In 2024, Hackney Marshes Adventure Playground was selected by Build Up’s Youth Advisory Board through our Open Call for community projects. The existing playground structures were reaching the end of their life, and the board wanted to support renewing a truly youth lead space.

Build Up worked closely with young people from Hackney Marshes to design the new structure. They explored what made play adventurous, and wanted to create a structure that felt enclosed but also offered the thrill of a sudden drop.

The final design focused on a bold climbing challenge: a large underground pipe that leads up into a platform. At the top, young people can take a leap onto a safe landing area, creating a moment of excitement and achievement.