The play experience, entwined with horticultural wonderment, was paramount to the ultimate success of this project. Great consideration was given to access, both physical and visual, safety, comfort and legibility to ensure a rich play experience was available to all visitors of all abilities and ages and future connectivity to the area to be redeveloped as Stage 2. This was achieved through equitable access to most of the play areas and play equipment, strategic rest points for parents (which also afforded casual surveillance), and a series of ‘loops’ to create a highly connected and journey-oriented play space.
The playground has evolved greatly since its opening, with foliage now enveloping the secret garden paths and rope bridges, framing slides and ever so quickly ‘breaking’ the edges of materials to give the appearance that it has always been a part of the parkland. As a result, the playground offers the unique opportunity for children to interact directly with nature.
The playground experience is designed to deliver a rich sensory experience through diversity of planting and materials along with the integration of existing mature trees. It also provides a testing ground for the children of all ages and abilities to challenge their physical ability to circumnavigate the variety of journeys within the playground.
The playground design and relationship to the surrounding parkland areas has facilitated the growth of a new community hub that affords family and broader social interaction.