Decathlon UK and ParkPlay announce official partnership to inspire and encourage people in the UK to get active and help fulfil their shared mission of building happier, healthier communities nationwide through play.

ParkPlay launched to encourage everyone to be more active outdoors and bring communities together. In the last 24 months, ParkPlay has successfully launched 46 ParkPlays from Cornwall to Cumbria and has had over 6,000 unique participants.

Decathlon is the world’s largest sports retailer, created in 1976 with a clear ambition to make sport more accessible for all, by providing expertly designed sports equipment at fair, affordable prices.

The partnership will see Decathlon & ParkPlay working together to have a significant impact with the greatest number of people by raising ParkPlay’s’ profile nationally and becoming the Official Sport Equipment partner. Decathlon will collaborate in other areas of shared interest and expertise such as improving the digital and physical ParkPlay experience for PlayLeaders and ParkPlayers.

Decathlon said “We are excited to be partnering with ParkPlay to support the scale up of a sports organisation we believe in, which aligns with our values and mission to increase access to the joy and wonders of sport..”

ParkPlay brings people from local communities together in parks and green spaces across the country for two hours of free, informal games and activity, every Saturday morning. It offers people of all ages and abilities the chance to play together and connect in a relaxed, safe and welcoming setting. ParkPlay is run by the local community for the local community. Set up, support, training and infrastructure are provided by the ParkPlay team. Everyone is invited.

“We welcome the opportunity to work with Decathlon, a fantastic retailer who shares our desire to encourage more people to live happier, healthier lives through informal fun activity.” says Rick Jenner, ParkPlay CEO.

“This partnership is another big step forward as we look to deliver on our mission to build happier, healthier communities nationwide; through the life-changing power of play”

“After a stressful, busy week, lots of people enjoy mucking about playing and hanging out with their friends and neighbours at ParkPlay,” says Rick. “We connect people and build community. ParkPlay is tackling some of the most pressing social issues of our time – lack of exercise, isolation, mental health and need for escape. 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.”

ParkPlay is playing a critical role in supporting people’s health and happiness, with those hardest hit over the past couple of years benefiting most. ParkPlay’s recent research showed that 81% of ParkPlayers agree that ParkPlay has improved their mental wellbeing, and 74% say the amount of activity they do as a family has increased.

🤸 To find your nearest ParkPlay or to help ParkPlay grow visit www.park-play.com #Community #MeetMovePlay

Find your local ParkPlay

Please visit our ParkPlay Parks page to find your local ParkPlay and come and join us for your ParkPlay session. We play every Saturday morning.