University researchers calling for people’s memories of Gloucester adventure playground

​Researchers at the University of Gloucestershire are carrying out a research programme that aims to collect people’s memories and stories of adventure playgrounds, including one in Gloucester. 

Residents are being asked to come along to White City Adventure Playground, 110 Finlay Road, Gloucester, GL4 6TF on Saturday, 13 February between 9.30am – 2.30pm.

The event will be hosted by the academics as part of the research programme called Sharing Memories of Adventure Playgrounds (SMAP).

The researchers are keen to recreate a 21 year old photo (attached), taken in 1995 at White City’s 10th anniversary.
If you are in the photograph, played as a child, worked or managed or helped set up this playground – or know someone who might want to share their memories – the team of researchers are keen for you to attend the event with stories and memories to tell or photos and objects to share. Refreshments will be provided.

Researchers are also holding similar events at adventure playgrounds in Bristol.

Dr Wendy Russell at University of Gloucestershire said: “These special playgrounds have a rich history, now is the time to record it! The idea is to share stories and memories across generations – not in search of accurate historical facts, but to try and capture what the playground meant to people, it is these shared histories we are particularly interested in.”
The project will produce a publicly available report as well as a video, and the intention is to put together a public exhibition from the project.

Those who wish to take part in this research project can just drop into one of the events, tell friends and family or contact the team for more information: Dr Wendy Russell at smap@glos.ac.uk or Tom Williams on 07817022123.