Play is necessary for the health and wellbeing of the society. Public spaces for playing can thus improve the liveability of a city and make it more vibrant and safer. As Thrissur has recently become a part of the UNESCO global network of Learning Cities, learning through play is a concept which is being explored in the city. The selection of Thrissur into the first cohort of 20 global cities under Global Designing Cities Initiative’s ‘Streets for Kids Accelerator 2022’ and shortlisting into the ‘Real Play Challenge 2022’ helped in mainstreaming this into the local governance agenda. Play is not just about children, it also includes all age groups across all sections of society including multi-generational play. It is not just about playgrounds and parks, urban play is fully realised when elements of play are integrated seamlessly throughout the public realm. This has the potential to make the city safe and inclusive where families and people from various backgrounds can come together to celebrate and play. This study will help in advancing the collective initiatives of Thrissur Corporation, KILA, School of Architecture and Planning, GEC and ESAF Foundation which is working together to make Thrissur a Family-friendly City. The 100 member Children’s Parliament established by the Thrissur Corporation would be one of the key stakeholders of this study. In addition, this will also help the prospective student to engage with the Infant, Toddler, Caregiver Friendly Neighbourhood promoted by NIUA for which KILA is a training agency.
