Acorn Dell - a natural play area at Hever Castle

This new outdoor play space in the grounds of Hever Castle in Kent,
(the former home of Anne Boleyn), is designed by FRLA.

Aimed at children under the age of seven, the design allows them to freely explore and use their imagination through features including:

• a 2m high living willow structure.
  
  
• a giant sandpit.
  
  
• a mound with three tunnels to clamber in and a climbing frame.
  
  
• Located in the trees are two lookout platforms linked by a clatter bridge and with a slide for making a quick escape.

The natural theme of Acorn Dell play area is reflected in the grasses, ferns and lavender which will surround the site.

It aims to blend in with the Tudor Towers adventure playground, which opened last summer for seven to 14 years olds - the built in seating area for parents is made up of curved oak benches topped with castellations.

It also complements the current facility for the under fives with its swings, slide and climbing frame.

Parents and carers will also be catered for with a new refreshment area featuring a crenellated kiosk made from a former shipping container.

Exploring the ages at Rufford Abbey

A new £350,000 adventure playground has opened at Rufford Abbey Country Park in Nottinghamshire.

Funded and developed by Nottinghamshire County Council, which owns the park, and Parkwood Outdoors, which has operated the site since February 2017. It occupies approximately 3,000sq m.

It has been designed for children aged three and above. The revamped play space explores the ages, from the Tudors through to Shakespeare, incorporating historical details associated with past kings, queens and other important figures.

These include:

• an Edward VI inspired oversized throne, which has been designed following research into the boy king.
  
  
• a ship-themed climbing frame reflecting the age of pirates and seafaring which took place under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
  
  
• the pathway leads to the Globe amphitheatre that lies opposite a family refreshment area.
  
  
• Tunnels and netting, inspired by the priest holes of King Henry VIII’s reign, surround a large climbing rock that offers views of Rufford Abbey and the entire play area.

One of biggest playgrounds opens in Southern Scotland

HAGS were invited by the Scottish Borders Council to tender for part of the various proposed play park upgrades they have planned throughout the county, the first being Gala Park in Galashiels.

Located on the former Public Park play area, the £290,000 facility is one of the largest in the south of Scotland. It includes areas for children up to six years of age and for older children and has play equipment not available elsewhere in Scotland.

A challenging and exciting environment for all to enjoy, inspiration for the winning design was taken from the town’s coat of arms, the Iron Age hill fort, Buckholm Tower dating back to 1582, and the arrival of the railway in 1849. As such, the new play area reflects the town’s position within the Scottish borders. 

The play space has two play zones. The junior area boasts the specially designed Galashiels tower unit, alongside equipment such as the Viper, Titan and DNA. The toddlers area features a fully accessible train climbing unit with a train track running through the site.

Galashiels play park was jointly funded by Scottish Borders Council play parks budget, Galashiels Pay and Display car parking fund surpluses and a £10,000 grant from Tesco’s Bags of Help scheme.
 

Seaside theme refreshes tired Ipswich playground

Borne Park is one of the largest open spaces in Ipswich, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The main attraction for families was the paddling pool, which had become tired and in need of updating.
Ipswich Borough Council challenged Sutcliffe Play to transform the play area and paddling pool into an accessible destination playground in eight weeks. 

Three colourful multi-play units form the focal point of the new £250,000 playground.
Each feature inclusive elements to ensure children of all abilities can play together.
A seaside themed design brings the playground’s popular paddling pool to life:

• Seaside & Sandcastle features a different theme on each side. Entry to the seascape is through a giant lifebuoy set in the middle of the ocean, emerging on to the beach at the other side. With a beach hut in traditional red and white stripes, binoculars, bucket and spade graphics, swimming fish and a spinning starfish, which glide along an undulating slot to add moving tactile elements, the unit provides endless play opportunities to inspire children’s imaginations.
  
  
• The Castle sets the scene for imaginative play opportunities. With lots of activities there are many ways to get to the top of the unit to reach the wide slide. Shuffle decks enable movement around the unit, with suspension bridges and a tunnel adding to the challenge.
  
  
• The Boat Climber has a subtle boat theme with a number of ‘sailing’ activities that encourages imaginative play and allows children to develop their co-operation and social interaction skills. The playground also features springies, a roundabout and three sets of swings which include two inclusive options. Colourful wetpour graphics engage children in a trail around the playground, complemented by 3D graphics.