A number of new initiatives are now available to improve access to outdoor play in Canada.

Outdoor Play Canada (OPC), an organization dedicated to encouraging and improving access to outdoor play in nature and the outdoors, launched at the end of September. BCIRPU Scientist Dr. Mariana Brussoni is on the leadership group of OPC.

The announcement was made at the first Breath of Fresh Air Summit, which unveiled a toolkit for Risk Benefit Assessment for Outdoor Play. The toolkit is designed to help anyone providing outdoor play programs for children in Canada develop a personalized approach to risk benefit assessment. The development of the toolkit was supported by the Lawson Foundation and the Cowan Foundation. Summit organizers also hosted a pop-up adventure playground.

Outdoor Play Canada named an award after Dr. Brussoni for her efforts in encouraging outdoor risky play among children and youth, and she was the inaugural recipient.

Well done, Mariana!