Wandsworth Council launched their Year of Play on Thursday, kickstarting a 12-month programme to improve children’s experience of exploring the fun and freedom of play.
The council aims to invest £15million over the next three years which will upgrade playgrounds and play spaces, with 15 new or refurbished sites opening by June 2026.
Guided by their Play Strategy, Wandsworth Council’s objective is to create inclusive, high-quality play opportunities in every neighbourhood, ensuring all children can enjoy enriching experiences close to home.
Jessica, 10, said: “It’s really cool having fun stuff near where I live.
“Me and my friends can go after school and just enjoy being together and being outside.
“My favourite thing is when everyone plays together.”
Starting the year with a splash at a Fountain of Fun event, the project is also a key part of Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture 2025 programme to celebrate the power of creativity, community and connection.
Cabinet member for children’s services Judi Gasser said: “Play is where childhood happens.
“Through our Year of Play, we’re making a clear commitment that every child in Wandsworth will have the chance to explore, connect and thrive through play.
“As a parent and a councillor, I’m really excited about everything planned across the next year.”
This comes as the organisation Centre for Young Lives launched their own call for a national strategy for play to reclaim childhood from the effects of addictive technologies.
Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities will also benefit from improvements that include more accessible playgrounds, expanded short breaks and tailored activities throughout the year.
The council have focused accessibility and inclusion at the heart of this programmed to remove barriers and open playful spaces for all.
This builds on the council’s wider work to support families and boost wellbeing through schemes like the Access for All discounts programme and Wandsworth’s Additional Needs Database Card system that aims to make accessing specialist services easier.
Paralympian and gold-medallist JohnBoy Smith said: “Play is a universal language that breaks down barriers and builds stronger communities.
“When every child, regardless of ability, can join in freely, we create a future that’s not only fairer but full of possibility.”
Wandsworth has a raft of events taking place over the next few months, including Battersea Park Weekends throughout June and July, the Happy Streets Festival (5–6 July), The Big Play Out (28 July), and Enable’s Day of Play (6 August).
The scheme has been praised from all corners of the community, with many attending the launch ceremony to show their support.
One Battersea parent said: “As a mum of a child with additional needs, I know how important it is to feel welcome and included.
“The fact that Wandsworth is making play accessible for every child, regardless of ability or income, is life changing.”
St Anne’s C of E Primary School headteacher Kelly Ranford said: “We see every day how play fuels imagination, teamwork and confidence.
“The Year of Play sends a powerful message to children and families that their joy and wellbeing matter and that learning doesn’t stop when the school bell rings.”
Visit the Welcome to Wandsworth website to find out more.
Featured image: Wandsworth Council
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