Community gathers for National Play Day fun

Free activities for all ages were put on in Florence Road Park, Chichester, to celebrate National Play Day last Wednesday.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Aug 2016, 15:26 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 01:21 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Modelling with play dough at the National Play Day event at Florence Park Chichester. Pictures: Derek Martin DM16132522aModelling with play dough at the National Play Day event at Florence Park Chichester. Pictures: Derek Martin DM16132522a
Modelling with play dough at the National Play Day event at Florence Park Chichester. Pictures: Derek Martin DM16132522a

Hundreds of families took the opportunity to picnic in the park while enjoying the afternoon’s events.

Mr Bubble Pop filled the park with bubbles, PlayMosaic provided fun activities and Jiggy Wrigglers offered funky music and movement.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Jo Millen, from Florence Park Community Group, said the aim was to celebrate and highlight the importance of children’s right to play and all activities were free.

Playtime for the toddlers at Florence Park DM16132509aPlaytime for the toddlers at Florence Park DM16132509a
Playtime for the toddlers at Florence Park DM16132509a

The event was organised with funding from Affinity Sutton and Chichester District Council’s joint action group to provide an opportunity for parents to play with their children and learn how play need not be expensive.

Jane Haskins, neighbourhood investment officer at Affinity Sutton, said: “The free event encouraged children and families to leave the computer games behind, enjoy the fresh air and try new activities but, more importantly, play as a family.

“Even before the event opened, families were turning up in their droves to enjoy the lovely weather, lay down their blankets and picnic on the fantastic park.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Lots of faces were painted, hundreds of ice creams were eaten and loads of fun and laughter was had by parents and children alike.”

Alfie Scurr-Osborne, seven, behind the wheel of a police car DM16132486aAlfie Scurr-Osborne, seven, behind the wheel of a police car DM16132486a
Alfie Scurr-Osborne, seven, behind the wheel of a police car DM16132486a

Florence Park Community Group, which aims to develop the park into a community facility that meets the needs of the area, used the opportunity to consult with residents about its future and will use responses to plan priorities.

Affinity Sutton, which runs evening Door-step sports sessions in the park, recruited 30 new young people to take part in the free sessions, provided by Everyone Active.

Jane added: “It was great to see the whole community coming together.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We had councillors being pirates, Jo, Leslie and Maria from Florence Park Community Group supporting the whole event, the local police, Jon and Carol the community wardens and Charles Avenue Residents Engagement Group even joined in by providing craft activities.”

Ellie Ewins, seven, and brother Harry, six DM16132494aEllie Ewins, seven, and brother Harry, six DM16132494a
Ellie Ewins, seven, and brother Harry, six DM16132494a

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1 – Make our website your homepage at www.chichester.co.uk

2 – Like our Facebook page at Chichester Observer Facebook

3 – Follow us on Twitter at @Chiobserver

4 – Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out!

The Chichester Observer – always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics:Community