We’re bringing community back … in this one small corner of Basildon at least.

I’m James and my family have been Vange ParkPlayers since day one.

People ask me to describe what ParkPlay means to us and it’s hard to put into words. The best I can do is that it’s building a positive and happy time into our lives.

But it’s also much more than that.

Vange ParkPlay began during Covid. Although our family life didn’t change too much in lockdown – my wife and I are both classed as key workers so we worked and our girls still went to school – we noticed that friends, family and neighbours were becoming increasingly isolated.

In many ways, ParkPlay came in and saved the day. It saved the weekends at least. Safe, free outdoor fun for all the family – what’s not to like?

The Pattens were hooked from the first session and we encouraged friends to come along. They did. Those friends are now regulars who’ve told their friends … who’ve told their friends … who’ve told their friends …

The new nucleus

ParkPlay has become a real local happening. Every Saturday a big group of us gather in our cul-de-sac so we can walk over to ParkPlay together. We’ve become Facebook friends and we meet up in the week too. Myself and my wife recently got married and several ParkPlayers and PlayLeaders came to our wedding.

I think the reason ParkPlay has become a nucleus is that we can all sense the good it’s doing.

At an individual level, I see people grow in their skills and confidence. I’ve seen so many children come out of their shells thanks to ParkPlay. When they first come they might only sit on the sidelines … but soon you can’t stop them; their social and physical confidence evolving right before your eyes.

But I’d be lying if I told you ParkPlay is just for the kids. It’s for big kids too. The adults look forward to Saturdays as much as anyone and not just the tea and coffee part. If you ever make it to Vange we’ll introduce you to the now-famous Nzone, a game created by coaches Burger and Tyla who are just the most amazing PlayLeaders we could hope for.

Healthier in every way

At Vange, we’re now a broad group that’s able to connect to the outdoors, and to each other, every week; right in the heart of the community. And because our PlayLeaders insert new games into each session, every week is a unique experience that we share together.

You could easily argue that community spirit has been lost in the last few years, but I feel we’re slowly bringing it back … at least in this one small corner of Basildon.

Vange ParkPlayers are getting healthier by the week but I think we’d all tell you that the community, too, is getting healthier by the week. ParkPlay is making a difference in the local area for local people and long may that continue.

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.