Play Parks offers free and accessible physical activity sessions once a week for children, fostering their fundamental movement skills, social connections, and engagement with their local community.
"Welcome to the Play Parks Initiative on ChangeX! Get ready to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary play experiences. Picture a park that sparks imagination, a school playground that fosters learning through play, or a community center buzzing with laughter and movement. With Play Parks, you have the power to create dynamic play environments that inspire children and bring communities together. Discover how you can unleash the magic of play and create unforgettable moments of joy, growth, and learning in your community. Join us in redefining the possibilities of play and making a lasting impact on children's lives." - Whitney Richardson and Rachel McMahon - Kids Collab Co-Founders
Overall, being a Play Park leader requires a total time commitment of approximately 4-5 hours per week, divided between marketing and outreach, volunteer coordination, accessing the Kids Collab platform for weekly lessons, and the one hour Play Park activation itself. This investment of time is essential to ensure the success and impact of the Play Parks initiative in your community.
Begin your Play Parks journey by identifying a local park or space in your community where children can gather and engage in physical activity. Look for a space that is safe, accessible, and conducive to play. Ignite your passion by envisioning how this space can be transformed into a vibrant play space that promotes children's physical development and well-being. Seek permissions and necessary permits to utilise the chosen location for Play Parks activities.
Recruit volunteers (your Community Shapers) who share your enthusiasm and belief in the power of play. Coordinate with them to plan and execute Play Park activations, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for children.
As a Play Park Leader, you and your volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in online training provided by Kids Collab. This training equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate engaging and inclusive play sessions for children. Learn about the importance of physical development, gain insights into child-centered play approaches, and discover a variety of fun and educational activities to incorporate into your Play Parks.
Access the Play Parks resources and guidelines provided by Kids Collab. Familiarize yourself with the program's objectives, activities, and safety protocols.
Engage with local schools, community groups, and organizations to share the Play Parks initiative. Utilize social media, word-of-mouth, and local networks to generate interest and build a community of supporters.
Host your Play Park activation once a week (Every Saturday 09:00-10:00) and witness the joy and growth of children as they participate in the structured play sessions. Lead by example, fostering an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for children and families to thrive.
