How it all began

Garston Adventure Playground started approx. 40 years ago as a Summer Playscheme on Garston Park, which was run by volunteers, parents and local residents. After several years of playschemes it was clear that there was a need for a permanent place for the children to play, that would be open all year round and not just in the Summer.

Everyone involved set about finding the ideal site and funding. An old disused quarry was chosen which sat beside the railway line. Over approx. 2 acres of land. British Rail were contacted and a lease was drawn up. With help of funding from Central Government and a lot of hard work, work on Garston Adventure Playground began in 1978. In 1980 it was opened by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. See the video.

The playground is run by a voluntary management committee which is made up of local parents, community members and professionals.

Since then with the help of local community, Garston Adventure Playground raised the necessary funds, and bought the land of British Rail.

Our Mission: Is to…

To provide open access play for children, enabling them to make informed choices about their leisure time, whilst maintaining a safe, healthy environment

Garston Adventure Playground started out as a summer playscheme on Garston Park in 1976 run by local parents and community. It was here that they recognised the need for a permanent play facility for children and young people.

1978 - Site and funding were secure and work began on Garston Adventure Playground.

1980 - GAP was officially opened by HRH Duke of Ediburgh.

1985 - A multi-purpose games pitch was created.

1990 - Extension onto to existing building was built to incorporate a computer room, soft play room, toilets and office space.

2002 - Comic relief Project. Having applied to comic relief for funding to refurbish our junior play area they came out for a visit to see in what other way they could help us. As a result of this we were to feature on the tv program on Red Nose Day in March 2003. With their help, celebrities and local community the playground saw the kitchen and junior play area being refurbished and the creation of our Garden.

2016 - Prudentia Education Ltd (Alternative Education Provider) now operate from our site.

2017 - Working in partnership with Five for Families Trust work started on a Full-time Nursery on our site.

The Crew

Melissa Waddington

My name is Melissa Waddington, I have lived in Garston under the bridge all life. I am currently studying for my master’s degree in youth and community and have been volunteering at the venny to gain some practical experience whilst … Read More

Austin Swaby

Hi, I’m Austin I am 38 from Liverpool. I have been working at Garston Adventure Playground for the past 6 months. I love working here as its unique and no other centre has the same outdoor space as we do. … Read More

Mark Moran

My name is Mark Moran I’m 38 years old, I live in Aigburth. I have worked with young people for Liverpool City Council for 14 years in different areas of the city. I have worked at GAP for the last … Read More

Pippa Taylor

My name is Pippa and I am the Art and craft playworker at Garston adventure playground. I started working here in July 2019 after graduating from the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts studying Applied Theatre and Community Drama. Being creative … Read More

Gillian Deakin

My name is “Gill”, 49 years old. I joined the team in Garston Adventure Playground in May 2018. I am a Play/Youth Worker and have previously worked in this capacity in other organisations for numerous years. I have three grown-up … Read More

Carmel Moran

My name is Carmel Moran and I’m the Senior Playworker at Garston Adventure Playground. I moved to Garston with my family when I was 10 years old and first attended the playground when it opened as a user when I … Read More

Our Place

A Parents Story

GAP and my Son

My son is severely autistic and the Venny is his Paradise! It is a place he comes to and loves, it's like a big adventure to him with all the things that are there to occupy his mind and burn off all his built-up energy. It gives me, his dad, a little bit of respite. Knowing hw safe the environment is with the high safety fences all around it gives you piece of mind knowing he can't come to any harm. I can just sit back and watch him enjoy himself and sometimes I have a go on the swings and other activities that I'm not too big for yet! Another feature which I know he enjoys is the countryside feel it has to it, I think the smells and the feel of all the flowers and greenery helps him to relax. "Long live the Venny". Mike (Parent)

Youth & Play

Play £

Nursery

Volunteer