Psychologist: Why sandpits are so vital for children
Padel is a fast-growing sport played with oversized bats and was one of the trends of the summer last year
Monday, 3rd February — By Tom Foot
The sandpit in Cantelowes Gardens
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A CLINICAL psychologist has said that “a variety of textures” are crucially important for children’s development as she backed a ‘Save Our Sandpit’ campaign.
Amanda Owen, a specialist in child development for 30 years, has criticised a plan to create a permanent padel court in Cantelowes Gardens, Camden Town.
The change would see a large free-to-use and popular children’s play area replaced with a pay-to-play sports facility.
Ms Owen, who used the park, said: “Children need contact with sand and other physical materials for their development.
“They need contact with a variety of textures and to appreciate the properties of physical materials.
“They need to learn how to manipulate things, rather than only having screens to look at all day. Going there gets them out and about and being able to develop free play.
“There are many parents around here who cannot afford to take their children to the seaside and this is their only opportunity. It also provides a way for parents to meet each other, rather than being isolated indoors.”
She added: “There are many children, particularly those with autism, who have difficulty in sensory processing and in dealing with texture, who can have opportunities through the sandpit to get used to this or to practise with the sensation.”
SEE ALSO ‘IT’S OUR SANDPIT VERSUS UPPER CLASS PADEL’
The council’s plans would see a padel court laid down permanently over the sandpit, leaving just a thin trail of sand that they say will be relandscaped and ecologically improved.
The sandpit was set up in 2008 with architects aiming to replicate the aftermath of an asteroid crashing into Earth, leaving a crater of sand and a trail of debris behind it.
A 60-tonne Cornish granite boulder – the asteroid – sits in the park by the sandpit as part of the fun science learning story for children.
A Camden Council spokesperson said: “We recognise that introducing this new court would mean other areas would become smaller, which is why we are proposing to enhance the remaining sandpit and meadow – bringing in replacement trees and a new hedgerow – so families can continue to enjoy the area.
“We’re still in an early stage of this process and want to get this right for everybody. Please contribute to our online survey and look out for our next public meeting to help shape the future of the park.”
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