In its report Public Space Lessons: Designing and Planning for Play, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (Cabe) said that local authorities rely too heavily on catalogues and are over-sensitive to risk.
It says that "fencing originally designed to keep dogs out is often in reality more about keeping children in. A disproportionate amount of money spent on playgrounds goes on safety surfacing to the detriment of other facilities."
The report calls on local authorities to be "creative and brave" in taking the national play strategy forward.
Sarah Gaventa, director of Cabe Space, the public spaces arm of Cabe, said the government's investment of £235m in upgrading 3,500 playgrounds was an opportunity to do this. "It is essential that local authorities use it to create exciting new spaces," she said.
Other recommendations include consulting with children and incorporating public art into playground designs.
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