PLAYGROUND IN THE MIDLANDS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19364, 22 July 1925, Page 10

PLAYGROUND IN THE MIDLANDS

So much has been said and written about playgrounds in the United States, Canada, and elsewhere that one turns with a sense of unexpected pleasure to find in a comparatively small provincial town in England one of these urban amenities which, for greater completeness of equipment, more picturesque development and surroundings, an 1 liberty for enjoyment by all classes of Ihe community, it would be difficult to find in any part of the world. Such is Wicksteed Park at Kettering, Northampton, and appreciation of its existence is worthy of much wider acceptance than at present exists. Begun' feme 11 years ago. it has been provided, developed, and equipped through the generosity and enterprise of Air. Charles Wicksteed, who has been a leading business man in Kettering for many years. The park covers in area of about 70 acres, and when first opened Air. Wicksteed did not consider a playground an essential part, though he had always intended to provide one. Ono day. however, there was a large ■chool treat, and temporary swings made of scaffolding polos were put up. and these wore so much enjoyed that ho decided to erect permanent structures. The change proved a great success; the children came first, then the parents, and after the parents* the general public. Where there were formerly dozens of people, there are now hundreds and thousands, and the amount of healthy enjoyment, delight, and exercise which the ‘ 1 play-things” give is immeasurable. A conclusion which he camo to many years ago was that many private benefactors and public bodies, in laying out a beautiful park to sit in, walk in. and look at, do not, realise that* people want more

than this, and “want something doing.” Those who cannot play themselves enjoy looking on at those who ran. The playground should not he put in a corner behind railings, but in a conspicuous and beautiful part of the park, free to all. where people can enjoy the play and charming scenery at

the same time, where mothers can sit while looking on and caring for their children. Afr. Wieksteed believes i diversity of equipment for playground, and has designed many useful and novel forms of appliance. Many of his appliances have the advantage of being not only suitable for one person or a number at one time, but also for persons of all ages. Besides the ordinary typo of garden swing, he has provided see-saw swings, plank or jazz swings, as well as slides and switchbacks. See-saw ladders, giant strides, and the ocean wave are other “play-things” available for the pleasure of visitors to the park. An additional advantage is that equipment, is constructed in different sizes for the use of small children as well as r those who are bigger. Beautiful flower beds have 1 eon formed in the centre of the park, and in summer the roses are a source of much admiration and pleasure. An artificial pond for boating ami bathing, small ponds for water lilies, for sailing model boats, and for paddling are other features adding to the attractiveness of the park, which, through the generosity of the founder, constitutes a sort of community centre, not only for the town of Kettering but for a large surrounding district. To see this playground on a fine sumliner afternoon is a revelation to the 'visitor interested in healthful outdoor ■ pay and recreation. A chance visit I made in the late afternoon of a delightful summer day in 1924 disclosed a 'scene full of gaiety, old and young in fhundreds enjoying to the utmost, without any restriction whatsoever, except That of ordinary good behaviour, the 'exhilaration and health-giving ad ran jtages <f life in the sunshine out of ;doors which had been made poso.oie : through the foresight and liberality of I a much-respected fellow-citizen.