A very special type of play time is coming to Letchworth, with Jackmans ParkPlay launching on Saturday 17 February designed to offer people of all ages two hours of free, fun and games.
Put simply, ParkPlay encourages everyone to be more active outdoors and aims to bring communities together. Playleaders will help facilitate the fun with various bats and balls, skipping ropes and frisbees, so you can play anything from ‘it’ and ‘catch’ to team sports and anything in between!
Through working with Hertfordshire County Council and Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership, ParkPlay comes to North Herts as the second scheme in Herts after Waltham Cross. There are 55 ParkPlays in total from Cornwall to Cumbria with over 10,000 unique participants. The Jackmans scheme is being delivered by Active in the Community on behalf of ParkPlay.
Cllr Steve Jarvis, Executive Member for Environment & Leisure, said: “A lot of us, whatever our age, would probably benefit from some light exercise outdoors on a Saturday morning – so this is your perfect opportunity. There’s no charge and you’ll meet like-minded people from your local area.”
81% of current participants agree that ParkPlay has improved their mental wellbeing, and 74% say the amount of activity/sport they do as a family has increased.
Each ParkPlay is responsive to its local community but all sessions follow the same ‘meet, move, play’ structure. Activities are relaxed enough to attract the shy and less confident, but structured enough to reassure. There’s minimal rules and competitiveness, so participants of every age, stage, ability and confidence-level can join in.
ParkPlay founder Rick Jenner said: “After a stressful, busy week, lots of people enjoy mucking about playing and hanging out with their friends and neighbours at ParkPlay. As we recover from Covid and now face the cost-of-living crisis it’s never been more important to give communities free ways to connect and boost their wellbeing.”
The sessions take place every Saturday morning, 10am-12pm, at Jackmans Creamery, Radburn Way, Letchworth – what3words.com/party.waddled.milky
There is some parking available but we’d recommend walking or cycling if you can.
Please register before you attend your first session.
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