The existing sand pit already featured natural balancing boulders and was positioned within a wider play area primarily aimed at children aged 5+. However, it lacked engaging, age-appropriate play opportunities for younger users and offered limited accessibility for wheelchair users and buggies.
The key objectives were to:
- Introduce inclusive, wheelchair-accessible play
- Retain and enhance the existing sand play footprint
- Complement the natural character of the park setting
- Increase play value for a broader age range
The Solution
eibe Play designed and installed a bespoke, accessible sand play environment centred around the Scarfell Pike sand play unit, carefully integrated within the existing sand pit.
A DDA-compliant access ramp now provides seamless entry into the heart of the play space, allowing wheelchair users and carers with buggies to move easily onto the main deck. This creates a genuinely inclusive experience where all children can play side-by-side, rather than from the sidelines.
The play unit itself offers a rich variety of tactile and sensory activities, including:
- Sand play features such as bucket lifts, chains, sieves, and chutes
- A low-level slide, ideal for younger children
- Interactive panels, including Tic Tac Toe and Rock, Paper, Scissors, encouraging social and cooperative play
- Musical chimes, adding an auditory play element accessible to all abilities
The design maintains strong visual and physical connections across the structure, with open timber elements and low-level platforms ensuring visibility, accessibility, and ease of supervision.
Enhancing the Natural Play Experience
The existing balancing boulders were retained and repositioned within the sand pit, adding a valuable element of natural, informal play. This combination of structured equipment and natural features encourages imaginative play, physical development, and exploration.
The use of timber construction and earthy tones ensures the equipment sits comfortably within the park’s landscape, complementing surrounding trees, open green spaces, and heritage features.
The Result
The completed play space is a fully inclusive, multi-play sand environment that caters to a wide range of ages and abilities. It successfully bridges the gap between toddler play and more challenging equipment elsewhere in the park.
Since opening in February 2026, the installation has been extremely well received by both the local community and Wychavon District Council. The space is now visibly well-used, with children and families engaging together across all elements of the play area.
Key Outcomes
- Fully wheelchair-accessible sand play environment
- Increased play value for younger children (2–5 years)
- Improved social and inclusive play opportunities
- Successful integration with existing natural features
- Positive feedback from client and park users
The success of the Abbey Park project has contributed to ongoing discussions around future upgrades across the wider play area, reinforcing the value of inclusive, thoughtfully designed play spaces.
