Turning Barking For Timbuktu Adventure Playground
Helping the turning of the barks which are created the whole playground. Basically the bark on the ground needs turning otherwise it gets too compacted and it's not great for the kids
It's a charity that offers free playgroups and activities for children during after-school and holiday terms18 GoodGymers have supported Turning Barking For Timbuktu Adventure Playground with 4 tasks.
Top supporters
Upcoming sessions
Monday 21st April 2025 7:15pm - 8:15pm
Previous sessions
"Wood You Believe It? Playground Gets a Chip-Tastic Makeover!"
Monday 2nd December 2024
Written by Islington runner
I asked ChatGPT to write the title. I also asked it to write our run report using the following prompt, 'Write a paragraph about Sally and Alison helping Eslam to lay woodchip on a playground'.
Sally and Alison were excited to help Eslam transform the playground into a safer, more vibrant space for the kids. Armed with shovels and rakes, they worked together to spread the fresh woodchip across the playground, carefully ensuring even coverage. Eslam, who had started the project, smiled as he saw his friends jump in, their energy contagious as they laughed and joked while laying the chips. With every scoop, the area started to look brighter, the soft woodchip creating a cushiony surface that would protect the children during play. It was hard work, but the trio knew it was worth it, knowing their efforts would bring joy and safety to the community.
Climb Time at Timbuktu Adventure Playground
Monday 7th October 2024
Written by Simon Fitzmaurice
On Monday evening, local volunteering superstar Eslam hosted a smashing evening at Timbuktu Adventure Playground. Sally, Hannah, Sarah and Caitlin did a wonderful job shifting and turning the bark chip surrounding the play apparatus, helping to keep visiting youngsters safe while running and climbing. Great job everyone!
Bamboo-zled at Timbuktu Adventure Playground
Monday 29th July 2024
Written by Simon Fitzmaurice
After a baking hot summer's day, Area Activator Simon was glad to feel some breeze and a bit of shade before this evening's group run to Timbuktu Adventure Playground near Hornsey Rise. Mehmet, Faye, Louise and Paul joined Simon for a warm up on the Emirates Stadium slopes, before chatty running up Sussex Way, and to Grenville Road. Upon our arrival, we met with Emre, Dan, Lucy and Alison, but found that the main access gate was locked up.
Literally 30 seconds later, Eslam appeared around the corner, pedalling a cargo bike full of tools borrowed from Sunnyside Gardens on Elthorne Road. We cracked on with our evening's tasks! Objective one was to use shovels and forks to turn over the bark chippings that lay around the adventure playground. Mixing the bark with soft soil allows the surface to be softer and more protective in case of a child falling off the play equipment. A big job that needs to be done regularly in the summer months- greatly aided by many Goodgym hands!
Objective two involved giving all of the pathways and play area a really good weeding, as vines, bushes and saplings had started to grow wild with the summer heat and rainfall. Louise, Faye and Alison did a smashing job of removing huge piles of green waste (including some hardy potatoes that found their way into the wood chip!). Eslam made us feel very welcome with offers of water while working, and even the opportunity to take home some freshly grown bamboo from the local gardens!
Well done everyone. Fantastic work on a super sunny evening!
And a special Thank You to Emre for joining us for his final Monday evening Goodgym session before he returns home to Cyprus. It was been a pleasure to meet you, and we really appreciate your efforts and awesome attitude! See you soon, we hope!
GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS
Achilles International VI Guide Running Sessions
Every Thursday, 6pm, Various London locations
On Thursday evenings, the all abilities sports charity Achilles International holds a group run session at a London location.
Here is a list of our upcoming events and sign up pages. Runners, supporters and guides of all abilities and experiences welcome!
Thursday 1st August- Arsenal Emirates Stadium
Thursday 8th August- Stratford Olympic Park
Thursday 15th August- Green Park
Thursday 22nd August- Paddington Rec Track
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The Garden Classroom- Weekly Volunteer Mornings in Islington Parks!
Wednesday mornings, 10am - midday, Newington Green
The Garden Classroom has started multiple weekly open garden mornings in Newington Green, Market Road and Hillside Park (near Caxton House). Set up by trained horticulture specialists and open to all!
Newington Green Next Wednesday- 10am - midday
POST GROUP SESSION SOCIAL- Area Activator Simon celebrates 5 years!
Monday 12th August, 8.45pm, Someday Canteen, Finsbury Park
Area Activator Simon (formerly Trainer Simon) began leading sessions for Goodgym Islington 5 years ago, taking the reins from Goodgym legend Paul Bown (still active in GG Sheffield).
We invite you for good food, excellent refreshments and fun times at Someday Canteen. A pleasant 20 min walk from The Arsenal Community Hub, after our scheduled task!
Highbury Quadrant Greening with Elizabeth House
Every Saturday, 10.30am - 12 midday, Highbury Quadrant Meadow
A fantastic task for post-parkrun runners at Highbury Fields or Finsbury Park!
Elizabeth House Community Centre, in partnership with Islington Council, Highbury Quadrant Tenants and Residents Association, Highbury Councillors and community organisations transformed three unloved and unusable green spaces on Highbury Quadrant estate.
These green spaces have been designed into three distinct spaces, improving bio-diversity and the local environment. There is now a beautiful meadow, an orchard and woodland areas.
