Parents for Playgrounds: Mission accomplished

Since working with Ready for Ten, I've been hugely proud to be involved with this groundbreaking campaign helping children across the UK access improved play facilities.

Caught up in day to day to work, it's easy to overlook or forget how much some of that work can make a difference, but Parents for Playgrounds is already having a lasting impact.

It was such a simple idea: let's help children by improving access to safe, outdoor play. 

But the result was so much bigger than that. Our campaign empowered parents and children alike to get more involved in their neighbourhoods as they spoke up for their home cites, towns and villages. The parents who raised awareness about why their playgrounds should win were inspirational as they rallied support and saw their campaigns romp home to the finishing post. 

Everyone at Robinsons Fruit Shoot and Ready for Ten has been so pleased to follow the progress of the five playgrounds on the receiving end of £15,000 renovation bursaries. Thanks to the renovations at these five communities, we have helped more children play outside. 

1. St Margaret's Playground in Edinburgh

This has some great new swings – a lime green set and brilliant basket style swing. There's also a new roundabout and a bench for parents. Check out Erica's videos for news of how these new additions have been received, and take a look at the incredibly enthusiastic comments to see what parents are saying about the reopening.

2. Cockshaugh Playground in St Andrews

Yay to the fab new climbing equipment, it looks amazing. Campaigner Bren Thompson says, "All we need now are more dry days to make the most of it, although as we all witnessed, the kids really don't mind – sun, rain or even torrential downpour, nothing gets in the way of having fun." Take a look at the brilliant before and after photos.

3. Chardstock Playground in Devon

Oh wow. This playground was completely shut down before Britvic and Ready for Ten stepped in. Now it's a hive of activity, thanks to new equipment and tireless work by campaigners. Not only that but Patsy Kensit dropped in too. 

Mum Carol Humphreys says, "I can't say a big enough thank you to everyone that voted for us. This really means so much to the community of Chardstock." There are plenty of photos and comments on the playground page – see what you think.

4. Ropsley Park in Lincolnshire

Looking good! This amazing transformation, turning a tired park into a hugely promising site for kids' fun and laughter, has been much appreciated by the neigbourhood. Mum Sam Farkas says: "Thank you, what a difference you've made." It's easy to see what she means when you take a look at the photos of the grand reopening.

5. Kings Heath Park in Birmingham

Here we installed a zip wire and it's proving a huge hit, with mum Wendy Turner telling us how much everyone loves it. A little bird tells us it's being kept busy well into the evening. Nice work. Wendy's comments on the renovations are worth reading – be sure to take a look.

Outdoor play matters

Whether you are rich or poor, are a lone child or come from a larger family, outdoor play offers an amazing opportunity to run free, find your own world and let your imagination go wild. Think of all the friendships we forged and skills we strengthened in own childhoods thanks to local parks: the energy burned clambering over slides, swings and roundabouts, all those moments of trial and triumph. Remember the chats mums and dads can have as their little ones play safely in the park. 

These days, because of dilapidated equipment, slashed budgets and neglected corners in many public parks, those opportunities have shrunk. But Ready for Ten and Robinsons Fruit Shoot are committed to doing something about this, and with this campaign, we've shown we can.

Watch this space...

I don't know about you but I can't help wondering what's coming next! I'm staying tuned – now that Robinsons Fruit Shoot have shown their commitment to outdoor play, here's hoping there's something equally worthwhile on the horizon. Sssh! I'll say no more.