The latest addition to the public amenities in Broomfield Park is a community chess table, located near the Palmers Greenery café and available for use without charge.
The new chess table, with built-in seating, is close to the Palmers Greenery community café
To pay for purchase and installation of the open-air chess table, the Palmers Greenery community café, in partnership with the Friends of Broomfield Park (FoBP), successfully applied to Enfield Council for a grant from the government's Levelling Up Parks Fund.
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 and 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 that is currently missing.
For the time being visitors are invited to bring their own playing pieces, but in the near future a set of chess and draughts pieces will be available to borrow from the café. Positioning the table near the café, which serves as a social and loneliness hub, will enhance social cohesion and mental wellbeing, making Broomfield Park a more integrated and supportive community space.
At the Palmers Green Festival on Sunday 1st September 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 FoBP and the Palmers Greenery 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.
Sarah Cotton who co-ordinates the Palmers Greenery community café 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, 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.”
