History
The National Playing Fields Association (NPFA) is the major United Kingdom organisation dedicated to the provision of recreational space. It has the specific objective of acquiring, protecting and improving playing fields, playgrounds and playspace where they are most needed, and for those who need them most – in particular, children of all ages and people with disabilities.
The NPFA was set up in 1925 by Brigadier-General Reginald Kentish to provide healthy recreation opportunities for local communities throughout the United Kingdom. It protects and develops playing fields and play areas and it campaigns nationally for community recreational space. It manages around 13,000 acres of such provision nationwide through County Playing Fields Associations and other organisations.
The NPFA was founded by the Duke of York, later King George V, who was the first President. This royal link continues today with The Queen as Patron and The Duke of Edinburgh as President.
The NPFA is a charity incorporated by Royal Charter in 1932. The Charity’s affairs are conducted through its Council which meets quarterly to set the policy of the Association and to oversee its work. However, the NPFA is also linked to many bodies and membership of the organisation includes local authorities, individuals, playing field associations, schools and sports clubs. In 1972, NPFA supported the Bishop of Stepney, Trevor Huddleston, after his letter to The Times (31 July) denouncing the lack of play provision which had led to the deaths by drowning of 2 boys who lived in his diocese. This gave the impetus to the Fair Play for Children campaign.
NPFA has set standards for playground provision in the UK through The 6 Acre Standard which is widely used by local authorities as a basis, for erxample when stipulating play area provision for new housing development, and in local play policies.
The Duke of Edinburgh has been a generous and enthusiastic President since 1947; the Queen became Patron in 1952.
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