Engage with the outdoors by playing the field

Nicole O'Donnell talks to us about, The Playing Field, a new website that aims to help people learn about their local green spaces and encourage greater use as a place to get active.

Among the many and varied reports and initiatives on the state of the nation’s health, one thing is clear: as a nation we need to move more. Much has been written about the current inactivity crisis, and there are some excellent projects underway to work on getting people active. The attendant health benefits, both mental and physical, are huge. Just last week, a report was published that said that taking just a brisk 20 minute walk a day can improve life expectancy by 30%.

Something that can be overlooked in this debate are our local community recreation spaces. These are often beautiful green places just on our doorsteps, to which a visit costs nothing. They are open to the whole community and offer something for everyone, regardless of age or physical ability.

Our playing fields and local play areas are a vital part of our community. They offer not only the opportunity for formal and informal exercise, having fun and getting out in the fresh air, but also improved social cohesion: a meeting place for the community, or a space for the whole family to do something together. Time-pressed parents who may struggle to fit formal exercise into their routine, have the opportunity to take informal exercise running around on the playing field with their children. Older residents can take a walk there. Young children can use the play area. The village football team can use the facilities. The possibilities are endless.

Good quality outdoor recreation spaces can entice people away from indoor activities; a key example of this is the increasing prevalence of outdoor fitness equipment on our playing fields and in our parks. This offers the opportunity of getting fit for free, and all in the fresh air. Good quality, challenging play equipment is also important in this; children are exercising whilst they are playing. An active child is more likely to become an active adult.

The provision of good quality outdoor recreation spaces is not something that just happens. A great deal of time and effort is required for a successful space, often from hard working and dedicated people, who are volunteers. Across many of our counties, our local playing fields are managed by town and parish councils, or voluntary playing field committees. Many of our local community sports teams are managed by volunteers.

The Playing Field website recognises the huge importance of what they do, but also that they need help, support and advice in order to achieve their goals. Our website was conceived in order to help people find the answers they need for their playing field and play area projects. The chances are that if you need help with something playing field related, someone else already has too, and you may find the answer in our FAQs section, or on our funding database. Our aim is to act as a free access, online source of advice, news, guidance and support for the playing field community. We value the work that they do, and want to help get more people out on their local playing fields. Visit our website to sign-up for our regular updates and, if you have a question, do get in touch.

Nicole O’Donnell
Editor, The Playing Field
editor@theplayingfield.org.uk
 

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