sNOw fun for indoor play operators

The recent heavy snow which continues to descend across most the UK may be to the delight of school children everywhere, but to the business’ that rely on their visits, trade has been badly hit.

The Play Providers Association (PPA), the group that represents leading play centre operators has conducted research which suggests that business may be down up to 60% for some operators compared to this time last year as a result of the snowy conditions. As well as schools being closed, the snow and ice has made it difficult for centres in some areas, particularly those based in out of town locations, to open leading to big losses in earnings so far in 2010.

In one of the worst hit sites was Rumble in the Jungle Playcentre in South Wales where the owner Clare Miles described the situation. “ All this snow and icy weather has been awful! January is usually a fairly busy month for us, but I would say takings are down considerably, Since Christmas we've had 4 complete closure days where the snow has been so bad that we have not even been able to get into the site and open up, and a few days where we've closed early, because the weather has taken a turn for the worse. Several parties have had to be rescheduled because there was heavy snow forecast, and one of those was rescheduled had to be moved again, because we got completely snowed in again, with 7 inches of snow! It’s been really hard, and I'm praying that this is it now, and we've seen the last of it. “

Despite the difficult conditions on the roads, the PPA is urging parents to do all they can to ensure that their children still get their recommended 60 active minutes of exercise per day. PPA chair Janice Dunphy commented “The start of the year is usually the time when we all think about starting a new healthier lifestyle and regime and we shouldn’t forget our children in this pledge. Indoor play centres are the perfect family venue to increase activity levels as children gain a complete work out on challenging play structures whilst having great fun”. The PPA refers to this effect as “Exercise in Disguise” and also points to the significant other benefits of active play including increased co-ordination and improved movement skills.

 "According to a study published in the British Medical journal recently, children in the UK are much less fit than they were even 10 years ago"

According to a study published in the British Medical journal recently, children in the UK are much less fit than they were even 10 years ago. Essex University staged fitness tests on 600 10-year-olds a decade apart in an area with low levels of obesity and found significant falls in fitness levels, concluding the average 10-year-old in 1998 could beat 95% of youngsters in 2008 in running tests.

Parents who want to find a high quality indoor play centre near them should visit the PPA website at www.playproviders.org.uk. PPA members conform to a Code of Practice which means their play centres offer a safe and secure environment for children along with the opportunity for parents to learn through play with their children.

Contact details

For more information, interviews, photography or to arrange a visit to a PPA member centre, please contact Kate Costin, the PPA Association Manager

Telephone: 02476 414999

Email: kate@sportsandplay.com

Website: http://www.playproviders.org.uk

Notes to editors

About The Play Providers Association

The PPA has been formed to promote, develop and protect the interests of all businesses engaged in providing enclosed play facilities. The PPA exists under the umbrella of the Federation of Sports and Play Associations (FSPA) and is a national partner of the Change4Life campaign