As we rapidly approach the time when we can restart ParkPlay and launch in new parks, we’ve been telling lots of new people about ParkPlay. Many of them have jumped to the conclusion that ParkPlay is just for kids. It’s understandable – play is so commonly associated with children having fun and being creative.

Play is something that comes to many, although by no means all, children naturally. Give them the time, the space and the permission to play, and young children especially can spend hours amusing themselves in brilliantly creative ways. They’ll run around for hours on end inventing new games, new characters, having fun on their own or with friends.

But it shouldn’t just be for children – everybody deserves to experience this. It is that informality, time set aside purely for fun, to enjoy with others and to be creative that lies at the heart of ParkPlay.

For us play is fun, informal, varied and creative physical activity with just enough structure: minimal rules for maximum fun for everyone, and not just for children.

Alice Ferguson from Playing Out wrote this brilliant blog about the importance of play for children. We couldn’t agree more and we’re looking to bring the same things that are great about play for children to a wider audience. It’s something we can all enjoy and should be given the permission and conditions to do more, as part of a happy, healthy, active life.

Here are our top reasons why play is for everyone:

1. Fun – first and foremost, play is fun, it’s about forgetting the rules of the game and having a laugh. We’re all much more likely to do things regularly that we enjoy. 
2. Trust – play builds trust fast. There is nothing like throwing a frisbee around to get conversations started, nothing like play to build personal and community connections.
3. Inclusive – we can all play, we don’t need to have the right clothes, know the rules of the games or be fit. Play is for everyone.
4. Active – play gets us moving and can be a great first step to being that bit more active, that bit healthier.

5. Confidence – taking that first step builds confidence, coming away with knowledge that you’ve done something you didn’t think you could or haven’t for a while, and confidence begets greater confidence.
6. Variety – play isn’t about doing one thing but many. It’s about experiencing different activities, trying new things and perhaps finding that somedevelop into habits or lasting passions.
7. Simplicity – play is simple, no need for complicated equipment, rules or pitches. Play can be in the garden, in the park or the court. It’s fun, pure and simple, with no expectation.
8. Time – play has no end goal and no time limit. In a world that for many is so structured, and where we do everything for a reason, it’s great to have time to just play and have fun. Forget the mobile phone and the to do list and just enjoy the moment.

2021 is going to be the year of play, with ParkPlay. For everyone – not just for kids.

Rick, CEO