Looking back over a year with so many challenges it can be difficult, and even seem inappropriate, to be upbeat and find any highlights. But despite everything 2020 had to throw at us, the last 10 months have helped us rediscover things of value that have been overlooked for some time.

2020 has shown the value of our shared park spaces – we’ve flocked to these places that have all too often been neglected in the past. While it has been very challenging to stay active, and inequalities have been deepened, there is a growing appreciation of the benefits of an active life. Most of all we’ve missed people – our families, friends and neighbours – and in 2021 we’ll want to embrace these things and re-establish and nurture vital personal and community connections. We will emerge from this crisis stronger and ParkPlay has a key role to play in supporting strong active communities.

As we start 2021 and celebrate the first anniversary of our founding it is a good time to reflect on the year just gone. Here are my highlights:

• The support of others – we’ve been fortunate to have been supported by many different people and organisations and crucially we secured Sport England’s endorsement and financial backing. Mike Diaper, Liz Aitken and many others have seen the potential in ParkPlay and have shown great understanding through the pandemic. We’ve also been encouraged by local authorities and active partnerships, especially in Ealing and Basildon, and we’ve had our first ParkPlays there. The foresight of people like Liz Keeble, Head of Vange Primary in Basildon, has been instrumental in getting us started.
• We’ve played – despite the restrictions and frustrations of the last 10 months, we started ParkPlay and played in Ealing and Basildon, firstly with some test events in Gunnersbury Park and then fully at Vange Primary School in Basildon. It’s been brilliant to see the idea come to life and witness people playing with us in parks experiencing the joy of having fun with others. We’ve already seen that ParkPlay will work and offer many people positive opportunities to be active in their communities.

• Learning and growing – playing has given us the opportunity to see a good concept come to life, and learn how we can be better and impact more people. When creating a new concept there is no replacement for testing it in the field, seeing how people respond and quickly iterating. The learning curve has been steep, but we’re grateful that people have given it a go and had a largely positive experience. It puts us in good stead for the year ahead.
• The team – I joined ParkPlay in late 2019 when it was just the founders. They have been and continue to be a brilliant and passionate group of people, heavily involved in driving and supporting ParkPlay in various ways. Kudos to Matt, Mitch, Steve and Jemima for their vision. We were joined by Kamlesh and Jo to form a superb and dedicated board, soon to be trustees of the charity. And as well as the aforementioned organisations, numerous other individuals have given their support and knowledge to ParkPlay. It’s been brilliant to see the team come together, establishing strong foundations for future success.

We’re hugely excited about the future and bringing ParkPlay to communities across the country in the coming years. Right now, we are starting to build a team to grow ParkPlay and launch in many parks as soon as conditions allow. If you want to make a difference in your community and give people the opportunity to experience the life-changing power of play, please get in touch and be a PlayMaker in 2021.

Thank you for your support. Stay safe and well and we look forward to playing with you in a park in 2021.

Rick, CEO