Play is powerful, positive, personal and means something different to each of us. The physical and emotional health benefits, as well as the vital social connections play can create, are numerous and important to our wellbeing.
Frome Town Council are working with Children’s Scrapstore to explore the town’s playfulness through a strategy that meets the diverse needs of all its residents. Choose Play launched at Picnic in the meadow with a short survey all about play. The aim is to learn just what play means to Frome by exploring how the local community choose to enjoy their free time.
Frome is already full of fantastic play opportunities and a variety of green spaces such as the Old Showfield, Rodden Meadow, the tennis courts, skate parks, running tracks, outdoor gym and many play areas. But the essential idea is that play is for everyone, can happen anywhere and at any time. Being playful isn’t limited to playgrounds or sports, so it’s now time to think outside the box and up Frome’s game.
Mayor of Frome, Andy Wrintmore said, “Frome Town Council believe choosing to spend your time in a playful way is essential for everyone’s health and wellbeing. In fact, we think it’s time we all took play a bit more seriously. We want to challenge and encourage people to think differently so, however young or old you are, we want to know – how do you play?”
Throughout the summer the Choose Play team will be out and about across the town and at events, chatting to residents to discover both the well-loved and traditional play activities but also the more unexpected ways of being playful as we get older.
Lucy Rae from Scrapstore says, ‘We are delighted to be in Frome learning about residents with a view to supporting play opportunities. So, whoever you are, whatever your age, come and join in our activities and tell us about what you like to do in your spare time.”
The deadline to complete the survey is Tuesday 31st August and it can be found here at www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/choose-play. Alternatively, you can find us at Playday on the Wednesday 4th August at Victoria Park and the Mary Baily Playing fields or ring the Town Hall on 01373 465757.
Photo Credit Chris Bailey
