The Spring sun shone this morning, as we opened our newly built bespoke play park. Excitement building, our youngest and oldest pupils cut the ribbon and play commenced. An outstanding achievement by our school community raising £16,000 to invest in constructing an area where our pupils can grow, develop eye-hand co-ordination, gain core strength, improve balance and most of all have fun.
On behalf of Moneynick Primary School we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who have supported our Friends of Moneynick School - PTA fundraising efforts over the past two years. Your contributions whether through donations, time or support are deeply appreciated by our pupils and staff. Thanks to your generosity we have achieved an area which will foster creativity, teamwork and lasting memories for our pupils for years to come. Thank you also to Ballycastle Climbing Frames for making our vision, a reality!
We are so proud to have such a dedicated community!💙💚
The benefits of a play park are extensive for the development of our children.
1. Health benefits
The wide range of equipment placed in our play park such as the monkey bars, slides, swings, and climbing frames have the children in constant motion. They chase each other around and race between pieces of equipment eager to have their next turn. This helps build their cardiovascular fitness and strength which will lead to an overall increase in their physical fitness. The best thing about this outside activity is the children feel like they’re playing rather than exercising!
2. Gross motor skills
Playground equipment helps children develop their gross motor skills. Gross motor skills involve the large muscles of the body. Children have to jump, climb, crawl, swing, push, pull and hang on to the monkey bars For example, the monkey bars strengthen those hands and finger muscles that are used for grasping and handwriting and then there are the various ladders and beams that help provide opportunities for improving balance and coordination. On playground equipment children can work on eye-hand co-ordination, core strength, balance, and developing arm and leg strength.
3. Sensory benefits
The park is full of many sensory experiences. When a child uses the playground equipment they will be stimulating a multitude of senses. The swings will provide lots of input to the vestibular system, whilst climbing and heavy work activities will stimulate the proprioceptive systems. The tactile system will be stimulated by the many natural ‘touch’ objects found in the park environment (eg. bark, dirt and mud).
4. Developing self-regulation
A playground provides kids with the opportunity to be able to regulate their own bodies, they can let off steam or recharge their batteries. They might enjoy swinging to the sky on the swings, or going rapidly around and around but then they’ll be happy to slow their bodies down and do some climbing. Different children can tolerate different amounts of sensory input. Some will last on the swings for two minutes while others will be able to swing for ten minutes. A playground helps a child learn about what sensations make them feel good inside. What makes them feel “fast” and what “slows” them down.
Kids and playground equipment are a perfect match for growth, development and having lots of fun!
