Chappel Play Area, Chappel Parish Council

The project is to replace a piece of play equipment for younger children at Chappel Play Area.

The parish council currently has a 19-year-old well-loved piece of equipment for infant aged children that sadly needs replacing. It is hoped that the replacement of this equipment will therefore continue to create a play space that encourages active outdoor play and learning, supports children’s mental health and well-being, and brings families together in a shared community environment. The new piece of equipment will join what is already present for the older children, along with swings for both age groups.

It is so important in the fast-moving technological age that play space is provided for children from all backgrounds and ages to help improve children’s physical fitness and motor development, create an inclusive play space for all abilities, encourage outdoor play, and reduce screen time, and alongside this strengthen community engagement and family connection. An inclusive play space encourages children and families from different backgrounds to interact, build positive relationships, share community experiences and facilities. This helps reduce stigma, promotes understanding of difference, and creates a more cohesive, welcoming environment for all families.

Recently residents were asked to list what assets they found important to them within the village and 47% that answered marked a play area as very important. This is a high proportion especially as 50% of the questionnaires were completed by part of the population over the age of 65 and who may also use these facilities but for grandchildren rather than their immediate family.