Over 40,000 children
1000s of creative ideas
Over 200 volunteers
Over 18 schools
2 Continents
About us
Bristol, UK
Who We Are
Dream Networks is a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to creating Play4All. Play is the core of our mission; play is how children explore, connect, and shape their worlds.
Across the globe, inequitable access to outdoor play persists due to children's lack of decision-making power, communities' limited decision-making power, limited access to safe and inclusive public spaces, and insufficient protection from climate-related risks.
We pride ourselves on placing children and collaboration at the heart of the process. The programmes and services that we offer create lasting networks that continue to serve communities long after the projects are over.
We connect with businesses, communities and educational institutions to collaboratively design and build sustainable play areas in marginalised communities. As we redistribute power to children by providing them with the agency and tools to design their own play areas using computer-aided design software.
We connect the pieces of a collaborative network together to make children's Dreams of playing a reality!
Our Values
POWER
We believe children and communities should have the power to design the spaces they inhabit.
PEOPLE
We believe that local people contribute to creating and sustaining inclusive play spaces.
PLANET
We believe that nature and ethical technology fosters regenerative environments.
PLAY
We believe that everyone has the right to play and designing play spaces is childs' play.
Our Vision
SHARING DESIGN POWER
The understanding and appreciation of local environments and culture are cultivated through thorough, collaborative discourse. Not only that, our play areas offer volunteer and paid employment opportunities to local youth and adults. Schools and communities empower and equip children and local community members. Businesses build their capacity to work with communities and innovate throughout the design and development process.
INCLUSIVE PLAY FOR ALL
We believe in tangibly demonstrating love for our local and global neighbours. Research repeatedly recognises that play spaces make a significant positive difference to communities. They promote social interaction and provide a sense of community ownership. Our play areas are tailored to the needs of the community and the forms of play children desire. They support the development of essential skills for childhood, cultivate creativity, and encourage social confidence.
TAILORED TO PEOPLE
When you choose to participate with us, you benefit from a transfer of skills and finances within the networks we create. Not only that, our play areas offer volunteer and paid employment opportunities to local youth and adults.
SUSTAINABLY BUILT FOR THE PLANET
We are committed to building play areas in a manner that enables local community members to take ownership of the use of readily available, safe-to-use, local materials and resources. Our programmes and design services create regenerative, climate-responsive play spaces that work within ecological limits, use circular materials, and respond to local climate risks.
Our Origins
In August 2012, while volunteering, Marie, a chartered engineer and founder of Dream Networks, met Esther, a 3-year-old girl, in a dry, arid, empty field in Tanzania. They did not speak the same language, but soon became great friends. Every day, Esther would walk the short distance from her home to watch as community members, local skilled workers, and overseas volunteers gathered materials around & constructed. Perhaps it was curiosity that caused her to quickly join the diverse team, & Esther became Marie's favourite wood sander.
After the 2 weeks were complete, she began inspecting the now-painted, colourful structures, trying to determine how they worked. Once she jumped off one short wood stump, she knew its function: it's for play!
That’s when Marie knew creating play areas made a difference to children & communities. That everyone can contribute towards engineering solutions.
Our People
Dream Networks could not exist without the communities, individuals and companies who dedicate their time, expertise and resources to making play possible for all. Communities, their voices and opinions are central to everything we do. Our collaborative team is invaluable in enabling the sustainable design processes fostered at Dream Networks to thrive. I am just the dreamer who put pen to paper and asked who wants to join in on the fun!
Our Team
Anna
Community Outreach Manager
Marie
CEO and Founder
Samantha
Content Marketer
Molly
Workshop Facilitator
Non Executive Director Board
Melissa Lacide
Community Engagement Expert
I am passionate about creating equitable, healthy, and sustainable spaces co-designed with children and young people. My commitment to co-design grew from working on housing and neighbourhood projects, often within social housing, focusing on assets like communities, play and green spaces. For two decades, I have worked as a participatory design and community engagement consultant, coordinator, and researcher in architecture, placemaking, and social housing. I have extensive experience building collaborative partnerships, delivering community projects, and leading resident engagement.
David Patterson
Architect and design leader
David Patterson is an architect and design leader with over 25 years of experience in education, civic and community-focused projects. His work centres on social value, inclusion and co-creation. David joined the board because he is inspired by Dream Networks’ commitment to creativity, play and opportunity for young people, and is excited to support the organisation’s growth, governance and long-term impact.
Krystina Castella
Design for Play expert, Author, Lecturer and Founder, Design Entrepreneur Network
For over three decades, Krystina Castella has innovated in design practice and education, focusing on play, social innovation, sustainable materials, business and design research. An international author, lecturer and workshop leader she examines design’s cultural and civic roles in shaping meaningful experiences for children and families. She has led initiatives with universities, municipalities, museums, medical institutions, and global companies to explore responsible child-centered design, inclusive product development, and play in the design process.
Steve Hilton
Advisory Board Member - Sustainability and Scaling Up Business Strategies
