A "fabulous" new initiative aimed at getting Trafford "fitter and healthier" is coming to the borough.
ParkPlay, which runs free, informal games and activities every Saturday morning, has teamed up with Trafford Council to launch the scheme at two locations this Spring.
Stretford's Longford Park, and Cross Lane Park in Partington, are the beneficiaries of ParkPlay - which aims to bring residents together in parks and green spaces across the country for two hours.
“After a stressful, busy week, lots of people enjoy mucking about playing and hanging out with their friends and neighbours at ParkPlay,” said CEO Rick Jenner.
“We connect people and build community. ParkPlay is tackling some of the most pressing social issues of our time - lack of exercise, isolation, mental health and need for escape.
"As we recover from Covid and now face the cost of living crisis it’s never been more important to give communities free ways to connect and boost their wellbeing.”
The initiative is funded by the Human Race group, organisers of the popular adidas Manchester Marathon and the Manchester Half.
A recent study conducted internally, showed that 81 percent of ParkPlayers agree that ParkPlay has improved their mental wellbeing, while 74 percent say the amount of activity they do as a family has increased.
Andrew Smith, Human Race CEO, said: “We’re delighted to fund this fantastic and fun initiative owing to the adidas Manchester Marathon – in which £1 of every entry goes into the Trafford Active Fund which is distributed to community-based projects.
"ParkPlay’s values of community, getting active and fun are ones that we support, and we are looking forward to seeing the project grow”.
In the last 24 months, with the support of Sport England, the enterprise has successfully launched 55 ParkPlays, from Cornwall to Cumbria, with over 10,000 registered participants.
Cllr Catherine Hynes, Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage, added: “Trafford Council is committed to reducing health inequalities in our communities and promoting health and wellbeing, so we are delighted to be launching the ParkPlay scheme in the borough.
"These schemes will bring families and individuals together to enjoy the great outdoors and become fitter and healthier.
"This is a fabulous community-friendly initiative and I look forward to the launch in the spring.”
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