128/ THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAY WITH RICK JENNER
EPISODE 128
We’re joined by Rick Jenner, a man on a mission to get more people moving, playing, and connecting. Rick is the CEO of ParkPlay — a young and ambitious charity bringing free, fun, and active play to parks across the UK. Since launching in 2020, ParkPlay has grown to nearly 100 community events and welcomed over 11,000 children and families to meet, move and play.
Kenneth flies solo (again!) for this one, as slacker James is taking a mysterious annual leave. With a shared passion for park-based weekend activities, Kenneth and Rick talk about finding meaning in your work and the overlooked value of play in society. They get into the reduction in school play time, the financial barriers to sports and the organisation’s vision to change that through fostering community wellbeing. There’s the importance of volunteers in scaling a model. Plus the funding challenges and volatility facing us all, and the value of loyal long-term partnerships in countering them. Kenneth dives into the detail of Rick’s career from telecoms and media magnate, though sport organisation and to Park Play where he leads a team in the surprisingly collaborative world of charity.
You can find out more about Park Play, and look up your local event here.
