A new national funding programme has launched to protect, restore and grow staffed adventure playgrounds across England.
The Adventure Playground Fund is a £500,000 programme offering 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.
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.
Yet in recent years, many adventure playgrounds, particularly those serving low-income neighbourhoods, have faced sustained financial pressure as local authority budgets have tightened. Provision has reduced in some areas. Several sites remain at risk.
Play England has been clear that this trajectory must change. In oral evidence to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee last year, we described adventure playgrounds as civic treasures. They are community anchors where children shape their own play, supported by skilled playworkers. Once lost, they cannot simply be recreated.
Under the Spaces priority in our 10-year strategy - It All Starts with Play! we make a clear commitment to restoring and protecting adventure playgrounds. TThat commitment is now translating into tangible support. Sustained advocacy is being matched by investment.
What the Fund offers:
- Unrestricted grants of £20,000 to £50,000 per playground, available to eligible organisations
- Practical, expert-led support focused on long-term sustainability
- Peer learning and shared insight from others facing similar challenges
- Priority given to playgrounds in low-income communities and those facing financial pressure
Registered charities and community interest companies operating adventure playgrounds are eligible, provided they: are free of charge and open access; are staffed by skilled playworkers; and enable children to choose how they play
Applications close at 12 noon on Friday 20 March 2026. Funding decisions will be communicated by the end of April 2026.
