The Vivo Play Project
Inspiring Play, Creativity, & Community Connection
The Vivo Play Project (2019–2023) was a four-year social innovation initiative based in North Central Calgary, designed to reimagine how children and families engage with unstructured outdoor play. Through community collaboration, research, and creative programming, the project helped over 11,000 participants move more, connect more, and build healthier habits.
Why We Did It
We noticed that many children were missing out on the benefits of spontaneous outdoor play. In a world increasingly dominated by screens and structured schedules, we asked: What if we could create simple, joyful spaces where kids could play freely, take risks, and connect with their communities?
With support from families, researchers, and the Public Health Agency of Canada, we set out to make unstructured play more accessible, engaging, and impactful.
What We Did
We introduced Loose Parts Play, an approach that uses everyday items like buckets, tarps, ropes, and tape to spark imagination and creativity. These materials, without predefined instructions, allowed children to build, explore, and invent their own play experiences.
To bring this concept to life, we launched:
- Vivo Play Hubs: Pop-up play spaces in community parks, equipped with loose parts and staffed by trained Play Ambassadors. Through these hubs, children were able to explore their imagination, build confidence by taking small risks, and connect socially with others.
- Loose Parts Play Kits: Portable kits filled with diverse materials were made available for families to borrow and use at home or in local parks, encouraging unstructured play beyond the Play Hubs.
Throughout the project, we:
- Trained over 300 Play Ambassadors to facilitate and support unstructured play.
- Collaborated with Mount Royal University and other partners to evaluate the impact of play on physical activity, social connection, and community engagement.
How We Did It
We co-designed the Play Project with input from families, educators, researchers, and community organizations. By embedding Play Hubs in local parks and offering Play Kits for home use, we made unstructured play accessible and appealing.
Our Play Ambassadors received specialized training to support children’s play without directing it, allowing kids to lead their own experiences while ensuring safety and inclusion.
We continuously gathered feedback and data to refine our approach, ensuring that the program met the evolving needs of the community.
What We Learned
-
Children are more active and engaged when given the freedom to play without rigid structures.
-
Unstructured play fosters creativity, resilience, and social skills.
-
Families value opportunities that allow children to explore and take manageable risks in a safe environment.
-
Community-based play initiatives can strengthen neighbourhood connections and promote healthier lifestyles.
The Impact Lives On
While the initial phase of the Vivo Play Project has concluded, its legacy continues. The insights and innovations from this initiative are now informing future programs and policies aimed at promoting unstructured play and community well-being across Calgary and beyond.
We’re proud of what we created and grateful to every child, parent, Play Ambassador, and partner who helped bring it to life. Together, we’re helping more people move more, connect more, and thrive for life.