The Sidewalks Game is a board game designed to raise awareness and support for building sidewalks in a community. Sidewalks allow people to walk comfortably in the neighborhood by creating a safe environment without disturbing the flow of vehicular traffic. With The Sidewalks Game, children and adults alike can learn more about the environment and the benefits of walking routinely for their safety and that of the community.
While The Sidewalks Game is essentially a board game, its impact goes beyond fun and enjoyment. Here are the benefits that come with this uniquely relevant type of play:
The Sidewalks Game is designed for a school or a community fair, such as an arts and crafts fair, an Earth Day fair, or any other fair that highlights environmental, public health, or community planning issues.
The environment-focused game is quite fun and engaging for children. While they are playing the game, the parents watching them can consider the possibility of having more sidewalks in the neighborhood. Hopefully, they will come to support the construction of these additional sidewalks and improve safety measures within the community.
You must first agree to the game license agreement to be able to play the game.
1. Download Our Town Map and the game pieces.
2. Print Our Town Map on a white cardboard poster board. The original design is 18” x 24”, but you may use a larger poster board.
3. Laminate the poster board in plastic.
4. Print the sheet with the game pieces and cut it along the lines. You may want to make a few copies in case any pieces get lost during the game.
5. Before playing the game, prepare the following materials:
1. Ask the child to choose a house.
2. Ask the child to place the house on the game board where they want to live. (For example, some children may prefer to live next to the playground and some next to the beach.)
3. Ask the child where they would like to go.
4. Using the erasable marker, the child can draw a line indicating a sidewalk next to the road leading to that destination. If the child needs to cross the road at any point, a pedestrian crossing sign must be placed on that part of the road to allow the child to cross safely.
5. After reaching the destination, ask the child, “Now, where else would you like to go?” and follow the same procedure.
6. After the child finishes playing, erase the lines and invite the next player. Allow about 3-5 minutes per child, depending on how many children you have waiting to play and how fast you want the line to move.