Manchester City Council has released the full timetable for Parktastic, a free summer programme offering sports, games, arts and crafts, dance, drama, nature activities, storytelling and messy play at 32 parks and play areas across the city. The expanded programme now runs for 14 weeks, including after-school sessions before the summer break, activities throughout the holidays, and sessions continuing into September.
Expanded Programme Thanks to Additional Funding
Thanks to additional council funding, the hugely popular programme has been expanded from the summer holidays alone to include after-school sessions before schools break up, activities throughout the holidays, and sessions continuing into September. The launch of Parktastic comes as the city celebrates being officially recognised by UNICEF as a Child Friendly City, 'reinforcing Manchester’s commitment to ensuring every child has the chance to play, thrive and enjoy their local community'.
Councillor Julie Reid, executive member for Early Years, children and young people at Manchester City Council, said: “Thanks to additional funding, Parktastic is bigger than ever this year, with 14 weeks of free activities for children across Manchester. Every child deserves the opportunity to play, make friends and enjoy being active outdoors. Parktastic helps make that possible, and we’re proud to be expanding the programme as Manchester celebrates becoming a UNICEF Child Friendly City.”
Drop-In Sessions, No Booking Required
Aimed at children aged six to 12, sessions are free and no booking is required. Children can simply turn up and join in and healthy snacks are also provided. Sessions take place rain or shine and it's recommended that younger children are accompanied by a parent or carer. Parks and play areas in every ward run by Manchester City Council are hosting events, with sessions taking place at set times on specific days.
Councillor Basat Sheikh, executive member for neighbourhoods at Manchester City Council, said: "We're really lucky in Manchester to have lots of beautiful parks and open spaces and want our children to be able to get outside and enjoy them. Our expanded Parktastic programme this year is even bigger and better and means even more opportunities for youngsters in the city to go along to their local park, maybe try something new, have fun, meet friends and even make new ones. Sessions are taking place in every part of the city, so that as many children as possible can join in. There's no booking required, just turn up, get involved, and have some fun!"
Delivered by Youthwork Charity N-Gage
Parktastic is being delivered by Manchester-based youthwork charity N-Gage. Founder and CEO Christie Spurling said: "Parktastic is important because it gives children and young people something positive to do. It gets them outdoors, active, and meeting new people. I have very fond memories of spending hours in parks as a child, and I believe activities like this help you stay fit, boost mental health, and try new things."
Details of the sessions running across north parks, central parks and south parks are featured on the council's website. The programme is part of Manchester's ongoing commitment to ensuring every child has access to play and recreational opportunities in their local community.
