When we founded ParkPlay in January 2020, we never could have foreseen the year that was to come. While the past 12 months haven’t turned out as anyone hoped we’ve still managed to achieve, and learn, a lot.

We’ve played together as much as possible, firstly at Gunnersbury Park in Ealing and then launching at Vange Primary School in Basildon. There’s no replacement for on-the-ground experience and we’ve now got a clearer idea of exactly what a successful ParkPlay session looks like. We’ve also spent time putting in place strong foundations on which to build ParkPlay in the future.

Here are the key things we learnt in 2020 that we’ll be reminding ourselves of as we grow over the course of 2021, and beyond.

1. People love ParkPlay
   We developed a strong concept based on personal experience and extensive insight, but it was still hugely gratifying to see how much people of all ages enjoyed playing with us. We found that ParkPlay will work to positively impact the health and happiness of people and communities.
2. The learning starts when you go live
   There is no substitute for testing and learning in situ. Learning can happen before you start, with insight, research and development, but it is accelerated exponentially when you can see people’s behaviours, try new ideas and iterate quickly.
3. Pester power works
   Parents bring children but children, with fewer inhibitions and reservations, get involved and play quickest. The sight of children playing and the fun they’re having in turn encourages adults to do the same, giving them the confidence to have a go. People of all ages come together and help one another to have fun and play together.
4. ParkPlay connects communities fast and play builds trust fast
   Play connects people who otherwise might not have a reason to meet, different people across communities play and that play establishes rapport quickly. Within a matter of hours a trusted connection has been built and this trust is at the heart of strong and healthy communities.
5. ParkPlay is a two hour game
   We originally thought ParkPlay might be a four hour series of activities or a one hour session. We’ve learnt that it’s actually a flexible two hour game varying in intensity according to what the ParkPlayers want. A ParkPlay session starts with coming together for informal play (Meet), getting started and playing games (Move) and finishing with varied fun activities (Play).

6. It’s all about togetherness
   We can do more, and multiply our individual impacts, by working closely with others in the community. From local authorities to schools, activity providers to families, together we are stronger, finding the ways we fit and can all contribute towards a common goal.
7. Inspire and guide, do not prescribe
   ParkPlay will be at its best when we offer ideas and facilitate local people doing what is best for their community. We give the tools and the impetus but are not prescriptive, and allow local people autonomy and flexibility to allow others to thrive.
8. Little things have a big impact
   We learnt this from Professor Jim McKenna. It’s the small gestures, the acts of kindness, that make a difference to people. A free cup of coffee on a cold day, the big welcome at the end of a hard week, listening to an idea from a parent about a new game they’d like to play – all can help and move us forwards.
9. ParkPlay will ignite activity at other times in the week
   We are a cog in a bigger wheel. If we can help some people enjoy play they might find an activity that suits them and develop a passion for. If we introduce a group of people to netball for example, the next month they might decide they’d like to form a team.
10. Partners want to come onboard and work when we have champions
    People love ParkPlay and partners love it too. They can see how it can work for them. Champions within organisations can be strong advocates making connections and helping drive us forwards.

As we discussed in our Highlights of 2020, it can seem inappropriate to attempt to draw positives from such a challenging year. But if we are to draw any positives, one surely must be the rediscovery of how important our local communities and park spaces are. We’ll be holding tight to this as we bring ParkPlay to as many people as possible over the next year.

Parkplay brings people together, something we need now more than ever.