Monyash's play area is located behind the pub and accessed from Chapel Street by the lane next to the Chapel.

The valiant group of parents who’ve looked after the park since its refurbishment (see below) go by the grand name of the Monyash Playing Fields Committee. You probably recognise them. Sadly, their children have now grown and the Park desperately needs to be cared for by a new, dare we suggest younger, generation of valiant parents. So, if your children enjoy the zip wire, swings and slides, please support your village Play Park with a little of your time — and join this committee. Please get in touch via our Contact Us page.

The park was completely refurbished in 2006. It now provides a range of equipment including a zip wire, swings, slides, climbing frames, see-saws .... for children of all ages and abilities, from toddlers to teenagers, with equipment adapted for children with special needs. The park is easily accessible for people with pushchairs and wheelchairs.

Photographs by Samantha Johnston

The development of the new park

Monyash Playground has been run by a village charity since the 1980s. The original equipment was erected by villagers in 1984 supported by a grant from the Integrated Rural Development Fund. Although it was orginally an award winning park, the years had taken their toll and the equipment was becoming unsafe and slowly being removed piece by piece. During 2002, in the village planning process, the children of Monyash School highlighted the playground as a major area of concern. They said they would like “a bigger, better, improved park with mended or new swings. A better slide, perhaps a helter-skelter type and a better climbing frame. A better or fixed see saw and a roundabout".

In early 2004 the Playing Fields Committee asked the children for their help. They took a group of 16 children out to 3 local parks and let them play. The children were asked what they most liked. The Committee then set out to try and deliver the park that the children wanted, whilst at the same time making sure that children of all ages and abilities, from toddlers to teenagers, would have something wonderful to play on. The children have been key to the development of the new play area: they viewed and approved the plans, produced signs for the park and, in the future, it is hoped that they will help with shrub or tree planting.

Through their involvement in the development of the park it is hoped that the children will be encouraged look after the park and also realise that they have the ability to change things in their lives for the better.