As parents, grandparents and anyone spending time with children, we know how important play spaces are. A shopping trip or day out can be made so much more enjoyable for all, when we know there will be somewhere for the children to use up some energy, have fun and play.
Play is vital for all aspects of children’s development. Through play children develop social, physical and cognitive skills, creativity, cultural awareness and resilience. They learn to manage and benefit from risks, make decisions and develop their identities. Children play whenever and wherever opportunities arise.
When they play, children follow their own instincts, ideas and interests, in their own way. Play is essential for happy, healthy, capable and resilient children.
The benefits of play across the age range are huge, from improved mental health, wellbeing and physical fitness to increased confidence, skill sharing, understanding and community cohesion. Regularly playing outside is associated with better wellbeing. Play is important for adults too!
Luckily for us, along the Daffodil Line there are some great places to play. Here we explore seven of them (with thanks to Town and Parish Council websites for information)
- Dean Hill Park, Ross on Wye
Located on a triangular green surrounded by Alton Street, Sussex Avenue and Kent Avenue, a few minutes’ walk from Ross Market House, Dean Hill Park offers a compact area of grassland with a children’s play area in one corner, swings, slides, climbing frames and picnic benches. The playground is entirely enclosed by a low fence and dogs are not permitted on the surrounding grass, keeping the area completely safe and clean for children to enjoy. An exciting, inclusive and challenging play space that children of all ages and abilities can enjoy where equipment has been designed in keeping with the surrounding environment.
- The Rope Walk, Ross on Wye
A beautiful and well-equipped riverside play area
Head slightly west from the town centre and you’ll find the Rope Walk adjacent to the riverside (walk down the hill from the Man of Ross pub on Wye Street or turn left almost at the bottom of Trenchard Street). In the middle of the open space, you’ll find an enclosed play area which has a slide, climbing apparatus and other children’s play equipment. Recently added to the play area is a new picnic bench with accessible space for wheelchair users. Another new climbing frame has also been installed on the open grassed area with tyre swings and rope ladder to keep the little ones occupied. Near to the riverside path you’ll see one of three metal sculptures created by local artist, Walenty Pytel, depicting ‘Swans in Flight’
- Gorsley Community Play Area: Noah’s Ark
Visiting Gorsley Community Play Area and village hub is an easy and short walk from the bus stop. The Daffodil Line drops off and picks up on either side of the main road next to Gorsley Goffs Primary School. To get to the village hub, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing (if arriving from the Ross direction) and walk up the lane for just a few minutes, you will see the car park and play area on your left.
Noah’s Ark Play Area is a specially designed wooden play area with swings, a sand pit, climbing frames, a basket swing and a beautiful wooden ark. The toddler area is sectioned off from the space for older children, this includes tunnels, sand, a slide and ball rolling chutes All set in a wonderful location. Next to the play area is Gorsley community shop and Post Office
- Newent Lake Play Area
The Lake is situated immediately to the rear of Lewall Street car park, right where the bus stops in the centre of Newent. Newent lakes is described as “a truly beautiful amenity area” with picnic tables, children’s play area and an outdoor gym. There are interesting walks – around the lake itself where you can watch the abundance of wildlife in a peaceful and natural setting. The children’s play area is fenced off and includes a see-saw, large basket swing and picnic benches. The walk around the lakes includes a sculpture trail, with beautiful wooden sculptures for all ages to enjoy.
- The Kilcot Inn Play Area
The Kilcot Inn is directly on the 232 Daffodil Line bus route. Tucked away at the back of the pub, is a lovely green space and play area with a wooden adventure trail and basket swing with plenty of benches to enjoy a drink when the weather is nice while the younger members of your group enjoy a chance to play.
- Ledbury Recreation Ground
The recreation ground in Ledbury is a longstanding play area where generations of children have enjoyed playing. It is just a few minutes walk from the centre of Ledbury, located alongside the old railway line, it offers families a place to retreat in which you can enjoy various leisure pursuits or simply relax. There is a skatepark and outdoor gym to visit and explore with something suitable for different age groups. A wide range of different play opportunities are provided with slides, swings and climbing frames including areas designed for toddlers and younger children.
- Dymock Play Area
Interestingly situated on the old Ledbury to Gloucester railway line (very relevant for us at The Daffodil Line), the play area has some lovely features and equipment including a long slide that starts at the top of the old railway embankment, so using features of the landscape. The play area is surrounded by trees and has a range of equipment for different age groups, including climbing frames, a basket swing, swings for younger and older children. There are also picnic benches to enjoy a coffee or a picnic.
We hope you enjoy visiting some of these spaces to play by bus this Spring!
* With acknowledgments also to Play England for some content within this article.
