PlayBox is here! It’s this summer’s safe alternative to the Playday events

Released On 25th Jul 2020

Free play activities are on their way for families this summer in South Somerset thanks to our new PlayBox scheme.

This year, to ensure the safety of children, adults and our teams, we have had to cancel our Playdays, YouthDays and School’s Out summer activities due to Covid-19.

However, all is not lost, as we are still providing South Somerset families with play alternatives this summer with PlayBox. PlayBox is a free activity box including arts and crafts, baking and outdoor play idea, and environmental activities.

The PlayBoxes will be given out at our collection points across South Somerset on the following dates between 11am and 2pm:

• 4th August – Kingsbury Episcopi Recreation Ground
• 5th August – Cale Park, Wincanton
• 6th August – Jocelyn Park, Chard
• 7th August – Yeovil Recreation Ground, Mudford Road, Yeovil

To receive a box, you will need to visit one of our collection points. We have a limited stock and will be giving the boxes out on a first come first served basis.

One box will be given to each child aged between five and 11 years old. All children must be accompanied by an adult. There will be different PlayBoxes to choose from covering a range of activities.

There will be a booklet listing the activities featured in each box to help you make your decision before reaching the collection point.

We ask that you are respectful of others and adhere to social distancing guidelines when collecting your play box. There will be a one-way system in place so please follow the signs at the collection locations. We advise you to bring hand sanitiser and will have some at the collection point.

South Somerset District Council, Yarlington Housing Group and Yeovil Town Council have hosted Playdays, YouthDays and the School’s Out programme in South Somerset for many years, providing joy to thousands of our residents. So it is with great sadness that they will not be happening this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Councillor Mike Best, portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing at South Somerset District Council, said, “We have to think about the safety of our communities at this time and although it was a difficult decision to cancel our PlayDays and other events, it was the right thing to do. I’m delighted, however, that our fantastic team is going to be able to provide safe alternative play opportunities to our communities through the PlayBox initiative.

“We look forward to providing great activities to families and bringing Playdays back next year if it is safe to do so.”