Kath at Parklover writes about her favourite outdoor spaces. Here she explains what's so brilliant about local parks -- and why she's a fan of our Skillscape initiative.
I was really excited when I heard about the Skillscape, Ready for Ten's brand new facility allowing parents to share their insider knowledge of great parks, playgrounds and sports pitches.
We love finding out about as many parks as possible, so that we never get bored. Armed with a dogeared A – Z, it’s surprising what you can find right on your doorstep from wild and wonderful nature reserves, to bright and modern playgrounds. The beauty is that no two parks are the same, so build up your knowledge of your local green spaces and you’ll never be stuck for somewhere fun and free to visit.
According to our mood, we might head for a park with a paddling pool, pets' corner, the biggest slide or scariest zip wire. As well as the usual tennis or five – a side – courts, you might even find a park with a mountain bike trail, skate ramp or even a splash pad or lido!
Getting back to nature can be just as much fun. What could be better than climbing trees or scrambling over fallen logs, looking for beautiful leaves, pond dipping, bug hunting, or just dangling your feet in a stream on a hot day. One of my favourite places to visit as a child was Himley Park near Dudley, where there’s not a playground in sight, but plenty of running and rolling around to be enjoyed.
As well as getting to know your local area better, seeking out parks when you’re on your travels gives you a totally different perspective on the area you’re visiting. Find out where the locals go, get chatting and you might get some other insider tips! Last year we went to Broadway in the Cotswolds with relatives and found this brilliant playground with amazing views. On a recent trip to London I found fabulous Coram's Fields.
Where are your top parks and playgrounds? Please share your favourites on the Skillscape.
* Here are some of the Ready for Ten team's favourite spaces:
Check out the brilliant Parklover blog.
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mum
05 July, 2010
We are a big fan of parks too, and frequently travel to new places in the UK during the holidays. The problem I have found is not knowing is there is a park just around the corner. On our recent visit to Oxford I ended up asking one of the locals in a bookshop because my 6 year old was desperate to go and play somewhere. We found a wonderful park as a result. The idea of having all those locations in one place on Skillscape is brilliant. We plan to make great use of it this summer.
mum
05 July, 2010
Unfortunately, parks aren't always well signposted are they? I sometimes do an internet search before we head off somewhere, but that can be a bit hit and miss. Skillscape should make it much easier, it's such a great idea!
mum
05 July, 2010
Fab post - parks are great, not only for kids but for adults too. My favourite has a kiosk that serves hot choc in the winter and seems to have loads of mums to chat to.
mum
06 July, 2010
Sounds lovely Deb. My favourite park cafe is at Bantock House and Park in Wolverhampton. They have excellent cake!