The Gamekeeper in Woodlands, near Southampton, is ready to welcome children to its play area which has been opened to help support the local community.
A garden area at the pub has been refurbished to home the play area, which can be used to help entertain local children and support their physical and mental health through exercise.
The area, which caters for children up to the age of 12, includes a slide and a fireman pole. The pub also has a new outdoor area where parents can sit for a coffee to socialise and keep an eye on the little ones.
The play area was opened with expert help and a Community Services Fund grant from Pub is The Hub, the not-for-profit organisation that helps pubs to diversify and provide essential local services.
Publican Kerry Wolfe at The Gamekeeper in Woodlands realised there was a need for this vital local service as there are few activities for younger children to do in the village and a large number of families in the area.
Kerry said: “As the weather is getting warmer the play area will offer children the opportunity to exercise in a safe environment.
“We wanted to offer this service to help families as there really is nothing for them in the local area. We look forward to offering everyone a warm welcome.”
Pub is The Hub regional advisor Reg Clarke said: “The Gamekeeper is really at the heart of Woodlands. This play area will not only bring children together but also their wider families and members of the community.”
He added: “Being able to bring people together by giving the children something to do while offering the parents time to socialise is a great way to overcome social isolation.”
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