A versatile and colourful activity space is being built in Portsmouth this month with the aim of getting people of all ages to get active and socialise.
Construction has begun on the UK’s first PLAYCE, a multi-skills activity space built in Portsmouth using a pioneering scientific model for movement.
The purpose of the outdoor space is to get people moving by challenging them to think outside the box when it comes to physical activity.
It is designed in a way that anyone can use the space, from young and old and with all skill levels, including those with disabilities and additional needs. Uniquely, there will also be no separate areas for different groups, but an integrated “PLAYCE” for all.
The project is a collaboration between the University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth City Council (PCC), and the Athletic Skills Model (ASM) Company, and is being led by Dr Martina Navarro and Dr Chad Witcher.
Dr Martina Navarro, Senior lecturer in the School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science at the University of Portsmouth, said: “After a year of planning and speaking with residents about what they would like to see within the space, we’re excited to officially get the ball rolling so to speak.
“The public’s input has been incredibly valuable. Requests from residents included demolishing the current brick wall to open up the space, as well as create specific areas for different activities and sports including netball posts, racket ball games and graphics patterns for agility exercises and assault courses.”
The versatile public space will be constructed in Lords Court, Landport, after the council approved the use of the site. It will officially open to the public later this summer.
It is being funded by the University of Portsmouth and supported by external organisations, including Portsmouth City Council, the NIHR and South Western Railway Customer and Communities Improvement Fund (CCIF), which donated £76,000 to the project last year.
The money has been spent on community consultations and engagement, and the design and construction. The council is undertaking the build on behalf of the University, working with Sorcha Sports and Purkiss Builders.
Cllr Darren Sanders, Cabinet Member for Housing and Preventing Homelessness, said: “It’s great to see the UK’s first PLAYCE taking shape after careful consultation with the people who will use it. It is an exciting opportunity to provide a new and innovative space for residents to be active, whatever their age.
“The design has been informed by residents working alongside the University and they have created a space that means people will be able to exercise in a completely new way, in groups and as families, supported by local people who will be trained by the council.
“This space complements the adventure playground across the road and strengthens the city’s portfolio of fun, free spaces for families to enjoy together.”
Additional funding from the council’s public health team has also trained a number of local community representatives and exercise professionals in ASM theory and principles, so they can optimise both the use of the PLAYCE and apply the knowledge within their own setting. Funding was also secured to improve the area surrounding the site, through greening it, making it more visually appealing and climate friendly.
Future plans for the PLAYCE could include school, sports clubs, health centres, sports coaches and informal carers using it to carry out their training or exercise programmes.
Read more on the University of Portsmouth website