Recreation grounds V Smartphones
Earlier on in June I had the pleasure of being invited to the opening of a ‘climbing track’ at Herstmonceux Recreation ground. (see photo).
There were a number of things that made this a significant event.
It was provided free of charge via the National Lottery… well done Clare Harrison, clerk of Herstmonceux parish council for seeing this through (it is not without significant paperwork and surveys of need)
It was clear the children absolutely loved it (probably ages 4 – 11, so perfect for after school from the local primary school).
A parent commented, her children immediately got off their phones to go and enjoy it. And maybe that is the most important message, children prefer normal, old fashioned play to being controlled by smartphones.
There are so many conversations about technology and the harm it brings to children, we, particularly our local councils, must do all we can to normalize and encourage the simple joys of childhood.
A quick History of Playgrounds
Whilst the Victorians started the ball rolling with their parks in Salford, Manchester, with dedicated areas for children to play, it wasn’t until the 1880s in Germany, where they identified the need for many local parks (sand gardens). This concept also followed in America in the 1890’s and expanded across the world with the clear message that creating a safe and healthy environment for our children brought with it many social benefits. The alternative was children playing on street corners which often turned to crime…. Prevention is better than cure.
Sometimes this very basic concept is lost in councils ‘budget discussions’, but we should be aware of the knock on effects. Good fun in safe spaces should be our determined aim for the benefit of our children and the benefit to our society.
It is quite sad that we still see objections to improvements to our recreation grounds and playgrounds by those concerned at the noise of children having fun.
Updates
Our work at Hailsham Active is probably 80% about improvements and expansion to our parks and recreation grounds, so any opportunity like this is so lovely to see. It was also wonderful to hear the Chair of Herstmonceux set out the vision for further improvements to the park with a path around the perimeter and upgrades to the MUGA. Additionally they are working closely with local housing developers so they are all interlinked on the project. This is very good news for the residents of Herstmonceux.
Similarly, work is progressing well with Hellingly Parish Council and the upgrades at Horsebridge rec. There is also another step forward with the land being donated to the parish council/Hellingly Sports club.
We have also just started consultation with East Hoathly, another small parish keen to improve their recreation ground for the benefit of the ever expanding community.
For Hailsham there is also positive news with the advent of a sports and recreation grounds sub committee with the town council, recognizing the importance of our local teams and the need to better maintain our facilities as demand outstrips our infrastructure (not enough grass pitches).
The more we can do to help our community become active and enjoy green space and communal activity, the better it is for everyone’s long-term health.
Bowes House offer generous support for local exercise classes.
Lisa Phillips, Customer Relations Manager at Bowes House was pleased to secure some sponsorship funding to allow Hailsham Active to schedule some much welcomed seated exercise classes for Hailsham. The classes will be delivered by instructor Kelly-Marie Blundell, at The Railway Club, (The Station/Youth Club, Western road) on Monday Mornings at 11am.
Seated exercise is a valuable way for people to remain active and fit even if their mobility is challenged and staying fit and active is a great way to reduce risk of falls.
If any other business would like to support any of our clubs or our links with local schools, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me, or your local preferred club, we are always grateful (and always in need), the same goes for volunteering.