£18m Playground Fund: Members Encouraged to Engage with Councils Receiving Government Funding
The UK Government has announced a new £18 million Playground Fund, providing a significant opportunity for local authorities to invest in children’s outdoor play spaces.
The funding is being distributed to 66 local authorities across some of the most deprived areas of England, with each council receiving £270,000 to create or improve three playgrounds. The investment forms part of the Government’s wider commitment to improving access to high-quality outdoor play and encouraging healthier, more active communities.
A Positive Step for Communities
Playgrounds play an essential role in supporting children’s physical health, mental wellbeing, confidence and social development. Well-designed outdoor spaces encourage children to explore, challenge themselves and build important life skills through play.
This latest investment represents an excellent opportunity for councils to create inclusive, engaging and long-lasting play environments that will benefit local communities for many years to come.
Government Guidance Recognises the Association of Play Industries
Alongside announcing the funding, the Government has published best practice guidance for local authorities delivering these projects.
The guidance specifically references the Association of Play Industries (API), alongside organisations including Play England and Make Space for Girls. It highlights that membership of recognised trade bodies, such as the API, can provide valuable assurance when local authorities are carrying out procurement due diligence.
As a proud API member, PlayQuest welcomes this recognition. API members are independently vetted and committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, professionalism and ethical business practices.
Why Choosing an API Member Matters
When investing public money, selecting an experienced and accredited supplier helps ensure playgrounds are designed and installed to the highest standards.
Working with an API member gives local authorities confidence that their chosen supplier is committed to:
- High standards of quality and workmanship
- Compliance with current British and European safety standards
- Safe, inclusive and accessible play environments
- Long-term value and durability
- Professional project management from design through to installation
At PlayQuest, we are proud to support councils, schools and community organisations across the UK by creating inspiring outdoor play spaces that encourage children to play, learn and thrive.
An Opportunity for Local Authorities
Councils receiving funding are required to submit details of their proposed playground projects to the Government, making this an important time to begin planning future improvements.
Whether the project involves replacing ageing equipment, creating a brand-new community playground or improving accessibility and inclusivity, careful planning and expert guidance can help maximise the value of every pound invested.
How PlayQuest Can Help
With decades of experience designing and installing outdoor play areas across the UK, PlayQuest works closely with local authorities to create playgrounds that are safe, imaginative and built to last.
From concept design and consultation through to manufacture, installation and aftercare, our experienced team can support every stage of the project.
If your local authority is receiving funding through the Government’s Playground Fund, we’d be delighted to discuss how PlayQuest can help bring your project to life.
For more information about the Playground Fund and the Government’s guidance, visit:
Frequently Asked Questions
The Government has allocated funding to 66 local authorities in some of the most deprived areas of England. Each authority will receive funding to create or improve three playgrounds.
Each local authority will receive £270,000, contributing to the Government’s overall £18 million Playground Fund.
The Government’s supplementary guidance highlights that membership of recognised trade bodies, including the Association of Play Industries, can provide useful assurance when councils are carrying out procurement due diligence.
API members are independently vetted and work to recognised standards covering quality, safety, professionalism and ethical business practices, giving clients greater confidence throughout the procurement process.
PlayQuest designs, manufactures and installs high-quality outdoor playgrounds for schools, councils, parks, visitor attractions and community spaces. As an API member, we are committed to delivering safe, durable and engaging play environments tailored to each project.
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