London Councils Weigh Closing 5 Adventure Playgrounds Amid Budget Cuts

In a move to address budget constraints, Greenwich Council is currently reviewing the future of 5 adventure play centers located in the south-east region of London. The council's financial strategy, agreed upon in February, includes a plan to save £2.2 million over the next four years, and the play centers have been identified as a potential target for closure.

At a recent council meeting on July 23rd, Labour councillor Sandra Bauer, the cabinet minister for equality, culture, and communities, did not rule out the possibility of shutting down the centers. However, she stated that a public consultation would be launched in the "coming weeks" to gather feedback from the community.

The borough's 5 adventure play parks, featuring equipment like rope swings and zip lines, as well as indoor activities, have become a beloved community hub for local families. In response to the potential closures, over 1,400 residents have signed a petition to save the Coldharbour center, while a further 104 have petitioned to keep the Plumstead location open.

Despite the uncertainty, the council has stated that it is "investing £820,000 to improve and modernize our adventure play centers," suggesting a commitment to maintaining and enhancing the facilities. The review of the play centers is part of a broader package of support for children and young people in the area, which also includes £1 million spent on playground upgrades and improved sports facilities.