⚠️ UPDATE: MERIDIAN IS UNDER THREAT — PLEASE READ

Greenwich Council has now launched a consultation on the borough’s adventure playgrounds. Meridian Adventure Play Centre is at risk and the proposals include ending the existing 30 hours a week staffed service!

⚠️ PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION SO THAT WE CAN KEEP THE PRESSURE ON!! ⚠️ 

Meanwhile, other adventure playgrounds in Greenwich are still under threat and need urgent support.

📍 Consultation link:

👉 adventure-play-centres.commonplace.is

📍 Petitions for the other playgrounds:

👉 Coldharbour: change.org/p/save-our-adventure-play-service

👉 Glyndon: change.org/p/save-glyndon-adventure-play-centre

👉 Plumstead: change.org/p/save-plumstead-adventure-playground

👉 Woolwich: change.org/p/save-woolwich-adventure-play-centre 

We will continue to watch developments closely and keep the pressure on until Meridian — and all of Greenwich’s staffed adventure playgrounds — are fully safe.

PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION SO THAT WE CAN KEEP THE PRESSURE ON!!

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Meridian Adventure Play Centre is at risk of being closed by Greenwich Council.

The Meridian Adventure Play Centre is not just a park - it’s a safe, free, and much-loved community space. A space where children and young people of all abilities come together to get away from their screens, run around, laugh and explore. It is a space where parents, the elderly and others come together to have a coffee, talk and find support.

We are asking Greenwich council to fulfil their responsibility to the residents of Greenwich by continuing to keep one of the few remaining neighbourhood spaces open, staffed and free.

Please signify your support by signing our petition.

 

Why It Matters

Greenwich Council’s Wellbeing strategy focuses on “a fairer healthier Greenwich using communities as the heart of a collaboration between Greenwich Council, the Voluntary, Community and Faith Sectors and local people” (1). Of the residents in the Greenwich Creekside ward, 20% are children under 15 years of age. Over 30% are from single households. If the council is serious about wanting to focus on improving mental and physical health and avoid extremist views, it is the children who attend the Meridian Adventure Play Centre (age 7-17) that need these services. These are the children that need to spend less time on screens, increase their physically activity and improve their social skills.

Adventure playgrounds are unique, they are imaginative spaces where children can climb, jump, swing, run, play and explore, in ways that build confidence, coordination, balance, perspective and resilience all the while developing their physical and mental stamina. The five Adventure Play Centres in Greenwich borough are the places where Greenwich Council should be investing to lower costs in both health and mental care.

Within walking distance of students from three local primary schools, the Meridian Adventure Play Centre is accessed on average by 40 students per day, five days a week, many with disabilities who come from all income levels. Local residents want to run coffee mornings, elderly groups, pop up thrift shops and various other events at the centre. There is no question there is demand for the services offered by the Meridian Adventure Play Centre by residents in the most populated ward in the borough.

At Meridian Adventure Play Centre, kids enjoy:

• Exciting outdoor play – rope swings, climbing frames, walkways, organised play, football and more
• Creative indoor activities – arts and crafts, table tennis, pool, board games, and even quiet homework space
• Skilled playworkers – trained staff ensure play is safe, welcoming, and inclusive for all children
• Completely free access – so every child, no matter their family’s income, can come as often as they like

For decades this has been a lifeline for families — giving children the freedom to play outdoors safely, make friends, build confidence, and feel part of their community.

 

The Threat

Now, this vital hub is under threat of closure due to council budget cuts. If it goes, it’s gone forever - taking with it not just a playground, but:

• A safe haven for local kids
• A meeting place for families and neighbours
• A piece of our shared history, culture, and community spirit

In a city where children are increasingly stuck indoors and behind screens, this kind of play is essential. It supports mental health, social skills, and physical activity. Closing it will harm children’s wellbeing and leave many families with nowhere safe to go.

 

Take Action Now

1. Sign the petition – tell Greenwich Council: Meridian Adventure Play Centre stays!
2. Share with friends and neighbours – help us spread the word
3. Join the campaign in our WhatsApp group – protect this vital play space for generations to come

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) From the Health and Wellbeing Board strategy for 2023-28 in support of “Our Greenwich” plan, by Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Council and Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board and Dr. Nayan Patel, GP and Chair of the Healthier Greenwich Partnership 2023