’s a Library briefing for that. Get the facts at commonslibrary.parliment.uk” Decorative background image showing two children playing on scooters outside.
October 23, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Reposted by Gerben Helleman
washingtonpost.com
The number of children injured or killed by cars while walking or riding a bike has fallen steadily since the 1970s, but CDC researcher note that this decline is not because streets are safer, but because fewer kids are out and about in the first place.
Kids need freedom. Dangerous roads make it hard to grant it.
Bigger cars, distracted drivers and worried parents mean fewer kids are roaming freely.
www.washingtonpost.com
August 13, 2025 at 4:38 PM