PROJECT: Adventure Play: for the community, by the community

FUNDER: The National Lottery Community Fund/Awards for All 

DATES: September 2023 – August 2024

In 2023, it is 75 years since the first adventure playground in London (and the UK) rose from the ruins of a WWII bombsite in south London. Since then, they have quietly become crucial hubs for their communities. 

This project aims to spotlight and celebrate these undersung community assets. Starting with a celebration event, inviting hundreds of children from across London to watch films they have made about their playgrounds and why they are important to them. Then continuing the celebration back at their playgrounds and with their wider community, marking 75 years of adventure play and highlighting that they must stay!

Watch the magic that happens on London’s adventure playgrounds in the film to the right. These are highlights of 16 films made and submitted by children across the capital. Hundreds of children watched their films on the big screen in London’s West End at the Prince Charles Cinema. What an experience!

Hackney’s Shakespeare Walk Adventure Playground won the coveted title of ‘London Adventure Playground of the Year’ and there were also winners and runners up in three categories. See more about the event and the winners here.

Groups were encouraged to invite members of the community that support their playground to the celebration. One of the cheerleaders for adventure play who attended was ‘Nanny Margaret’ from Lambeth’s Max Roach. This is what manager Candice had to say about her:

Our Community Crusader, the one and only Nanny Margaret, has been our fearless warrior seeing through a rollercoaster of a recession, a pandemic plot twist, and now the cost-of-living comedy show. With Nanny Margaret as our guardian angel in this hilarious performance called LCC at Max Roach, we’re bursting with pride, gratitude, and a touch of bewilderment.

Nanny Margaret, as we affectionately call her, is the OG play enthusiast at Max Roach Adventure Playground and One O’clock Club. She’s not just a mom, glam-ma and resident; she’s a local legend. Her kids got a taste of the play service back in the wild 1980s, and now her grandkids are lining up for their share of fun.

Following the event seven lucky adventure playgrounds were awarded a small amount of funding (thanks to the Lottery) to stage community celebration events on their playgrounds. 

Somerford Grove and Pearson Street Adventure Playgrounds (in Haringey and Hackney respectively) staged festive events during the winter, while other winners held off for the warmer weather: Max Roach went for a pizza party; Barnard Adventure Playground in Islington and Haringey’s Markfield both enjoyed Easter eggstravaganza intergenerational events.

A film to celebrate 75 years of adventure play in London

And…. here’s the film we made to highlight and celebrate these undersung community assets with historic and current footage, including perspectives from parents, children and the wider community. It is clear that in the face of modern challenges, these places have never been more needed and relevant.

Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting London Play, adventure playgrounds in London and London’s children. Watch and enjoy!