Is your local play area in need of LOVE? London Play is on the hunt for London’s saddest playgrounds – so together we can remind decision makers about the importance of play in children’s lives.

We know there are some amazing playgrounds in the capital! But there are also too many that fall short for our children. We want to put the spotlight on them in the hope of making things better.

CLICK HERE to nominate your sad playground and tell us what you need to help change things

Playgrounds can be sad for any number of reasons. Perhaps yours has pitiful play equipment or appalling access. Or is it rubbish-strewn, dangerous, or just plain neglected? Whatever the reason, we want to hear from you. Please send us pics of your sad play area – in your local park or green space, or housing estate.

And share your sad playground pics on Twitter/X, Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #LondonsSaddestPlaygrounds.

Deadline for entries is 5 pm, Friday 07 February 2025.

We will put all entries to the public vote. The winner, will be revealed on Valentine’s Day, Friday 14 February and we will work with the ‘winners’ to

London Play is hoping to secure funding to enable us to provide comprehensive support to groups or individuals striving to get local decision makers to improve play. The more people that nominate playgrounds, care about the state of play, and that are keen to work with us to change things, the more likely it is that we will be successful in attracting funding. So please come forward with your nominations!

One more thing…
We would also like to hear about poor play services or policies in your area. For example, after school clubs or holiday play schemes which are threatened with closure or reductions in the services they provide. Or maybe there are too many signs prohibiting play on your housing estate. Email us at info@londonplay.org.uk with details and we will try to help!