Free Saturday ParkPlay sessions continue in Ealing

By the Hiyastar local news desk

Free ParkPlay sessions are running on Saturday mornings in Southall, giving residents a no-cost way to get active outdoors, meet neighbours and join informal games in local green spaces.

The sessions are open to all ages and abilities. No kit, payment or previous experience is needed, but participants are asked to register through the ParkPlay website before attending.

Southall parks hosting Saturday sessions

ParkPlay is currently available at three Southall locations:

The Sport England-backed charity has been running in the borough for five years, with volunteers leading relaxed sessions designed around movement, games and community contact.

No kit, no fee and no fitness test

Residents can turn up in comfortable clothing and join at their own pace. Activities can include dodgeball, treasure hunts, quick cricket and handball, with the format kept informal so families, friends and solo participants can all take part.

ParkPlay is aimed at people who want an easy first step into regular activity as much as those already comfortable with outdoor games. The model is built around local volunteers who know their neighbourhoods and can help newcomers settle in.

The programme adds to a wider push to make parks more useful for everyday health and community life, alongside recent Ealing park upgrades focused on play and fitness, as well as planned North Acton park upgrades elsewhere in the borough.

Southall Park group marks five years

Gurpreet Kaur and Gurinder Kaur, who run the Southall Park group, are preparing a fifth birthday community party in August. Further details are expected to be shared by Around Ealing.

Gurinder said ParkPlay had helped them connect with the local community and build friendships. Gurpreet said around 50 people attend regularly, with numbers sometimes reaching 80.

Councillor Lauren Wall, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, said ParkPlay gives people of all ages and backgrounds a chance to connect and have fun in parks.

ParkPlay chief executive Rick Jenner said the charity welcomes anyone interested in volunteering, with local organisers helping build “happier, healthier communities.”

Source: Ealing Council