The first stage in the design process for this project was to identify which equipment would be included. We chose from our unique ecorino pine range on steel feet, offering a natural look and durability. We selected a mixture of equipment that provides quality play experiences to children of all abilities. This means offering physical, sensory and social play value to us with our equipment and overall design. The elements within the new playground allow children to play in many different ways, exploring their ideas and actions and interacting with the environment around them. Inclusive play equipment within the play area includes the basket swing and stand-up seesaw. Wheelchair-accessible elements include nature-themed play totems, sound chimes and wheelchair-accessible picnic benches. In addition to this, the playground has a double cradle seat swing, a toddler multi-play unit, a nature-themed spring rocker, a spinning carousel, junior flat seat swings, and a feature junior multiplay unit. Our chosen central feature unit gives the play area the wow factor with its multiplatform layout and irregular roof structures. The unit offers a combination of challenging ascents at different difficulty levels for children to overcome, plus a crawl tunnel, grp slide and feature metal climbing web. Since the playground opened, children have enjoyed using the equipment to balance, climb, crawl, jump, rotate, rock, slide, spin, and swing.
The area is rich in wildlife; to celebrate that, our design centres on nature. The new playground has a nature-themed surfacing layout, educational nature totems, a duck spring rocker, and a general natural theming and colour palate to the equipment. You will notice the flowers and leaves in the rubber safety surfacing!
After the council went through a consultation stage with the local community, eibe Play was privileged to be awarded the play area refurbishment contract. They quickly engaged with the council to refine the play equipment chosen, and after a couple of minor amendments, the manufacturing of the equipment commenced.
The play area was opened in early June, just in time for the local school summer holidays, with the local children eagerly anticipating its opening. eibe play looks forward to supporting the community for years to come and has been overjoyed with the positive feedback it has received.