£500,000 National Adventure Playground Fund launched

A new funding programme has been launched to protect, restore and grow staffed adventure playgrounds across England.

The Adventure Playground Fund will see £500,000 being made available in unrestricted grants of £20,000 to £50,000, alongside expert sustainability support and peer learning. It is designed to help adventure playgrounds build long-term financial resilience and safeguard their future.

The fund has been made possible through a philanthropic donation, reflecting growing recognition of the importance of adventure playgrounds.

It will be available to registered charities and community interest companies operating adventure playgrounds, provided that they are free of charge and open access, are staffed by skilled playworkers and enable children to choose how they play. Priority will be given to playgrounds in low-income communities and those facing financial pressure.

Welcoming the fund, Play England’s Executive Director, Eugene Minogue, said: “Adventure playgrounds are not discretionary amenities. They are distinct, staffed spaces that enable child-led, freely chosen play supported by skilled playworkers.

“They create the conditions for managed risk, independence, inclusion and year-round community connection.”