Playday fun in Kay Park

The 2019 annual Playday once again saw Kilmarnock’s Kay Park transformed into a celebration of play and fun. Police Scotland estimated there were approximately 5,000 children attended from all over East Ayrshire .

The event was organised by the Council’s Vibrant Communities Play and Early Intervention Team to give children free access to a wide variety of play and engaging activities in various zones including adventure, creative, messy, fun, physical, free play. Visitors had the opportunity to speak with local services and clubs across East Ayrshire at the stall holders section.

This year's Playday celebrated its 32nd anniversary nationally. In recognition of this milestone the 2019 Playday campaign will be Play builds Children; calling on everyone across the UK to celebrate the many ways in which play is beneficial to children and young people:

• Play Builds Friendships- playing allows children to interact with others, develop relationships, deal with conflict and learn respect and tolerance.
• Play builds Resilience-playing boosts children’s confidence, creativity, problem- solving skills and perseverance, enabling them to cope with stress and challenges through life.
• Play Builds Health and Well-being-being active through play helps children physically and emotionally, contributing to their health and happiness.
• Play Builds Communities – playing allows children to learn about the world around them, make connections, and develop a sense of identity and belonging

Playday supports all children’s right to play, highlights the importance of physical and emotional health and wellbeing, encourages respect and appreciation of the natural environment and promotes children’s potential development and learning. The favourite activities and games on offer were the  popular mud slide to the bouncy castles, climbing wall and quad bikes.

Provost Jim Todd said: “I had a brilliant time at Play Day! Events such as this very clearly display how East Ayrshire Vibrant Communities are leading the way in play and interaction for our young people and recognising that play is a vital part of young people’s development.”