Blending tech with outdoor activities, the city’s interactive games have proved to be a big hit – as demonstrated by usage data
An initiative in Sunderland to use technology to get more young people engaging in active play is celebrating its latest success, as data shows that the time spent playing two particular games is significantly higher than the worldwide average.
Children playing in-one of Sunderland’s smart playparks, photo courtesy of Sunderland Our Smart City
For the past few years, Sunderland City Council has been working to use technology to inspire healthier lifestyles among residents while also creating more inclusive communities and environments. It’s done this by installing interactive play equipment and other infrastructure at at two sites, developed in collaboration with Boldyn Networks.
The YALP SUTU football wall was installed at Thompson Park in 2023. The wall responds to players with interactive lights and sound, and offers a range of games to encourage movement, skills development and social connection.
The children’s park at Seaburn Park, which opened last October, boasts interactive equipment including the YALP Sona Arch – a movement-based play system that uses music and motion sensors to spark inclusive games that encourage movement and social interaction, aimed at all ages and abilities.
The smart playparks also offer superfast and free public Wi-Fi, as well as enhanced smart infrastructure.
Usage and performance is monitored through a connected dashboard, providing the council with live data on levels of engagement levels. Data from both sites shows that these are among the most used games of their kind anywhere in the world, according to the team behind the Sunderland Our Smart City initiative.
That initiative includes a range of other smart projects, such as the installation of the Expo Pavilion immersive screen in Keel Square and the UK-first next generation infrastructure at the Stadium of Light.
There are plans to rollout similar smart play activities at other sites across the city.
Liz St Louis, Director of Smart Cities and Enabling Services at Sunderland City Council, says: ‘It’s fantastic to see Sunderland leading the way globally when it comes to interactive, digitally enhanced play. Data shows our football wall and arch aren’t just being used more than average – they’re being used consistently and enthusiastically by the community.
‘This kind of insight proves the value of smart infrastructure and helps us better design public services that respond to the needs and behaviours of our residents.’
Cllr Alison Smith, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Equalities at Sunderland City Council, adds: ‘We’re committed to ensuring that residents of and visitors to our city can benefit from smart technology – not just through infrastructure or connectivity, but through experiences that build confidence, skills and well-being.
‘The success of our interactive football wall and Sona Arch shows how the right investment in smart public spaces can unlock enjoyment and healthy habits, while connecting communities and supporting our digital ambitions. With the summer holidays here, I’d encourage everyone to head to the playparks, get active, and help keep Sunderland at the top of the global leaderboard!’
In related news:
English councils AI tool treats male and female patients differently
First school in Brighton & Hove to get 100% zero-carbon heating
Leave a Reply