But that is exactly what has happened in Calder-dale. The money will be spent, among other things, on five "mobile play rangers" who will take games and equipment to parks and open spaces.
The council has been working in partnership with the Eureka Children's Museum, Calderdale Chil-dren's Fund and the Calderdale Parents and Carers Council on a three-year play strategy.
The grant will be topped up with £100,000 a year from the council to improve play areas.
Apart from the play rangers, three other priorities have been agreed including the landscaping and creation of natural play features at Stoney Lane play area, Lightcliffe.
Mixenden Adventure Play Centre, Halifax, is to be turned into an activity wonderland linked to the nearby valley and stream, and improvements will be made to the play area at Old Town Primary School, Hebden Bridge, with cycle tracks, sensory trails, a den and planted areas.
Calderdale is one of 201 local authorities to successfully bid for a share of the Big Lottery Children's Play Initiative fund, totalling £67.5 million nationwide.
"This generous award for our play strategy will help us provide creative, safe, natural environments where youngsters can explore and enjoy fresh air and exercise, while having lots of fun," said Coun Amanda Byrne (Con, Sowerby Bridge).

• A separate project to transform Calder Holmes Park, in Hebden Bridge, last month scooped £68,000 of lottery cash following a public vote in a head-to-head contest on ITV's Calendar.