FAMILIES in the Parks are being given the chance to access to green spaces during lockdown.

Goddard Park Primary School's field and woodland areas are being enjoyed for exercise after it teamed up with a new satellite of the Swindon Old Town Rotary Club in Parks and Walcot.

Carmen Franklin, chair of the new club and deputy head of Goddard Park Primary School, said: “We set up the group for the local community and we realised that a lot of the pupils live in flats or haven’t got access to outside spaces during lockdown.

“At the school we have a lovely woodland area and a lovely big field, and we thought that apart from by the key worker children who are in school, it’s not being used.

"It’s the perfect place for families to explore and have that nice time outside,” she said.

The area can be booked for one-hour slots for people to take part in exercise, play games, or explore. It consists of the school’s playing field and a patch of 25-year-old woodland and more recently developed woodland.

“It’s so important for families and young people to be outside in the fresh air and also having that space to be free, to run around freely and just feel the wind in your face,” added Carmen.

“And not to have that worry that you’re going to come in contact with someone.”

The space is gated and there is a 15-minute gap between each slot to ensure no contact between users.

The satellite club has put together a video encouraging families to sign up.

“It’s important for mental and physical health,” Carmen continued. “We’ve never had times like this before and this is going to impact our children for years to come. So if they have some positive experiences that’s really important.”

Staff at the school have also put together activity packs for children including mini beast trails and scavenger hunts, to help them discover the space.

“Outside is an education itself,” said Carmen.

While pupils and their families are prioritised, other residents in the community are also encouraged to book the area.

Carmen added: “We’re not forgetting the elderly, who are not able to see their grandchildren and families at the moment. This might be something which helps their mental health as well.”

Headteacher Mike Welsh said: “We are delighted that the new satellite Rotary Club in Swindon is helping with this.

“It is a wonderful experience for children and families during lockdown. It provides exercise and fun for individual families, some of whom have restricted outside space such as high-rise or mid-rise flats, or small gardens. The field and woodland offers lots of play opportunities for one family at a time."

To book, call Fiona Godfrey on 01793 342344.