Haringey History

HarPA is a Borough based charity that sets out to promote the cause of children's play, represent and support other community and voluntary organisations and groups engaged in children's play issues and/or play provision.

From its base at Somerford Grove Community Project we provide a range of services to the local community as well as borough wide, and on request.

We attend local borough wide and strategic meetings to represent the interests of play providers, the voluntary sector, children young people and their families.

Established in 1998 HarPA opened its new Somerford Grove Community Project friendly, distinctive and accessible building.

The most distinctive element of the Project however was the award winning adventure playground. An adventure playground was top of the wish list when local children were consulted. Because of the multi-use of the building the focus has been on outdoor play and classic adventure play activities where the children can build climbing frames, slides, dens, swings, have camp fires, cook out of doors, play with basic elements like sand and water, and play out of doors in all weathers. Children and young people can come and go as they please and use of the site is entirely free of charges. This last point is crucial as the playground is located in the very poorest ward in London. Overall many now view the playground as one of the best in the UK.