Smart moves as chess tables to be installed in area’s parks
OUTDOOR chess tables are to be installed in parks in Hyndburn.
The cash for the boards and benches has been given in Levelling Up grants.
Each four-seater picnic bench will feature a double chess playing board on top designed to be durable and sturdy.
Hyndburn Council will be locating them in
Gatty Park, Accrington and Rhydding’s Park, Oswaldtwistle.
Blackburn and Darwen and Pendle will also be getting chess tables.
The 100 new outdoor chess boards across England are designed to improve existing green space facilities and encourage residents to come together to meet, learn and play.
A Department for Levelling up spokesman said: “The provision of new chess tables in parks and public spaces is part of a cross-government strategy to deliver on three key objectives: increase participation in chess among primary school-age children, support elite level chess competition and increase the visibility and public presence of chess.”
Hyndburn Council’s environment boss Cllr Steven Smithson said: “It is so important to all of us at the council to create outside spaces where people feel that they can be active and meet like-minded people.
“We have chosen these locations for the benches and chess tables primarily based on the fantastic community hubs already based within the parks. We are certain that this move will do wonders for increasing social inclusion and reducing isolation within the surrounding communities by providing a free, accessible activity suitable for all ages.”
People interested in using the new chess tables can either bring along their own chess set or there will be sets available to borrow for a small deposit.
Ann Warrington, Chair of the Friends of Rhyddings Park, said: “It is wonderful that we can add to our wellbeing offers here at Rhyddings Park and I am certain that the new chess table will be a brilliant addition to the park.
“Everything we do as the Friends of Rhyddings Park group strives to promote wellbeing and inclusion, which the new chess table perfectly epitomises.”