Excited children formed snaking queues to climb a 25 foot
climbing wall and brave a zip line at the event, which was
organised and funded by South Somerset District
Council.
The day of arts and crafts activities, exotic animals and
insects from Bugfest and woodland den building also brought the
crowd-pleasing magician Professor Paradox back to
Yeovil.
Robert Parr, South Somerset District Council's Senior Play
and Youth Facilities Officer said, "The idea was to provide an
excellent range of challenging and unusual free play activities for
local children to enjoy.
"It was our sixth year now and with the great weather and
the numbers attending, I can honestly say that it was our best play
day yet, with children and families spending the entire day
there.
"I think it was a memorable day and I hope children will
take lots of fun experiences from it."
Amongst the most popular activities was the opportunity to
climb Yeovil Country Park's towering trees with the Great Big Tree
Climbing Company, and power wand making - where children peeled
soft twigs and decorated them in a tent run by Wilder
Woods.
Similar events were held across the country, with the aim
of celebrating a child's right to
play.
Cllr Sylvia Seal, South Somerset's Portfolio Holder for
Leisure and Culture added, "Events like this are part of the
district council's ongoing work to improve the quality and quantity
of play opportunities across South Somerset. National Play Day is
always an incredibly popular event and brings communities together
from South Somerset and beyond to celebrate the benefits of
play."
The Somerset Play Forum contributed £800 towards the
event.
For more information on upcoming play day events visit
www.southsomerset.gov.uk/playdays
.
Issued: 5 August 2011