‘We need a push’: Beloved adventure playground launches crowdfunder for ‘unique’ new fence

Francisco de la Mora, whose son has used the playground for eight years, has produced an illustration for the campaign. Image: courtesy Francisco de la Mora

The team behind a much-loved playground in Stoke Newington are appealing for help in their efforts to build a new perimeter fence with a twist.

The 45-year-old wooden border at Shakespeare Walk adventure playground (SWAPA) is falling down, and a like-for-like replacement is expected to cost upwards of £300k.

Without a fence, the team says the playground will risk losing what makes it such a distinctive space, so instead they are trying to turn an expensive problem into an opportunity.

Supported by funding from Arts Council England, SWAPA has spent six months running design workshops with children and artists to come up with a blueprint for a new fence that will also act as an extension of the playground.

Children have been busy helping to build the fence. Photograph: courtesy: SWAPA

They are calling it the PlayFence, and it features parkour, a performance stage, a graffiti paradise, sensory tunnels, and other hidden treasures.

SWAPA has so far managed to raise enough money to build the first part of the huge structure, but it is now hoping to raise £45k in the next six months to pay for the second section.

The team has launched a crowdfunding page, and they are encouraging local residents to support the campaign.

Senior playworker Sarah Wilson said: “Your money will go further than you can imagine. We have such good momentum of really solidifying this as a place for the future, we just need a push right now to make this happen, and it will be spectacular.”

Her colleague Jake Milne, also a senior playworker, believes the PlayFence is a “completely unique way of showing how powerful play can be in transforming lives”.

The campaign has received backing from children who use the playground and their families.

One regular, aged 12, said SWAPA makes them “feel free”.

A parent added: “SWAPA is a lifeline for working parents. Kids need somewhere to let off steam instead of staring at a screen.”

Former attendee Harley, 19, said: “I wouldn’t be the person I am today without SWAPA. I feel like I would have got caught up in the system, somehow. These places are definitely needed.”

For nearly half a century, SWAPA has provided a free, safe space for children aged 6-16 to experience unaccompanied outdoor play.

Last year, it hosted 588 unique children, who made a total of 3,700 visits – many of them also enjoyed a free hot lunch.

SWAPA was also named best adventure playground in the capital at the 2023 London Adventure Play Awards.

To support the PlayFence campaign, visit justgiving.com/campaign/swapaplayfence.

To find out more about SWAPA, head to swapa.org.uk.