A Special Kind Of Playground

It's been something like 15 years since I last passed through the gates of the North Staffs Special Adventure Playground with my sister Cathy all exited about the fun and games that lay inside. Back then it would have been in a car rather than on a bike, at least this time there was no chance of me not being recognised.

Hannah, who remembered both me and Cathy from all those years ago, was on hand to give me a quick tour and it was immediately clear that the playground has been busy - they was a new extention to the building, more climbing frames and colourful additions outside as well as a soft indoor play area with a ball pool I couldn't help but jump into:

I can see exactly why kids must love spending time here, it was just a shame I had to ride home for lunch else I'd have easily lost hours running round like a kid in a toy shop.

It's not just the premises that have grown, the services offered have as well - now open 7 days a week, 51 weeks a year with local special needs groups and schools visiting in term time, respite and family sessions at the weekend, playschemes in the holidays and even a monthly disco (if only I'd known, maybe I'd have timed my visit better). The staff and volutary play workers certainly keep themselves busy but you can see the great job they do by the smiles on the everybody's faces.
As the servcies have grown it takes more funds, largely from donations, to keep the playground running; and of course there are always plans to expand and upgrade the premises, facilities and services so they can offer the best possible experience to those that visit.

It was great to see the good work that continues at the special adventure playground and I hope my long miles cycling across North America might persuade some people to support them.

You can find more details on the playground here:
http://www.specialadventureplayground.co.uk/home_fs.html