Spider 'shoot-out' for Southfield scholars

Spider 'shoot-out' for Southfield scholars - Spring Rise Park in Kettering has now been fully transformed into a fantastic play area for the local community to fully enjoy, thanks, in part, to Playbuilder funding which helped finance the second phase of the regeneration. This completes a huge project which involved site clearance, landscaped pathways and a new multi-use games area.

With the dynamic PlayAlive from Wicksteed Playscapes as the centre of attraction, standing tall and intriguing amongst all the new landscaping and play equipment, it is an exceptional play area offering all sorts of challenges and attractions.

The sun shone on proceedings and the solar panels of the spider-shaped electronic play system sent the afternoon spinning into action as the girls from Southfield School took part in a fierce but friendly endurance competition.

This ground-breaking and ingenious outdoor fitness/gaming phenomenon is taking the country by storm.  Different games, set up electronically from four central satellite stations, give PlayAlive a tantalisingly technical edge - appealing to all from the age of 8, right up to adults.  The interactive fun and excitement motivates and engages youngsters, allowing them to play pre-programmed games or use their imaginations to create their own.

The intelligent gym - as this curiously arachnid-shaped unit is known - juxtaposes technology with exercise; the ideal combination to entice computer-obsessed youngsters outdoors and encourage physical activity in a playful and competitive way.

Southfield School for Girls was more than happy to be part of this exciting launch and Year 7 students formed five teams to participate in the challenges set by Helen from Wicksteed and Theo from Kettering Borough Council.  Wicksteed goody bags were handed out to all the contestants and the winning team - The Cheeky Monkeys - all won Next vouchers.

Organised by Kettering Borough Council, the event was a great success and Dave Lane, Senior Community Services Officer, said: "When we started to develop ideas for our Playbuilder bid, local children told us they wanted something with a bit of octane in it! The location was also a major thoroughfare for kids from two nearby secondary schools so the theme of "team play" soon emerged and the PlayAlive 'Spider' unit was a unanimous hit during the consultations.  Now, for most of the day, the 'Spider' sits there quietly awaiting its prey and then springs into life at home time as it gets covered by kids looking for their octane fix!  The unit has certainly taken Spring Rise Park up a few levels."

The girls from Southfield School with the 'Spider'

The Cheeky Monkeys - winners on the day