Local residents have the opportunity to access these green spaces and take part in gardening and nature based activities, every Saturday mornings 10 am to 12 pm.
Saturday 3rd August
Saturday 10th August
Saturday 17th August
Crouch End Open Space (CREOS) Volunteering Day
Sunday 18th August, 11am - 1pm, Hanley Tennis Club Car Park, Greenways
Our monthly trip to CREOS this year for a woodland regeneration- loads of smashing forest path building has been planned!
Penn Road Gardens Volunteer Open Day
Sunday 25th August, 10am - midday, Penn Road Gardens
Every last Sunday of the month, the residents of Penn Road invite keen volunteers to help with maintaining this lovely community spot just off Holloway Road.
Plough for Playgrounds
Monday 8th July 2024
Written by Simon Fitzmaurice
The changeable showery Summertime weather continues on this Monday evening, where Area Activator Simon met with Goodgym runners Luke, Mehmet, Effie and first timer Sophie just outside the Arsenal Community Hub. Between us, we had enjoyed weekends of half marathon training, rainy parkrun events and meeting new babies for the first time! After a dynamic warm up, we set off up Hornsey Rise and Sussex Way towards Timbuktu Adventure Playground.
After a 1.2 mile run, we met with Emily, Dan and task owner Eslam (Thank you for having us) at the entrance to an impressive play area (a large wooden pirate ship structure, with climbing holds, a high swing and trampolines). Our plan for the evening was to use the shovels, forks and rakes provided to turn all of the bark chip around the playground- bringing oxygen to the soil and making the surface as soft and safe as possible for visiting families.
Together, our crew spread out across the play ground- Dan and Mehmet scooping on one side, Effie and Sophie on the other, with Emily raking wherever the ground needed to be evened out. Within 45 minutes (and a bit of a rain shower), almost all of the woodchuck in the play area had been turned out, ready for the staff to see tomorrow morning. Great job everyone!
GOODGYM ISLINGTON NEWS
Achilles International VI Guide Running Sessions
Every Thursday, 6pm, Various London locations
On Thursday evenings, the all abilities sports charity Achilles International holds a group run session at a London location.
Here is a list of our upcoming events and sign up pages. Runners, supporters and guides of all abilities and experiences welcome!
Thursday 11th July- Green Park
Thursday 18th July- Paddington Rec Track
Thursday 25th July- Battersea Park
Thursday 1st August- Arsenal Emirates Stadium
Post Group Run Social- The Victoria, Holloway Road
Monday 15th July, 8.45pm, Holloway Road
After our group run to Thornhill Square Gardens on Monday evening, we are planning on visiting The Victoria pub for £7 pizzas, refreshments and good times!
Sign up here to get involved:
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/post-group-run-social-victoria-tavern-holloway-road
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The Garden Classroom- Weekly Volunteer Mornings in Islington Parks!
Wednesday mornings, 10am - midday, Newington Green
The Garden Classroom has started multiple weekly open garden mornings in Newington Green, Market Road and Hillside Park (near Caxton House). Set up by trained horticulture specialists and open to all!
Newington Green Next Wednesday- 10am - midday
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Compton Terrace Gardens Open Volunteer Morning
Saturday 13th July, 10am - midday, Union Chapel, Islington
A friendly gardening group started to look after the park about 10 years ago. We are always looking for more help - with planting, mulching, pruning, and all the other things a garden needs.
Everyone welcome, no special skills needed! Lots of fresh air and a nice chance to meet local people.
A smashing community mission for those partaking in Highbury Fields or Finsbury parkrun on a Saturday morning!
Saucony London 10km Water Station Volunteers!
Sunday 14th July, 7.30am - 1pm, The Sanctuary, Westminster
An incredible event that offers runners to opportunity to race through traffic free streets in the Capital!
Motiv Sports (who also operate the Hackney Half and Oxford Half marathons) have requested Goodgym assistance to help at their 2nd aid station on the day.
The objective is to have 40 volunteers for each station, handing out water to thirsty runners as they pass by.
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/london-10km-with-saucony-water-station-volunteers
Barmet AC Golden Stag Mile at Finsbury Park Track
Friday 19th July, 6.30pm onwards, Finsbury Park Track
Come and try the greatest track distance, the mile!
Now in its ninth year, the races are graded so that you get to race people of a similar ability as we love a close finish. Previous editions have seen British, European, and even World age group records.
The races start at 18:30. At the end of the night the final races will decide the Golden Stag Mile titles for 2024.
Entries for the Golden Stag Mile will remain open until 7th July, or until the races are full. Races will be seeded based on your predicted time.
Friends of Canonbury Square- Volunteer Morning (July)
Saturday 20th July, 10am, Canonbury Square Gardens
Lending a hand with this beautiful neighbourhood maintained garden in Islington, a perfect post-parkrun task!
Crouch End Open Space (CREOS) Volunteering Day
Sunday 21st July, 11am - 1pm, Hanley Tennis Club Car Park, Greenways
Our monthly trip to CREOS this year for a woodland regeneration- loads of smashing forest path building has been planned!
https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/crouch-end-open-space-creos-volunteering-day-july-2024
Penn Road Gardens Volunteer Open Day
Sunday 28th July, 10am - midday, Penn Road Gardens
Every last Sunday of the month, the residents of Penn Road invite keen volunteers to help with maintaining this lovely community spot just off Holloway Road.
