City bankers rebuild north London playground 

Fifty bankers swapped digits for drills to transform a children’s playground and ‘give back to their community’. 

As part of their commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, over two days, the Bank ABC employees – 25 each day – made much-needed improvements to the Toffee Park Adventure Playground in Islington. 

The site is one of five adventure playgrounds managed by Islington Play Association, for Islington Council. 

The revamp has been made possible by international community development company, Splash Projects, which facilitated the original build of the playground with Bank ABC. 

The teams created a shelter and a food prep area for fire pit, a decked walkway and made improvements to the zip line and climbing area.   

A planning exercise the evening before at the bank’s office in The City involved Splash Projects’ facilitators handing over the plans to the bankers for them to take the lead in the build the following day.  

The project was made possible by ABC Bank’s sponsorship plus some of the charity’s HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) funding. 

Annie Cook, Playground Coordinator, said:

“As one of Islington’s much loved adventure playgrounds, it is important that Toffee Park continues to be a space where children feel comfortable to play, explore, take risks and be themselves. 

“Our zipwire, slide and main play structure have been out of action for the past eight months and have been greatly missed by the children.  

“The improved playground will provide more opportunities for fun, excitement and challenge – we know this helps children feel confident and builds their resilience – but will also provide new spaces for children to relax in and use their imagination and be creative in.  

“An amazing new addition will be a new outdoor food preparation that will allow children to cook on the fire, whatever the weather.”  

Rajeev Adrian, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Bank ABC – ABC International Bank Plc, added:

“Working collaboratively, with passion, enthusiasm, and unwavering focus over two days to produce something that will enrich the lives of children, and at the same time contribute to the betterment of society, is something that makes Bank ABC very proud.

“Working with Splash Projects for the second year running makes this even more special as their expertise to help us translate vision into reality is second to none.” 

  Photos by Luke Patrick Dixon Photography