How You Can Help...
‘The Land’ opened in February 2012. An open access junk playground, a hub within a community providing support, encouragement, possibilities and at times valuable respite.
‘The Land’ is subject to constant change, a space that will never be developed, and a space that is in continued development by those that attend.
"An unpredictable space - subject to construction and destruction, offering mystery, challenge and also permission."
The space is surrounded by trees, water, grass and earth, somewhere to hide, run, climb, be noisy, be messy or just a space to escape to. ‘The Land’ and the feeling of separation provides the opportunity to suspend reality; children can create their own narratives, their own worlds for their own reasons.
There is no element of permanency on The Land, all of the resources lack monetary value they are disposable and scrounged. This allows for constant change and avoids us having to place restrictions on what children can do here.
Although it could be suggested that ‘The Land’ is not the most aesthetically pleasing due to the unkempt, disorderly persona, this comes secondary to the fact the space provides the opportunity for children and young people to create and shape their own narratives and worlds away from the public glare.
If you would like to support the work that happens on The Land we would appreciate donations, basically we see the potential in anything from timber to nails from a speedboat to a tiny teddy.
Please get in touch via our facebook page Play on Plas Madoc or email claire.griffiths@avow.org / 01978 813912. If you would like to donate money to the cause please go on our website www.avow.org
Words from Gareth...
The first thought I had when I entered 'The Land' in Plas Madoc was "Why didn't I have one of these playgrounds growing up?" and the second thought I had was "Is there one for adults??". But both of these thoughts evaporated into the atmosphere that is 'The Land' as Claire and David encouraged me to explore and ignite my childlike curiousity. My curiousity was not alone though, as dozens of children arrived ready to discover new games and free their thoughts of the outside world. Their curiousity extends beyond the wood and plastic of 'The Land' and to one another as they build, break and re-shape their environment together, huddling around a fire pit and sharing the flavours of the week.
In 'The Land' destruction is a part of creation. Through destruction they learn to respect what an object is and envisage the possibilities of what it can become. With every risk comes a possible failure that brings them one step closer to success and increases their perception of value. 'To destroy or not to destroy?', that is only the first question in 'The Land', the second being 'Can I make this better?'. Allowing a child to make these mistakes teaches them to weigh up their options and offers them a chance to improve on the environment that they have been given.
The support that Claire, David and the other playworkers provide is so subtle that at first glance it looks like children have taken over the world as the playworkers are not seen by the children as teachers or parental figures but friends. It may look like these children have taken over the world and the fact is that one day they will. One day they will be the leaders, innovators and members of society that the next generation will look to for guidance. They are the future and it is our responsibility to expand their minds and skills to make the best possible world for them and future generations. Where better than an ever changing playground with the only limitations being the edges of a childs imagination...
If you like this check out...
Valleys Kids at http://valleyskids.org/ a community centre making a difference to individuals and families and be sure to check out this YouTube Channel and support those kids showing their amazing parkour skills in the video.