Year of Play begins in Wandsworth

Admin

June 20, 2025
3 min read

Wandsworth has launched a Year of Play at a “lively” Fountain of Fun event to kick off a year-long programme to “make Wandsworth the best place for children to grow, explore and enjoy the freedom of play.”

With £15 million set to be invested over the next three years to improve playgrounds and play spaces, including more than 15 new or refurbished play sites opening in the next 12 months, and a series of exciting events, Wandsworth’s Year of Play ”marks a bold commitment to ensuring everyone has equal opportunity to play.” Guided by the council’s Play Strategy, this will create inclusive, high-quality play opportunities in every neighbourhood, ensuring all children can enjoy enriching experiences close to home.

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It is also a key part of Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture 2025 programme, celebrating the power of creativity, community and connection. Through play, families will be brought together in joyful, imaginative and meaningful ways that reflect the borough’s rich cultural life.

Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities will benefit from a wide range of improvements, including more accessible playgrounds, expanded short breaks and tailored activities throughout the year. By focusing on accessibility and inclusion, the programme aims to remove barriers and open playful spaces for everyone.

JohnBoy Smith, Paralympian and gold-medallist at the Commonwealth Games, joined the Fountain of Fun event. “Play is a universal language that breaks down barriers and builds stronger communities,” he said. “When every child, regardless of ability, can join in freely, we create a future that’s not only fairer but full of possibility.”

Exciting events as part of the programme taking place over the next few months include Battersea Park Weekends throughout June and July, the Happy Streets Festival (5 to 6 July), The Big Play Out (28 July), and Enable’s Day of Play (6 August). This also builds on the council’s wider work to support families and boost wellbeing, including through the Access for All programme, Britain’s best concession scheme, which offers eligible residents 50% to 100% discounts on key council services and local activities. In addition, last year, more than 2,500 children, many with special educational needs, joined the Wandsworth Connected holiday programmes. These efforts, alongside the Wandsworth Moves Together campaign, help lay the groundwork for a more active, inclusive and healthier borough.

For more updates on Wandsworth, visit EyeOnLondon Wandsworth.