Growing public awareness of physical activity means that investment in playgrounds and outdoor gyms is now among the most popular recreational projects in municipalities and estates. The good news is that in 2026 there is funding available.
Growing public awareness of the importance of physical activity means that investments in playgrounds and outdoor gyms are today among the most eagerly delivered recreational projects in municipalities and housing estates. The good news is that in 2026 several stable sources of funding for such undertakings will be available – both at national and at regional level. Although the rules of the individual programmes differ, one thing they have in common is a genuine opportunity to relieve the investor’s budget and to deliver, more quickly, infrastructure that serves entire communities.
Key sources of funding in 2026
The government programme “Active Playgrounds 2026” is certain to be the most popular; it supports the modernisation and construction of playgrounds at nurseries and children’s clubs. Funding can reach as much as around PLN 300,000 per institution, and the money may be spent on entirely new playgrounds, the expansion of existing ones or additional equipment. A further advantage is that the programme often does not require any own contribution, which is an enormous help for many municipalities. The second major pillar of funding consists of instruments provided by the Ministry of Sport and Tourism, based on the Physical Culture Development Fund (FRKF). This is where projects concerning the construction or modernisation of sports and recreational infrastructure are directed – including outdoor gyms, activity parks or larger playgrounds. The level of support is usually around 30% of the value of the investment, although the details depend on the particular edition of the programme. The third group comprises regional programmes run by the marshal’s offices. In the Mazovia region, for example, the “Mazovia for Sport” programme operates, which can co-fund an investment with as much as around PLN 350,000, with a level of support reaching up to 75% of eligible costs. Similar initiatives run in other regions, often covering outdoor gyms, skate parks, small sports architecture or the modernisation of existing spaces.
Who can apply for funding?
Eligibility depends on the programme, but in general a wide range of entities can count on support in 2026:
- Municipalities and bodies running nurseries or children’s clubs that wish to build or add to a playground – these are the main beneficiaries of “Active Playgrounds”.
- Local-government units and bodies responsible for sports infrastructure – they can apply under the Ministry of Sport and Tourism and FRKF programmes.
- Regional institutions, such as local authorities, sports centres or physical-culture bodies – they can make use of the marshal’s competitions available in a given region.
In practice this means that both small rural municipalities and the managers of large urban recreational areas have a real chance of securing funds in 2026.
What can the funding be used for?
The scope of support covers most investments connected with outdoor activity. The programmes include, among other things:
- the construction and equipping of playgrounds at nurseries and children’s clubs,
- the construction of outdoor gyms, street-workout zones and fitness sets,
- the modernisation and refurbishment of existing recreational and sports infrastructure,
- projects of particular significance for sport, identified in the Ministry of Sport and Tourism programmes.
In the case of regional programmes the scope depends on the regulations, but it usually covers both investments in new equipment and the modernisation of recreational areas.
How to prepare for an investment in 2026?
Although each programme has its own rules and applications take place within set deadlines, it is worth doing the following even now:
- keeping track of announcements from the ministries and marshal’s offices,
- planning investments well in advance,
- consulting preliminary designs with infrastructure manufacturers, such as STARMAX,
- checking the availability of equipment compliant with safety standards,
- considering the functionality of the playground or gym in the context of the local community.
This is a good moment to think about which equipment – from swings and climbing sets to outdoor gyms – will best meet residents’ needs.
2026 – a year full of opportunities
Funding for playgrounds and outdoor gyms will be widely available in 2026, and the range of programmes makes it possible to match the source of funding to the type of investment and to the budget. Whether it is a new playground at a nursery, the modernisation of an existing recreational area or the construction of an outdoor gym, local authorities and investors can count on significant financial support. Well-designed infrastructure – safe, durable and accessible to all – is one of the best investments in the development of local communities. And thanks to the programmes available in 2026, delivering it can be far easier, faster and more favourable for the budget.