Hazel Cottle: My Big Idea (Ep. 1): A joyful way to get outside

My Big Idea (Ep. 1): A joyful way to get outside

As a mother and occupational therapist, Hazel Cottle knows how important it is for both her kids and her patients to spend time outdoors. It sparks joy, brings people together and improves lives. Yet in the UK, a country where it rains a lot, it can be tempting to stay warm and dry inside the house. Hazel thinks she has the perfect solution to encourage families to get outside — even when it’s wet and dreary. Join Hazel as she prepares and delivers her big idea in a TED Talk — and gets some surprising news that just might bring puddle parks to life.

Turning soggy afternoons into joyful adventures, Puddle Parks transform rain from a barrier into an invitation to play. In places like the UK where it rains over 200 days a year, most playgrounds empty out when the weather turns wet. Instead, these imaginative outdoor spaces use rainwater to activate creative features—channels, lights, and even water-driven games—so families and friends look forward to outdoor time, no matter the forecast. By reimagining how communities interact with nature, Puddle Parks encourage connection, well-being, and a sense of wonder every time it pours.