Love Parks Week: Free Sport Activities with ParkLives

We love spending time outdoors and getting active, so when we heard about the free activities provided by ParkLives, we jumped at the chance to try them.

Last year, we went to a family tennis session at a park in Newham and we were delighted to attend another session this year. As you may have seen in our Instagram account and Twitter, we had lots of fun and I wish we live closer so we could go every weekend.

Love Parks Week runs until 21st July and there are a range of free activities on offer, suitable for the whole family. 

Family tennis, as the name says, is suitable for all ages and abilities. Coach Carl welcomed us when we arrived at the session and explained that he usually teaches the children at one court while the parents socialise and enjoy tennis together at the other two courts.

Little man was so inspired after last year’s session that he asked whether he could start tennis lessons and we signed him up for a summer tennis programme. 

This year, I can see how much he has improved and his coordination is so much better than it used to be. Coach Carl was brilliant at teaching each children what they could do to improve their technique even further, through fun games which kept them engaged.

The session was long enough for children to learn new strategies, but not too long so they would get bored. They were all enthusiastic throughout the session and the parents were enjoying themselves too. 

It is great to see that there is a wide range of free sports on offer, so everyone can get active and healthy, without spending any money. 

Please see the activities below:

Walking Yoga – These sessions connect the mind and body and are suitable for all abilities and ages.  They will learn how to correct their posture, practice yoga postures to strengthen their core muscles, develop stamina and breathing control. All are welcome to come along make friends and get healthy.

• Friday 20^th of July at  Plashet Park, East Ham, E6 1BT 10-11am

Family Tennis – Sessions designed for the whole family to improve skills whatever your level or ability.

• Saturday 21^st July Gooseley Playing Fields, East Ham, E6 6HU, 10-11:15am
• Saturday 21^th July Central Park, 11:45-1pm

Neighbourhood Multi-Sports – Sessions designed to improve physical, social and mental wellbeing of teenagers.

• Thursday 19^th July, Britannia Village Green, Silvertown, E16 1UA, 5-6pm,
  • Star Lane Park, Canning Town, E16 4QH,  5-6.30pm
• Friday 20^th July, Priory Park, East Ham, E6 1QZ, 5-6.30pm
  • Jack Cornwell Community Centre, Manor Park, E12 5NN 4.30-5.30pm
• Saturday  21^st of July, Brampton Park, East Ham, E6 3LB, 1.30-2.30pm
  • Stratford Park, 12noon-1pm
  • Odessa Road Open Space, Forest Gate, E7 9BL,  5-6.30pm

Plogging– picking litter and jogging at the same time

• Wednesday 18^th July, Little Ilford Park, 11am-12noon
• Thursday 19^th July , Star Lane Park, 11am-12noon

Parkour/Freerunning – Session designed to improve mental health, physical health, imagination, confidence and creativity for people with mental health problems.

• Thursday 19^th, Victory Park, Stratford E20 2ER,  4.15-5.45pm

Social Walk – Sessions led by an instructor designed to promote community cohesion, social skills, improve cardiovascular fitness, and mental wellbeing.

• Saturday 21^st of July, Plaistow Park, 10-11am

ParkLives, funded by Coca-Cola GB offers a range of free family-friendly outdoor activities in local parks. For more details about ParkLives and to find a free activity, please check: https://www.parklives.com/

Thank you ParkLives and Coach Carl for having us!

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