Your move: Chess tables installed at two city parks

OPENING SALVO: Councillor Jack Haines, left, ponders a move by Graham Chesters president of Hull and East Riding Chess Association, in Pearson Park

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

Visitors to two of Hull’s most popular parks can now enjoy a game of chess after seating and tables were installed.

The facilities were set up near the lake in East Park, and in Pearson Park close to the pond and café.

Hull City Council funded the installation with £5,000 from the Levelling Up Parks Fund.

It follows a public consultation last autumn and talks with Hull and East Riding Chess Association (HERCA) on a preferred style and location.

The chess tables will provide free, inclusive and accessible activities to all ages and backgrounds, as well as increasing hand-eye co-ordination, problem solving and focus.

It will also increase city’s visibility as a national centre for chess and elite participation, as well as supporting socio-emotional health and wellbeing, the council said.

Councillor Jack Haines, city council portfolio holder for communities, said: “Chess is game which anyone from any background can play and it can provide hours of entertainment and competition.

“It is yet another fantastic attraction for our already popular parks in Hull.

“I am delighted that the council was able to accept LUF Parks Fund support to deliver this.”

HERCA is keen to establish chess events later in the year and information will be available on its website, as well as through council area teams, park notice boards and social media.

Graham Chesters, HERCA president, said: “Taking chess into parks is a great idea. We expect it to generate a lot of interest and we’d be delighted if it set a model for community chess in other spaces.”

Players must initially provide their own pieces but it is intended public sets will be made available at both locations.