South Ayrshire Council News

Provost Winifred Sloan is pictured with some of the children and others involved in the National Big Play Day.

Hundreds of local children, families and visitors to South Ayrshire enjoyed a free action packed day of fun at the National Big Play Day at Dam Park in Ayr.

The Big Play Day is a national event and 2010 marked the first ever Big Play Day in South Ayrshire.

A joint venture between the Council and the local Childcare Forum - which was established in 2009 to support the childcare sector within South Ayrshire – it offered a terrific day out for all those who attended.

The free activities included a water slide; sand pits; a hay bale zone; a chance for under 5s to try out their road safety skills; assault courses; traditional playground games; inflatable and bouncy castles; messy play area; arts and crafts; drama face painting. There were stalls to visit, music and dancing, giveaways, and lots more.

South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan, who welcomed everyone to the National Big Play Day and officially opened the event, said: "This is the first time the Big Play Day has been held in South Ayrshire. It was an opportunity to celebrate the right of children to play and have fun in their community along with their family and friends.

"It was a true community event and extra special because all the activities were free, so children could try as many activities as they wanted everything from assault courses to face painting. Many families chose to take along a picnic and spend the afternoon at Dam Park.

"It is very important that children have time to play, use their imagination, get out in the fresh air and exercise and enjoy time with their family and friends. Many families chose to."

Here are just a few of the comments from enthusiastic children and adults who attended the event:

"It was great for the children to be able to try loads of different things out."

"Glad we went along, the sun shined and we all had fun."

"I enjoyed playing in the big sandpit and trying out a pedal bike."

"This is the best playground I have ever been in. We brought a picnic with us so we can stay all day."

"The music was great and I listened to it while on the bouncy castle."