Play for all ages with Community Learning Partnerships

Harehills Park was full of life this summer as Community Learning Partnerships delivered a programme of community fun days for the enjoyment of local families.

Each Fun Day encouraged children and adults of all ages to spend more time in the park through a mix of activities, from art and dance workshops to gardening activities, a reading corner, and games. Supported by our grants programme, the charity was also able to build a very popular ‘play cart’ filled with resources that local children may not ordinarily have access to, including swing ball, hula hoops, bubble machines, and stepping stones. Refreshments helped create a relaxed, social atmosphere the charity hopes will inspire future picnics in the park, followed by litter-picking activities to inspire children in attendance to take care of their green space for the future.

As word got out, attendance quickly grew across the programme, from twenty participants at the first event to eighty at the final session. Participants not only had fun but increased their confidence in using the park, learnt new skills, made new friends, and engaged with local support services.

This programme shows how a small, well-supported events can bring new life to our city’s parks and help local families feel more at home in their green spaces.

“It would be nice to have these activities in the park more regularly.”

This activity was made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and with thanks to National Lottery Players. This activity was also generously supported by the Liz & Terry Bramall Foundation.