A new Community Chess Table and seating has been installed in Broomfield Park and is now available for public use.
The Palmers Greenery Community Café, in Partnership with The Friends of Broomfield Park, successfully applied to London Borough of Enfield for a grant to install the table.
Broomfield Park is an ideal location for this new facility; the park is a social hub with an abundance of volunteer-run events and activities. Already a welcoming space for family activities, providing an inclusive environment for both formal and informal social connections; the installation of a Community Chess Table adds an intergenerational activity to the park. At the moment visitors are invited to bring their own playing pieces, but shortly, a set of chess pieces and draughts will be available to borrow from The Palmers Greenery.
The Community Chess Table has been installed adjacent to the Palmers Greenery Community Café. Positioning the table near the café, which serves as a social and loneliness hub, will help enhance social cohesion and mental wellbeing, making Broomfield Park a more integrated and supportive community space.
At the Palmers Green Community Festival on Sunday September 1st a representative from Chess in the Community will be on hand to encourage players to use the table and support youngsters to try out chess in the park. This is part of the commitment by The Friends of Broomfield Park along with The Palmers Greenery Community Cafe, to promote the use of the chess table, build links with local clubs and foster community spirit through partnerships and inclusive projects with local chess enthusiasts and learners.
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Sarah Cotton
who co-ordinates the Palmers Greenery Community Cafe said:
“We welcome chess players to come along with a friend - or come on your own where you can have a cuppa and a chat with one of our volunteers and find a chess partner. The Palmers Greenery Community Cafe has a proud track record of supporting social cohesion and mental health and wellbeing in Broomfield Park the new Community Chess table will extend our warm welcome to new community members”
Finula Cilliers,
Co-Chair of The Friends of Broomfield Park network, said:
“Broomfield Park is a beautiful green space, its many attractions and activities - significantly enhanced by our committed voluntary groups - ensure that it is a welcoming and inclusive space for wellbeing, sporting and family activities. It’s terrific to add a new amenity for local people to enjoy.”
Funding for the supply and installation of the Community Chess Table comes from the Former Government's
Levelling Up Parks Fund
distributed through the London Borough of Enfield.
