Charnwood Borough Council had secured money from its capital
programme, section 106 planning agreements and the Big Lottery Fund
that totalled £513,000 to invest in 4 key play areas in the
area. This included refurbishment of existing facilities at 3 sites
by Christmas 2007: Cumberland Road, Jubilee Park and Rendell
Street.
A budget would be allocated to each site with the intention of
providing a challenging area for children aged between 2 -16
years.
Cllr Hillary Fryer, cabinet member for planning and development and member champion of play commented that: “All developments will be focused on delivering outcomes that will make a real difference to the lives of Charnwood’s children & young people”. To aid with the design process, the landscape architect firm Bellinger Design were bought in to manage the project. It was decided by Bellinger and Charnwood that the equipment provided needed to have a distinctive feel with a range of play activities available, so that it offered a new experience to the local and wider communities.
Following a public consultation with local school children, the
most popular equipment chosen was that of Nottingham based company
Proludic Ltd. Proludic are well known for their challenging and
exciting play equipment and were able to offer their new versatile
and distinctive Biibox multiplay product range. Bellinger
Design were also impressed with Proludic after attending one of
their popular educational seminar dates where they learned about
the benefits of the new Biibox range alongside other issues such as
Providing for the Youth of Today.
Durable metal equipment was favoured by Charnwood Borough Council
and Bellinger Design as it would better stand up to any vandalism
issues. The Proludic metal Biibox range fitted this brief perfectly
and provided the style and challenge that makes it truly
distinctive. This range is varied in that it is a modular
unit with the option four different types of finish, providing
several distinct styles that can compliment any environment,
whether it is rural or natural.
A play area and a separate teen area were required for Jubilee
Park. For younger children the Astrolab multiplay unit, Twiny
Springer and Speedgyro Roundabout brought together a learning
circuit that encourages awareness and motor skills. The bright
colours used on the Astrolab unit and the themed element of the car
in the Twiny Springer also helps young children to explore and
develop their imagination.
For juniors, the Biibox multiplay with an aerial cableway and turbo
slide allows for dynamic and adventurous play.
Also included is a Pod Swing, which is a great inclusive piece of
equipment enabling a child to be cradled and supported by their
carer or guardian.
The teen area included a Rodeo Board and a Roll-up. The Rodeo Board
is taken from The Proludic Sports range and seeks to replicate the
exhilarating sensations you would receive from wind surfing.
Suitable for 2 users, it allows friends to meet, challenge and try
to master the technique.
Cumberland Road features both a play area and a MUGA. The play
area features a Double Gyro, which allows 2 users to master the
technique of spinning at speed. Also included are 2 more Biibox
units with the tube style finish, which gives it a modern and
contemporary look.
The MUGA, which is suitable for both girls and boys comprises of a
single goal end and lean back seating.
Installed onto wetpour safety surfacing, Rendell play area is
both compact yet full of exciting play activities. It comprises of
a Helicopter Springer for young children, Cradle Swings, Rotatwin,
Astrolab multiplay unit, anti wrap flat seat swings, a Speedgyro
roundabout and a Biibox multiplay unit.
The Rotatwin is a challenging item of equipment that provides
movement up and down and through 360º, either accelerating
rapidly or slowly. For a rotating item it also has the added
benefit of having a reduced surfacing area, which is perfect for
smaller schemes.
The 3 sites were installed for the public to use in December 2007, with the official opening in January 2008. The feedback from children using the areas has been very positive. Heather Sparkes, the designer for Bellinger commented: “We are very pleased with the finished product of the playground. I love the way the equipment looks and the children have responded very enthusiastically during both the public consultation and the completion of the play areas”.
Children from Rendell School shared their views at the recent opening event: “It’s great, a lot better than the old equipment, thank you!” “We love it, and will enjoy our playtime even more.”
Learn more about Proludic www.proludic.com
The Association of Play Industries Federation House Stoneleigh
Park Warwickshire CV8 2RF
T +44(0) 24 76 414999 ext 208
F +44(0) 24 76 414990
E api@api-play.org
Association of Play Industries (API) : Federation House : Stoneleigh
Park : Warwickshire : CV8 2RF
T +44(0) 24 76 414999 ext 208 : F +44(0) 24 76 414990
: E api@api-play.org W
www.api-play.org
