50 Years of Adventure in Knottingley
A community-run charity since 1972
What's the story of The Addy?
The Addy started life as the Warwick Adventure Playground in 1972 and has been the heart of the Warwick Estate community for over 50 years. Built by local people for local children, it's grown into something far bigger than a playground — it's a community hub that's weathered recessions, funding cuts, and a pandemic, and it's still here.
1972
Founded as Warwick Adventure Playground in the old quarry — a space built by and for the local community, giving children somewhere safe to play and explore.
1970s–80s
Decades of growth. The Addy becomes a fixture of the Warwick Estate — generations of children grow up climbing, building, and making friends here. Staffed entirely by local people who know the children by name.
2020
When COVID hit, The Addy didn't close — it pivoted. The team delivered food parcels, Play Packs, and elderly support to families across Knottingley who had nowhere else to turn. A playground that became a lifeline.
2023
The #SAVEOURADDY campaign launched when grant funding was threatened. Over 10,000 people backed the campaign. The Wakefield Express called The Addy "the real heartbeat of the community after 50 years."
Today
Still here. Still community-run. Still giving children a place to play, explore, and be themselves. 14 qualified play workers, thousands of children through the gates every year, and no plans to stop.
Who runs The Addy?
The Addy is run by a team of 14 qualified play workers and support staff, overseen by a board of trustees. Every one of them is DBS-checked. But more importantly, they know the children by name — and in many cases, they've known them since the day they first walked through the gates.
What does The Addy do beyond play sessions?
The Addy is more than a playground — we're a community hub that runs elderly outreach, community meals, SEND support, and emergency response when Knottingley needs it.
Elderly Outreach
Christmas meals, regular socials, and wellbeing checks for older people in our community. Because community doesn't have an age limit.
Community Meals
Regular community meals bringing people together. Good food, warm space, no questions asked.
SEND Support
Dedicated sessions for children with additional needs. Smaller groups, quieter spaces — every child gets to play their way.
Emergency Response
During COVID, we delivered food parcels and Play Packs to families across Knottingley. When the community needed us, we were there.
What facilities do you have?
Adventure Playground
Our outdoor space with climbing structures, green areas, and room to run. The heart of The Addy.
Indoor Hall
A warm, accessible hall available for hire — perfect for parties, meetings, and community events.
Hire our hall →Community Cafe
A welcoming cafe space open during sessions. Hot drinks, snacks, and somewhere warm for parents and carers to wait.
Community Garden
Green space maintained by volunteers — a quiet corner for growing, learning, and escaping the bustle.
Help us reach the next 50 years
As a registered charity, every penny goes back into keeping The Addy open for the children of Knottingley. Support us however you can.