The two organisations have a strong track record of collaboration, having previously worked together on projects including Gull Island, Larkfield Play Area and West Durrington. In mid-2025, eibe Play was invited to submit a design and installation proposal for the much-needed transformation of Homefield Park Play Area.
Following a period of public consultation led by the council — during which residents were invited to vote for their preferred design — eibe Play’s proposal was selected and awarded the contract.
A Playground in Need of Renewal
The existing play space consisted largely of ageing metal equipment installed on wet pour surfacing. Much of the equipment had reached the end of its working life, with some items already removed from use. Despite its prime location on a busy playing field in the heart of Worthing — close to a primary school and several nurseries — the area had become uninspiring and offered limited play value for local children.
The brief was clear: create an engaging, visually appealing, low-maintenance play space with inclusive access and equipment that would challenge and excite children across a wide age range.
Designed for Play, Built for Everyone
Specialising in inclusive and durable play environments, eibe Play developed a design catering for children aged 2 to 14 years old. The focus was on delivering a broad range of play experiences — encouraging swinging, climbing, bouncing, balancing and imaginative play — while ensuring accessibility throughout.
At the heart of the new playground stands the impressive Inclusive Accessible Island from eibe’s Steelox range, chosen for its contemporary yet natural aesthetic. This multi-play unit offers a wealth of activities, including climbing nets, slides, play panels and opportunities for jumping and role play. An accessible ramp provides easy entry to elevated platforms, ensuring children of all abilities — including wheelchair users and those with prams — can access key features.
Surrounding the central structure is a carefully selected mix of additional play equipment, including spring rockers, an action climbing unit, an in-ground trampoline and interactive play panels. The new swing combination features a toddler seat, an inclusive seat and the ever-popular nest swing, alongside the dynamic Snake Swing, creating varied and exciting movement-based play opportunities.
Inclusivity was embedded throughout the design process, ensuring that children of differing ages and abilities can play side by side.
Built to Last
To complement the equipment, eibe Play installed high-quality wet pour safer surfacing across the site. This all-accessible surface provides year-round usability, improved safety and easy maintenance — ensuring the playground remains welcoming and practical for families in all seasons.
A Community Celebration
The refurbished Homefield Park Play Area officially opened on a crisp winter’s day in January, just in time for the weekend. Despite the cold, local children eagerly gathered to explore the new equipment, marking the beginning of a new chapter for this well-loved community space.
The transformation has already received overwhelmingly positive feedback from residents, with the play area once again becoming a lively hub within the park.
Through continued partnership working, Adur & Worthing Council and eibe Play have delivered a high-quality, inclusive play environment that will serve Worthing families for many years to come.