Archery, karting, rock climbing, crafts, sports and games: Activities for National Play Day at Summerhill in Hartlepool

Families joined in a national celebration of children’s right to pay at Summerhill in Hartlepool.
Karting was a popular activity at the Summerhill National Play Day event.Karting was a popular activity at the Summerhill National Play Day event.
Karting was a popular activity at the Summerhill National Play Day event.

The country park was buzzing with activities and visitors when it held an event as part of National Play Day.

Youngsters got to throw themselves into a wide mix of activities including archery, karting, rock climbing, crafts, sports and games.

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Summerhill, run by Hartlepool Borough Council, held the day to support National Play Day, described as the biggest play sector event in the UK.

Trying their hand at archery Jean Cawley and daughter Martha (8) at the National Play Day family fun day at Summerhill Country Park.Trying their hand at archery Jean Cawley and daughter Martha (8) at the National Play Day family fun day at Summerhill Country Park.
Trying their hand at archery Jean Cawley and daughter Martha (8) at the National Play Day family fun day at Summerhill Country Park.

There were also storytelling sessions, tips on taking top photographs and competitions where families had to explore the park.

The event was also well supported by numerous organisations including the police, EDF Energy, Tesco, Newcastle Building Society and the RSPB.

Gemma Ptak, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Assistant Director for Preventative and Community Based Services, said: “We were blown away by the amount of visitors we had to this year’s National Play Day event at Summerhill Country Park.

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“Events like this are fantastic at bringing local families together and letting children have fun, trying out new and exciting activities and making memories.

Community Support Officer Steven Widdowfield making sure the tyres of  Marcee Angus bike are the correct pressure at the National Play Day  family fun day  at Summerhill Country Park, Hartlepool.Community Support Officer Steven Widdowfield making sure the tyres of  Marcee Angus bike are the correct pressure at the National Play Day  family fun day  at Summerhill Country Park, Hartlepool.
Community Support Officer Steven Widdowfield making sure the tyres of Marcee Angus bike are the correct pressure at the National Play Day family fun day at Summerhill Country Park, Hartlepool.

“We look forward to making this event bigger and better in years to come. A big thank you must go to our staff and partners who helped to make this event the huge success that it was.”

Playday is coordinated by Play England, in partnership with Play Wales, Play Scotland and PlayBoard Northern Ireland.

Organisers said: “In light of government cuts to play services across the country, it is more crucial than ever that we unite to stand up for play.”