Wolverhampton to launch West Midlands’ first ParkPlay
Wolverhampton is set to become the first West Midlands host for ParkPlay, a fast growing national movement focused on fun, games and activities for all ages.
The new initiative will launch in West Park on Saturday 4 July, at 10am, offering families a chance to enjoy free, weekly outdoor activities designed to help them meet, move and play in a relaxed, welcoming environment. ParkPlay has already started in more than 100 locations across the country, but until now none have been based in the West Midlands.
The project has been brought to the city by Ben Mescam of Ignite Your Health CIC, who has been working behind the scenes to secure Wolverhampton as the next ParkPlay location.
Wolverhampton West MP Warinder Juss is attending the first ParkPlay session.
He said: “ParkPlay is a brilliant initiative that encourages people of all ages to get active, have fun and build stronger community connections. I’m delighted that Wolverhampton is leading the way as the first West Midlands host, and I encourage local residents to get involved and give it a try.”
Ben said:
“ParkPlay is about rediscovering the joy of being active together. You don’t need to be sporty, just willing to join in. Fresh air, movement and a friendly atmosphere can make a huge difference to how people feel, and West Park is the perfect place for it.
“You’ve heard of parkrun and what a success story that has been — now is the time for ParkPlay to make its mark in the Midlands too.”
He added:
“We want ParkPlay to become a weekly highlight for families and residents across Wolverhampton. It’s free, it’s fun and it’s a brilliant way to bring the community together.”
ParkPlay began in 2021, and the first ParkPlay in Basildon is going strong 5 years later. ParkPlay has since grown steadily, reaching communities from the length of the country.
ParkPlay’s national team has welcomed the move into Wolverhampton.
CEO Rick Jenner said:
“What local people are doing with ParkPlay is reshaping the way communities come together, to meet and play in their parks and open spaces. It’s great to see ParkPlay starting in Wolverhampton and hopefully where Wolverhampton leads other communities in the West Midlands will follow.”
ParkPlay will run every Saturday morning and is open to everyone, regardless of age or ability. Activities are designed to be inclusive and easy to join, with the emphasis firmly on enjoyment rather than competition.
Ignite Your Health CIC is also looking for volunteers to help support the sessions and welcome participants.
ParkPlay is building happier, healthier communities nationwide through the life-changing power of play by empowering and supporting communities to run their own ParkPlay – a free, weekly, community event of games and activities where people of all ages are welcomed to come together to meet, move and play in local parks. It’s a simple, community-owned and volunteer-led movement, and with over 100 events already started delivering important health and community outcomes.
Residents can register their interest in taking part or volunteering by visiting the ParkPlay website – www.park-play.com
Quick facts
• Launch date: Saturday 4 July, 10am
• Where: West Park, Wolverhampton WV1 4PH
• Cost: Free
• Who’s it for: All ages, all abilities
• What to expect: Weekly fun and games for the whole community