Situated close to housing estates, schools, and local amenities, the site had the potential to become a vibrant destination for children and families. However, the existing play space had become outdated, uninviting, and inaccessible for much of the year due to the area’s extremely high water table. With ageing equipment offering limited play value, the space was rarely used by local children and families.
Lindford Parish Council had a clear vision: to create a unique and inclusive play space that could be enjoyed by all ages and abilities, remain accessible year-round, and offer a play experience unlike any other in Hampshire.
For eibe Play, this was an exciting opportunity.
Following an initial on-site consultation with eibe Play’s Consultant Stuart Evans, the team began developing a design to transform the space into a destination the community could truly be proud of. Located in the centre of a busy playing field popular with dog walkers and local residents, the challenge was to create a play area that would encourage families and children to actively use the site once again.
The new play area was carefully designed to support children aged 2–14 years, with a strong focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and developmental play. Every element was selected to ensure children of all abilities could play together, including accessible equipment for wheelchair users and quieter areas designed for social interaction and relaxation.
Maximising play value within the available space was essential. eibe Play’s aim was to create an engaging environment that children could enjoy throughout their childhood — a space full of opportunities for exploration, challenge, and imaginative play.
To overcome the site’s drainage challenges, a high-quality artificial safety surface was installed throughout the play area. The natural-look wet pour surfacing provides a durable, low-maintenance solution while ensuring year-round accessibility for wheelchair users, prams, and families, even during wetter months.
The play equipment selected combines products from eibe Play’s innovative steel and pine ranges, all designed for long-term durability and low maintenance. The overall play area footprint was also expanded, allowing for even more exciting and challenging play opportunities.
At the centre of the new space stands the impressive Castle Play Unit. Designed for children aged 5–12 years, this striking multi-play structure encourages climbing, balance, coordination, and social interaction through a variety of challenging access points and play features. With climbing ladders, crossing nets, interactive play panels, and exciting slides from the tower, the unit offers endless opportunities for adventure and development.
One of the most unique additions to the play area is the innovative Jump Contest unit. Combining elements of parkour and obstacle-course play, this exciting feature offers older children a challenging, dynamic physical activity. Supporting the council’s ambition to create something truly distinctive, the Jump Contest is set to become one of the first installations of its kind in Hampshire.
Following a successful consultation process, eibe Play was officially awarded the project in December 2025. Manufacturing soon commenced, with on-site installation beginning in February 2026. The transformed play area is scheduled to open to the public in April 2026 — just in time for families to enjoy the space throughout the spring and summer months.
eibe Play is extremely proud to have worked alongside Lindford Parish Council to deliver this fantastic new community play space and looks forward to supporting the council for many years to come.
