This summer, children across the country will be enjoying their local parks, getting exercise, fresh air, and perhaps even some sunshine!
But whether they’re playing football or running around in the playground, children need to keep hydrated. Lack of drinking fountains or other sources of free dinking water in many parks mean that children have to visit local shops or cafes where they’re likely to buy sugary, fizzy drinks to quench their thirst, and are often tempted to buy other unhealthy products such as crisps or sweets.
Our recent report, researched by Children’s Food Campaign supporters around the country, showed just how few parks have drinking fountains, and how even where there are fountains, they’re often difficult to find or not working. You can download the report here.
To find out more about why we think water fountains in parks are a great idea, and answer any questions you might have, check out our briefing.
Help us get drinking fountains provided in every public park by joining our campaign. There are a number of ways of getting involved:
Support a local petition
Local supporters of the campaign have already set up local petitions in Bristol, Lambeth and Merton. If you live and work in one of these areas, please sign it now by clicking on the appropriate link. If there isn’t yet a petition to your local council, why not set one up? It’s quick and easy, and we can help you. Click here to get started.
Write to your local council
Ask your council to provide water fountains in your local parks. It only takes a minute using our simple online action, which you can use to email your councillors directly or to help you write a letter to post.
Keep in touch
We’ll be sending email updates on the campaign each month throughout the summer. Sign up now so you don’t miss out.
Make local news!
If you’d like to do more, why not write to your local newspaper about the need for more drinking fountains? They may agree with you and encourage their readers to support the campaign.
