Two Berkshire parks, Prospect Park and Palmer Park in Reading, have recently been enhanced with concrete chess tables, designed to promote outdoor social interaction. These tables, complete with two-seater benches, create an inviting space for chess enthusiasts to gather and play.
The Reading Borough Council has facilitated this initiative, allowing individuals to bring their own chess sets or borrow one for a small deposit. In anticipation of the Reading Chess Club’s upcoming 125th anniversary, plans are underway to host tournaments at these tables during the summer season. David Deane, the club’s president, has expressed enthusiasm for the project, describing it as a “fantastic initiative.”
Funding for this outdoor recreation endeavor was sourced from Levelling Up and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds. Adele Barnett-Ward, responsible for leisure and culture at the council, highlighted the deliberate choice of Prospect Park and Palmer Park, recognizing them as vital community hubs. She believes that these chess tables have the potential to foster social inclusivity and combat isolation within the local communities, offering a free and accessible activity suitable for individuals of all ages.
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