 A lottery could raise �2m for play areas |
Trafalgar Square will be turned into a giant playground on Wednesday as part of a drive to get more children's play areas in London's neighbourhoods. Street games, tennis, drumming and dance workshops will be held at the central London landmark in a day of free events to mark London Playday.
Safety fears, traffic and rundown areas can put children off playing outside, Ken Livingstone's office found.
He will launch a blueprint for putting a play area in each neighbourhood.
 | PLAYDAY LOCATIONS Enfield - Town Park Hackney - Clissold Park Hammersmith & Fulham - Ravenscourt Park Haringey - Chesnuts Park Islington - Barnard Park Lambeth - Brockwell Park Merton - Cannons Leisure Centre Newham - Newham Plashet Park Southwark - Lucas Gardens Westminster - Paddington Recreation Ground |
There are also plans for a London lottery, in which people pick numbers using their mobile phones, to raise �2m a year to fund better "play opportunities". The mayor's strategy offers guidance to local councils on how to improve and develop play areas.
He has also pledged to use his strategic transport and planning powers to make London more child-friendly.
In a survey by ICM of 1,000 11 to 16 year olds, 18% said there were no leisure facilities in their area and 22% said they were too expensive.
As well as free events in Trafalgar Square, others will be held in parks across London including Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Southwark.
The day is aimed at families and children aged up to 14, and London events have been organised by the mayor, the Children's Play Council and The Children's Society.
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