Youth charity launches £20k appeal for Hackney Marsh playground revamp

Hackney Marsh Adventure Playground is in need of refurbishment. Image: Build Up

Young people in Hackney are urgently calling for community backing to help them rebuild Hackney Marsh Adventure Playground.

The play space has supported local families for over 50 years but is now at risk of falling into disrepair.

Youth-led charity Build Up has launched a crowdfunding campaign with a £20,000 target to transform the playground over this summer and autumn.

The majority of that would be spent on Build Up construction staff, with the remainder going towards tools, insurance, food, a work experience placement, and a health and safety inspection.

More than £7,000 has been pledged so far, with 12 days to go before the deadline passes.

The project is designed to empower at least 30 young people to build bold new play features — from climbing towers and jump-off platforms — while gaining practical skills, teamwork, and confidence.

Fifteen-year-old Innes said: “I’ve been coming here since I was seven. I’ve made lots of friends and the playworkers help us feel free.

“But it’s sad seeing all the old equipment. We can’t even play on it. I’m excited to build the space just the way we want it!”

Angela Day, a senior playworker at the playground, added: “Adventure playgrounds came out of adversity — they were built on bomb sites after the war.

“Young people turned rubble into joy and freedom. We are doing that again now.”

You can support the campaign at crowdfunder.co.uk/p/hackney-marsh.

Donors will be publicly thanked, and those pledging £1,000 or more will be invited as VIP guests to the new playground’s opening event.