‘Heartbreak’ as Oxfordshire playground faces axe after 50 years

As previously reported by this newspaper, the much-loved adventure playground in Grandpont is at risk after being hit with a large and unexpected repair bill for an access ramp and a drop in donations.

The charity that operates South Oxford Adventure Playground (SOAP), located off Whitehouse Road, has warned it can no longer afford to open for after-school sessions due to its funding challenges.

For more than five decades, the green space has provided a free, exciting and supervised space to play for children and young people across the city and beyond.

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However, a recent inspection revealed the wooden ramp providing essential access to the site’s hut and toilets is rotten and requires urgent, costly replacement.

Without these repairs, the charity cannot safely host many community groups or school visits.

Naomi Waite, chair of the SOAP Committee, said: “Our adventure playground is the beating heart of the community.

“Children love coming here after school and during the holidays – it’s a safe space where they can have fun, make friends and stay off screens!

“We work tirelessly to secure grants, but it’s getting harder year by year. When we are hit with large unexpected repair bills, we are forced to cut back on our opening times. It is a heartbreaking decision that nobody wants to make.”

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The charity, which is run by volunteers, has already been forced to reduce its school holiday hours.

To prevent further closures, SOAP is issuing an urgent appeal for both donations and new committee members.

They are seeking locals who can assist with anything from fundraising and grant applications to site maintenance and administration.

Ms Waite added: “We desperately need people who can spare even a little time.

Whether it’s managing our team of young playworkers or helping with odd jobs around the site, every bit of help ensures we can keep our gates open for the next generation.”

Children of all ages, backgrounds and abilities are welcome at SOAP.

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Those aged between 7 and 15 years old can visit without any adults on certain days once they have registered online.

The playground is open on some days during school holidays between Easter and October half-term.

There is also a popular youth club which runs on Thursday evenings throughout the year, and regularly welcomes more than 40 young people in Years 7, 8 and 9.

Members of the public can support the “Save SOAP” campaign on its LocalGiving page.