Exciting, unsupervised play areas can be found across Crawley. They offer families access to an informal play area with challenging and stimulating play opportunities. Play areas cater for toddlers, school age children and young people in defined activity areas.

All play parks are non-smoking areas, access of dogs is limited to assistance dog and glass is prohibited in the interests of child safety.

Crawley is home to over 70 unsupervised playgrounds, ranging from small neighbourhood spaces to larger play areas. These facilities are regularly maintained and inspected by our dedicated in-house team, with annual independent checks to ensure safety.

Report damage, vandalism or dissatisfaction by calling telephone 01293 438000 or via our eform below:

Playgrounds are more than just places to play—they are vital for children’s physical health, social development, and mental wellbeing. They encourage active lifestyles, help reduce childhood obesity, and provide safe spaces for families to connect.

Access to quality green spaces and play facilities is linked to better health outcomes and longer life expectancy, especially in areas where health inequalities exist. Investing in play areas is an investment in the wellbeing of our community.

Since 2015, more than 40 play areas have been refurbished, replacing equipment, upgrading surfacing, and improving access to create safe, welcoming spaces for children and families.

However, many other play areas are now reaching the end of their service life, meaning the equipment is worn, outdated, and no longer provides the level of safety and quality expected for children’s play. Our investment programme will ensure that these spaces are revitalised with modern, inclusive, and durable equipment, creating environments where children can play safely and confidently.

To continue improving Crawley’s play spaces, we have approved funding for six priority schemes as part of our 2025 to 26 refurbishment programme. The schemes that are to be refurbished are:

• Northgate youth area – Northgate
• Northgate play area – Northgate
• Loppets Road – Tilgate
• Ifield Green playing fields – Ifield
• Woodcroft play area – Ifield
• Hanbury Road – Ifield

The work will include installing new play equipment, upgrading to safer surfacing such as wet pour, carrying out path improvements, and replacing boundary fencing and gates. All works will be delivered under one contract to ensure efficiency and consistency across the six sites.

This investment is fully funded through Section 106 (S106) and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Neighbourhood Improvement Strand monies. These funds come from developer contributions and help ensure that as Crawley grows, we continue to invest in high-quality community facilities.

Work will begin at Northgate youth and play areas in February 2026, with all six schemes expected to be completed during the year.

Residents will be notified through multiple channels, including letters to nearby households, and will have an opportunity to provide feedback before works begin.

Find out more details or share comments on the Northgate youth and play areas menti webpage.