Among the young participants, Year 3 student ZjaZja shared her excitement about the day, saying she loved “playing with the inflatable beach balls and bubbles.” Year 6 pupil Yasmin was also full of enthusiasm, highlighting the space hopper races as her favourite part
Colwith Road was filled with laughter, games, and community spirit as Melcombe Primary School turned the street into a pop-up playground for its second successful car-free Play Street event.
Students swapped their classrooms for a lively outdoor playground, enjoying a variety of activities organised through Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s Play Streets programme. The initiative encourages communities to close off streets temporarily, allowing children to play freely and neighbours to come together.
The sunlit street buzzed with excitement as children raced on bouncy space hoppers, played volleyball with giant beach balls, and challenged each other to colourful games of hopscotch. The day offered a welcome throwback to traditional games, sparking smiles among both students and adults.
“It was lovely to see the children enjoy the old-fashioned games outside that I grew up playing,” said Maresa Rickard, a teacher at Melcombe Primary School. “The Play Street was a chance for kids to play outside and away from their gadgets.”
Among the young participants, Year 3 student ZjaZja shared her excitement about the day, saying she loved “playing with the inflatable beach balls and bubbles.” Year 6 pupil Yasmin was also full of enthusiasm, highlighting the space hopper races as her favourite part.
The success at Melcombe Primary was mirrored across the borough, with West London Free Primary School also hosting their own Play Street on the same day, reflecting a growing appetite for these vibrant, family-friendly events. Organisers praised the simplicity of the planning process, with Maresa Rickard confirming that Melcombe Primary already plans to host another Play Street during its summer fair.
With warmer weather approaching, Hammersmith & Fulham Council is encouraging more residents to get involved by hosting their own Play Streets. The council offers a straightforward application process for a free three-hour road closure, making it easier than ever to transform local streets into playful, communal spaces.
Play Streets not only offer children a safe space for active outdoor play but also provide a valuable opportunity for neighbours to connect and strengthen community ties. As families look ahead to the summer months, initiatives like these are helping to bring a sense of fun, freedom, and togetherness back to local streets. Residents interested in hosting a Play Street can find more information and apply through the council’s website.
