No pieces, weird location and a glaring error at new chess table
Wrapped up against the chill of winter, I stumbled upon a new outdoor chess table nestled in an unlikely spot on a side street in Sherwood. This seemingly spirited addition to the community offers a chance for chess enthusiasts to contemplate their next strategic move in a game that’s much celebrated for its tactical depth. Unfortunately, the setting and execution leave much to be desired.
Chess, with its rich demands for intellect and strategy, often finds its pieces clashing on boards in picturesque parks from France to New York. However, in Nottingham, this new table seems out of place and possibly superfluous with essential public resources stretched thin. While introducing more people to the game is a noble goal, prioritizing urgent public expenses like education and healthcare might be more pressing.
Located in a corner of Winchester Street car park, the chess table makes its presence known only if you intentionally seek it out. Surrounded by parked cars, a bike lock-up, and empty electric vehicle charging spots, the location itself is decidedly uninviting. The nearby Winchester bar seems far more appealing, offering warmth and comfort absent in the cold, bleak car park.
The decision to place a chess table here, rather than a more welcoming location like Woodthorpe Park, raises questions. Why select a site that not only appears uninspiring but also removes valuable car parking spaces?
Upon closer inspection, a glaring issue becomes evident. The chessboard itself is positioned incorrectly—a white square should occupy the lower right corner, yet here, it’s a black one, rendering the board misaligned by 90 degrees. Correcting this oversight might not be simple.
To compound the problem, there are no chess pieces provided. While one might assume they’d be stashed nearby for public use, players must bring their own, a potential deterrent for spontaneous games. Furthermore, serious players might wonder: Where is the clock?
This chess table is part of a broader initiative envisioned by the government. The Chess in the Park programme introduced 100 outdoor chess boards across the country to inspire the next generation, particularly in underprivileged areas, and to broaden the game’s appeal while nurturing potential elite players. Nottingham also saw other correctly positioned tables set up in locations like Vernon Park and Ronald Street Play Area.
The controversial placement of the Sherwood table is due to its inclusion in the city’s E-Mobility Hubs as part of Future Transport Zones (FTZ) project efforts, backed by substantial funding secured for experimental transport solutions between Nottingham and Derby. However, city authorities clarify that these tables are multifunctional—ideal for refreshments or a break with a good book if chess isn’t your thing.
A passer-by commented that while the idea is commendable for fostering community spirit, its execution needs refining. In a more picturesque and accessible location, the table could thrive as a social spot. Another local, who manages The Winchester, echoed frustration, suggesting the table squandered valuable car park space and missed the mark on community engagement, leaving residents to wonder at the motivations behind such decisions.
In the end, the chess table finds itself more of a curiosity than a community centerpiece, with hopes that insights and feedback will drive future decisions to align execution with intent.
For Nottingham’s chess enthusiasts and those simply seeking a place to connect, this chess table might well serve its purpose should the surrounding elements align. Until then, it stands as a reminder that even the best of intentions require thoughtful placement and execution.
Overall, the successful integration and adaptation of this project may depend on how well community feedback is incorporated into future plans, ensuring such initiatives resonate with the locals they aim to engage.
