Across England, a new national funding programme has begun to protect, restore and grow staffed adventure playgrounds.
The Adventure Playground Fund is a £500,000 programme that is offering unrestricted grants of £20,000 to £50,000 per playground, alongside expert sustainability support and peer learning available to eligible organisations. This programme aims to help adventure playgrounds build long-term financial resilience and safeguard their future.
This fund has been made possible through a philanthropic donation, reflecting growing recognition of the importance of adventure playgrounds within communities.
Adventure playgrounds 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.
In recent years, many adventure playgrounds have faced sustained financial pressure as local authority budgets have tightened, particularly those serving low-income neighbourhoods. Provision has reduced in some areas. Several sites do remain at risk.
Who can apply?
Eligible registered charities and community interest companies operating playgrounds are encouraged to apply, provided they:
- Are free of charge and open access
- Staffed by skilled playworkers
- Enable children to choose how they play
Applications close at 12 noon on Friday 20 March 2026.
Click here for more information