The brief required a theme resonant with the natural environment of Kingsgate Park, targeting inclusivity for all ages up to mid-teens. Our Play Consultant, Iain Etridge, collaborated extensively with the eibe design team, the council, and engaged with local residents and disability groups to craft a unique play area from Robinia hardwood. This area features a colourful, themed, wet pour safety surface. The centrepiece of the playground is our newly designed, inclusive Mallard Duck play unit, a nod to the ducks inhabiting the park’s lake. It includes accessible ramps, enabling wheelchair access to many areas of the unit and various accessible play panels. Adopting a thematic approach mirrored a coherent journey through the playground, promoting sequential movement and various physical exercises while fostering imagination.
Opting for timber as the primary construction material resonated with the natural elements of the environment, ensuring tactile and eco-friendly features, with 95% of the safety surfacing crafted from recycled rubber. Our design leveraged colourful motifs within the safety surfaces, bringing vibrancy to the play area and appealing to various age groups. A nature-themed toddler zone reflects local flora and provides educational opportunities through nature play panels and embedded nature themes in the safety surfacing.
To design inclusively, we worked closely with local disability groups to incorporate a wheelchair-accessible seesaw, an inclusive carousel, a nest swing, an accessible sand play unit, inclusive swing seats, and a quiet area for autistic children. Additional features included a selection of retained spinners, swing units, and a hydra snake swing.
Following its public unveiling in December 2023 and the addition of several new play equipment pieces in April 2024 situated at the rear of the main play area, the response from the Town Council and local residents has been overwhelmingly positive. The play area is set to be a cherished destination for many generations to come.