The South Oxford Adventure Playground in Oxford has launched an emergency campaign called Save Our Sessions after facing potential cuts to its after-school programs. The charitable organization, which provides free supervised outdoor play for children through volunteer efforts, announced that it might not be able to offer after-school programming in 2026 without prompt assistance.
Naomi Waite, chair of the South Oxford Adventure Playground and city councillor for Hinksey Park, highlighted the challenges facing the organization. The facility recently received an unexpected bill for £6,000 for access ramp repairs, combined with reduced grant funding from multiple sources. The organization cannot sustain its full program independently and is urging community members, parents, former playground users, and local residents to offer their support through both funds and volunteers.
The playground operates as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and depends on grants from city and county councils, National Lottery funding, facility rentals, and charitable contributions to maintain its services. These funding sources previously supported playworker salaries, upkeep, insurance, and safety equipment. Recent improvements included boundary fence installation and upgrades to registration systems.
The organization faces a challenging combination of difficulties with a shortage of volunteers placing strain on the management committee. The committee has prioritized protecting holiday play programs, which means after-school sessions that have served thousands of child visits in recent years could be eliminated. A single weekly session for six weeks requires £900, and the organization needs additional volunteers to continue its operations.
The facility accommodates approximately 3,500 child visits per year through holiday programs, after-school sessions, and a youth club. Children can enjoy climbing structures, swings, and a zipline. The playground also accommodates groups including Guides, home educators, and specialist schools such as Mabel Prichard and Meadowbrook. State schools in the city centre, including St Nicholas, New Hinksey, Larkrise, St Barnabas, St Ebbes, and East Oxford Primary, receive free daytime access, allowing additional children to benefit from the facilities. Without urgent assistance, services could be lost in 2026.